Second: In al-Bukhari’s al-Adab al-Mufrad, the man’s question to al-Sha‘bi is worded: “Among us, it is discussed that if a man emancipates the mother of his child …” In my view, this is an error, or else a narration conveyed by meaning, in view of what the slave-girl would later become. I say this because al-Muharibi—whose name was ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad al-Kufi—was alone in using this wording. Although he was trustworthy and among the narrators relied upon by the two Shaykhs, he was criticized regarding his retention. Ibn Sa‘d said: “Trustworthy, but frequently mistaken.” ‘Uthman al-Darimi and ‘Abd al-Rahman said: “He is not that strong.” Al-Saji said: “Truthful, but prone to error.”

Moreover, two trustworthy narrators, Hushaym and Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah, contradicted him, saying: “… if he emancipates his slave-girl.” Sa‘id ibn Mansur transmitted it from both of them, as did Muslim, though he did not give Sufyan’s exact wording; al-Darimi transmitted it from Hushaym. The latter explicitly stated direct transmission in Sa‘id’s narration. Thus, what these two trustworthy narrators agreed upon is more deserving of reliance than al-Muharibi’s report, in addition to the aforementioned criticism of him. His narration is therefore anomalous.

It seems that al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, indicated this in his Sahih. When he cited the hadith in the Book of Knowledge, he did not mention the man’s question at all, despite having transmitted it in al-Adab al-Mufrad with its chain of transmission and wording. It is as though he deliberately did so to indicate the anomalous nature of this wording found in his narration. This is part of the subtlety of his knowledge and critical discernment. Allah knows best.

1154 — “Healing lies in three things: a cupping incision, a drink of honey, and cauterization by fire; but I have forbidden my ummah from cauterization.”

It was recorded by al-Bukhari (1/112 and 113), Ibn Majah (2/352 and 353), Ahmad (1/245 and 246), and al-Tabarani in al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir (3/153/1), through Marwan ibn Shuja‘, from Salim al-Aftas, from Sa‘id ibn Jubayr, from Ibn ‘Abbas, attributed to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The hadith has a supporting narration with the wording: “If there is anything beneficial in any of your remedies …” It has already preceded under no. 245.

1155 — “Quraysh will govern the people, in good times and bad, until the Day of Resurrection.”

It was recorded by al-Tirmidhi (2/36, Bulaq edition), through Habib ibn Zubayr, who said: I heard ‘Abd Allah ibn Abi al-Hudhayl say: Some men of Rabi‘ah were with ‘Amr ibn al-‘As,