How far up can an author of a Mustakhraj go with his chain?
Does it have to connect with the original author’s teacher / teacher’s teacher or can it go further back until the Sahabi?
I have read somewhere that if it goes back to the Sahabi then the purpose of Mustakhraj is lost as it will be called a completely different chain.
Answer
It will still be considered Mustakhraj as long as the Sahabi (radiyallahu’anhu) does not change.
One condition of istikhraj is that the chain should meet as quickly as possible with the original one. However, if that is not possible, then wherever they meet its fine.
(Tadribur Rawi, vol. 2 pg. 413)
’Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has clearly stated that if the mustakhrij’s chain only meets by the Sahabi, then too it qualifies.
(Fathul Mughith, vol. 1 pg. 68 and Sharhut Taqrib, pg. 51)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar