If a Hadith is found in just one reliable copy of an original manuscript, is it correct to attribute that Hadith to the book in question if it is not found in several other manuscripts of the same book or not?
Please quote the Hadith masters.
Answer
When quoting from a Hadith book, some ‘Ulama were of the opinion that one must rely upon at least 2 reliable manuscripts.
‘Allamah Nawawi (rahimahullah) has written that having just one reliable manuscript of a book is sufficient too. Having more will be better though.
(Muqaddimah ibnus Salah, pg.29 , Tadribur Rawi, vol.1 pg.218 , Fathul Mughith, vol.1 pg.112. Also see Fatawa Hadithiyyah of Ibn Hajar Al-Haytami (rahimahullah, pg.88)
This may be used to answer your query too.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar