An Analysis of Narrators Described as “Kāna Yuʿaddu min al-Abdāl” in al-Dhahabī’s Mīzān al-Iʿtidāl (An Inductive-Comparative Study)

Abstract

This research investigates the scholarly standing of narrators described as "Kāna Yu'addu min al-Abdāl" (He was considered one of the Abdāl) in the book Mīzān al-I'tidāl. The study employs a qualitative approach based on library research, utilizing primary and supporting sources analyzed through a descriptive-analytical method. The theoretical framework is grounded in the principles of Jarḥ wa Ta'dīl (the science of critic and praising narrators), with conclusions drawn through deductive reasoning. The findings reveal that this phrase primarily denotes the spiritual and moral praise of a narrator, such as piety, righteousness, and uprightness, but does not necessarily indicate perfection in Ḍabṭ (accuracy and precision), which is an essential condition, alongside 'Adālah (integrity), for accepting a narration. Among the narrators examined, Ḥammād ibn Salamah ibn Dīnār al-Baṣrī is unanimously regarded by scholars as trustworthy (Thiqah) and an Imam in specific narrations, particularly those from Thābit al-Bunānī. His description as "being considered one of the Abdāl" signifies his piety and righteousness, despite minor concerns regarding his Ḍabṭ due to the loss of some of his books and occasional errors in compiling chains of narration (Asānīd). However, this did not compromise his fundamental trustworthiness, and his narrations remain acceptable with scrutiny. Conversely, Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad ibn Masrūq (Abū al-'Abbās al-Baghdādī al-Zāhid), renowned for his asceticism (Zuhd) and piety, and also described as "being considered one of the Abdāl," is deemed weak (Ḍa'īf) in narration, as explicitly stated by al-Dāraquṭnī and Ibn al-Jawzī. His narrations are not admissible as proof (Ḥujjah) unless supported by stronger chains. In contrast, 'Abd al-Razzāq ibn 'Umar al-Dimashqī al-'Ābid is evaluated as a trustworthy narrator, praised for his honesty (Ṣidq) and devotion. He received commendation from Abū Ḥātim al-Rāzī and al-Dhahabī, and his narrations are acceptable and can be used as evidence, especially when they align with the narrations of those with superior Ḍabṭ. Finally, al-Wazīr ibn Ṣubayḥ al-Thaqafī (Abū Rūḥ al-Shāmī) received varying assessments: Abū Ḥātim described him as "Ṣāliḥ al-Ḥadīth" (fair in hadith), Abū Nu'aym al-Iṣfahānī praised him as "being considered one of the Abdāl," while 'Uthmān ibn Sa'īd al-Dārimī stated he is "not worth anything" (Laysa bi-Shay'). Ibn Ḥibbān noted the possibility of error. Consequently, his final ruling is Maqbūl (acceptable), meaning his narrations are accepted if corroborated by another chain or consistent with stronger narrations. In conclusion, the phrase "Kāna lā Yu'addu min al-Abdāl" reflects spiritual and moral commendation without implying perfection in Ḍabṭ. Among the four narrators discussed, Ḥammād ibn Salamah and 'Abd al-Razzāq ibn 'Umar al-Dimashqī al-'Ābid possess strong trustworthiness, while Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad ibn Masrūq is weak, and al-Wazīr ibn Ṣubayḥ al-Thaqafī is acceptable subject to scrutiny.