—unless the speaker expressly states that the report has not reached us through any sound chain, or that it is a weak ḥadīth, clarifying the cause of its weakness. If he leaves the matter unqualified, we shall discuss that shortly.

If you wish to cite a weak report without its isnād, do not say, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said …,” or employ any other wording that conveys certainty. Instead say: “It has been narrated that …,” “We have been informed that …,” “It has come down that …,” “It is reported that …,” “It has been conveyed that …,” and the like; the same applies to any report whose authenticity is in doubt.

According to the ḥadīth scholars and others, it is permissible to show leniency with the asānīd, to transmit any weak material that is not mawdūʿ (fabricated), and even to act upon it without labeling it weak, provided the subject does not pertain to the attributes of Allah or to legal rulings such as what is lawful and unlawful. This concession covers narratives, merits of deeds, exhortations, and the like—anything that is unrelated to creed or jurisprudential rulings. Allah knows best.