Are all Hadiths of Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah sahih (technically) or is it only sahih according to Imam Ibn Khuzaymah and other Muhadithun have reservation on their acceptability?
Are there any da’if Hadiths in Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah?
And what is its rank (overall) in Hadith Books. Is it equal to Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan Nasai, above it or below it?
Answer
Generally, in books that are labelled as ‘sahih’ the authors undertake to quote sahih Hadiths only. This would mean that the Hadiths are sahih according to the author. The other Muhaddithun may concur or differ with the author on a case by case basis.
(Footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah -hafizhahullah- on Tadribur Rawi, vol.2 pg.385)
However, it is important to note that only the views of the highly qualified, legitimate Muhaddithun should be accepted. Many contemporaries dismiss Hadiths based on superficial study of the chains without considering the broader guidelines on Hadith classification. Therefore, not every such objection against the authenticity of Hadiths is acceptable.
With regards to Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Imam Ibn Khuzaymah (rahimahullah) does, intentionally make reference to certain weak narrations in his book, with the purpose of highlighting their weaknesses. These Hadiths will not be classified as ‘sahih’ according to Imam Ibn Khuzaymah (rahimahullah).
(Tadribur Rawi, vol.4 pg.485, and footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah -hafizhahullah- on vol.2 pg.385 & pg.396)
Lastly, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah is ranked higher than the Sunan books you have cited.
(Muqaddimah Kanzul ‘Ummal, vol.1 pg.10 and footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah -hafizhahullah- on vol.2 pg.402)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar