Exhortation by Da`if Hadiths

Q 6: There are so many Hadith in the books of Sunnah that have sound meanings and give acceptable interpretation of the Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) yet they are Da‘if (weak). Can these Da‘if Hadith be cited in religious lectures and Khutbahs (sermons)?


A: In Khutbahs, exhortations, and religious lectures, Muslims should only cite Hadith which are authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is what is prescribed by Shari‘ah (Islamic law).We do not need to cite Da‘if Hadith because the Glorious Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) and authentic Hadith are fully sufficient and adequate, all praise be to Allah for that. However, according to most of the Imams (scholars) of Hadith, it is permissible to mention the Da‘if Hadith if Maslahah Shar‘iyyah (Islamically lawful interest) requires it. In such a case the Da‘if Hadith can only be mentioned in Sighat Al-Tamrid (uncertainty mood: using passive voice or other form to imply the Hadith narration is weak) like saying: It has been told or mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him)... Etc.As for the Hadith that scholars state they are Hadith Mawdu‘ (fabricated Hadith), teachers, preaches, and the like are not allowed to cite them except to clarify to people that they are fabricated.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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