Question: Where can I find the ḥadīth about this ummah being illiterate? Is it found in any strong sources, and if so, weren’t there Companions who could read and write in the Prophet’s time (sallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam)? Answer: The ḥadīth I believe you are referring to reads: “We are an unlettered nation (ummah). We do not write nor… Continue reading

Question: What is the status of the ḥaḍīth: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim male and Muslim female”? I have been told that it is fabricated but then I hear it quoted by so many scholars. Please explain. Answer: The ḥadīth in question is normally quoted in two different manners, one without the addition… Continue reading

Question: There is a ḥadīth that divides Ramadan into three periods. Is this ḥadīth authentic? Reply: After a detailed analysis of all the corroboratory chains of the ḥadīth in question, it can be concluded that it is of a weak (ḍaʿīf) nature. The weakness of the narration, however, is not of such severity as to render it baseless. Narrations of this… Continue reading

Question:  I have often heard this hadith that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said that a mountain can move from its place but a man cannot change his habits. Is this really a hadith and is it authentic? Answer: In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving. The narration that you refer to… Continue reading