The seventh reason: a scholar may rely on a weak hadith or employ an unsound argument

This occurs very frequently. One example—meaning an example of adducing a weak hadith as evidence—is the view held by some scholars that the Prayer of Glorification is recommended. It consists of a person praying two units, reciting the Opening Surah in each, and uttering the formula of glorification fifteen times, doing likewise while bowing and prostrating, and so on through the remainder of its description, the precise details of which I have not retained because I do not believe it to be prescribed in Islamic law.

Others regard the Prayer of Glorification as a reprehensible innovation and hold that the hadith concerning it is not authentic. Among those who held this view was Imam Ahmad—may Allah have mercy on him—who said, “It is not authentically established from the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace.” Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah have mercy on him—said that its hadith is a fabrication attributed to the Messenger of Allah. In fact, anyone who reflects upon it will find in it