A Research-Based Analysis of Objections on the Narration of Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq
Based on: Fatawa of the Scholars of Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Vol. 1
Regarding the narration from Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq —
"دمقت النبیﷺ فرفع یدیه فی الصلاة" —
Are the objections related to Sufyan al-Thawri’s Tadlīs and ‘Abd al-Razzaq’s Shudhūdh (anomalous narration) valid, particularly as discussed by Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله)?
This question refers to the Hadith of Wa’il ibn Hujr (رضي الله عنه) regarding raising the index finger (رفع السبابة) between the two prostrations. Two objections are generally raised:
✔ Tadlīs is a recognized technical issue in Hadith sciences. If a narrator is known for tadlīs and narrates with ‘an (‘عن) without explicit declaration of hearing (تصریح بالسماع), then such a narration is generally considered weak.
✔ However, in this specific narration:
Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله), in his book Tamām al-Minnah, did mention that ‘Abd al-Razzaq may have erred in this narration. He gave two possible reasons:
✔ According to the principle of “Ziyādat al-Thiqah” (addition by a trustworthy narrator):
"وزيادة راويهما مقبولة ما لم تقع منافية لما هو أوثق"
“An addition by trustworthy narrators is acceptable unless it contradicts something more authentic.”
✔ Based on this principle:
In Tamām al-Minnah, Shaykh al-Albani:
✔ The objection of tadlīs on Sufyan al-Thawri does not apply to this narration and is not supported by major Hadith critics.
✔ The claim of shudhūdh against ‘Abd al-Razzaq is only a probability mentioned by Shaykh al-Albani and not definitive.
✔ According to Hadith methodology, the narration of Wa’il ibn Hujr (رضي الله عنه) is acceptable at the level of ṣaḥīḥ or ḥasan.
✔ Therefore, the narration regarding raising the index finger between the two Sajdahs is valid and acceptable.
Based on: Fatawa of the Scholars of Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Vol. 1
❖ Question
Regarding the narration from Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaq —
"دمقت النبیﷺ فرفع یدیه فی الصلاة" —
Are the objections related to Sufyan al-Thawri’s Tadlīs and ‘Abd al-Razzaq’s Shudhūdh (anomalous narration) valid, particularly as discussed by Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله)?
❖ Summary of the Objections and Their Evaluation
This question refers to the Hadith of Wa’il ibn Hujr (رضي الله عنه) regarding raising the index finger (رفع السبابة) between the two prostrations. Two objections are generally raised:
① Objection: Tadlīs of Sufyan al-Thawri (رحمه الله)
✔ Tadlīs is a recognized technical issue in Hadith sciences. If a narrator is known for tadlīs and narrates with ‘an (‘عن) without explicit declaration of hearing (تصریح بالسماع), then such a narration is generally considered weak.
✔ However, in this specific narration:
- There is no mention of this objection from Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله) or from other major Hadith critics.
- Therefore, this objection is unfounded in this context.
- Sufyan al-Thawri’s Tadlīs is not relevant to this narration in the way it is presented.
② Objection: Shudhūdh (Anomaly) of ‘Abd al-Razzaq (رحمه الله)
Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله), in his book Tamām al-Minnah, did mention that ‘Abd al-Razzaq may have erred in this narration. He gave two possible reasons:
- Despite being a thiqah (trustworthy and strong memorizer), ‘Abd al-Razzaq could occasionally err in narrations.
- In this instance, his narration is opposed by ‘Abdullah ibn al-Waleed, suggesting a contradiction.
Analysis Based on Hadith Principles
✔ According to the principle of “Ziyādat al-Thiqah” (addition by a trustworthy narrator):
"وزيادة راويهما مقبولة ما لم تقع منافية لما هو أوثق"
“An addition by trustworthy narrators is acceptable unless it contradicts something more authentic.”
✔ Based on this principle:
- The addition in the narration by Wa’il ibn Hujr (رضي الله عنه) is acceptable.
- There is no explicit contradiction with more authentic narrations.
- Thus, the narration remains at least at the level of ḥasan (acceptable), if not ṣaḥīḥ.
Position of Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله)
In Tamām al-Minnah, Shaykh al-Albani:
- Discusses the possibility of ‘Abd al-Razzaq erring — not as a definite conclusion.
- Refers to another narration (from Mughīrah ibn Shu‘bah رضي الله عنه) to support the idea of cautious acceptance.
- He does not outright reject the narration but notes the possibility of error — not a decisive rejection.
❖ Conclusion
✔ The objection of tadlīs on Sufyan al-Thawri does not apply to this narration and is not supported by major Hadith critics.
✔ The claim of shudhūdh against ‘Abd al-Razzaq is only a probability mentioned by Shaykh al-Albani and not definitive.
✔ According to Hadith methodology, the narration of Wa’il ibn Hujr (رضي الله عنه) is acceptable at the level of ṣaḥīḥ or ḥasan.
✔ Therefore, the narration regarding raising the index finger between the two Sajdahs is valid and acceptable.
