Abu al-Samh also corroborated Ibn Lahiʿah in Ahmad (4/156), as transmitted by Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr, and in al-Tabarani (818). However, its wording differs from that of the hadith under discussion; for this reason, I included it in al-Daʿifah (1779).

Al-Layth—namely, Ibn Saʿd—also corroborated him in al-Tabarani (815) and Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr; as did Malik ibn al-Khayr al-Ziyadi in al-Tabarani (817). These corroborating reports from these narrators in support of Ibn Lahiʿah confirm that he preserved this hadith. All praise is due to Allah.

(A Point of Benefit): Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr gave this hadith the heading: “Chapter on one who interprets or reflects upon the Quran while being ignorant of the sunnah.” He then stated beneath it: “All the people of innovation have turned away from the Sunnahs and interpreted the Book in a manner other than that explained by the sunnah; thus they went astray and led others astray. We seek refuge in Allah from being forsaken, and ask Him for success and protection.”

I say: Part of their misguidance is their deliberate disregard of Allah’s statement in His Book, addressing His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: “And We have sent down to you the Reminder so that you may make clear to the people what has been sent down to them.”

Al-Suyuti then attributed this hadith in al-Jamiʿ al-Kabir to Ahmad, al-Bayhaqi, and Abu Nasr al-Sijzi in al-Ibanah, on the authority of ʿUqbah ibn ʿAmir. He did not include it in al-Jamiʿ al-Saghir.

(Note): Some have made errors concerning this hadith which must be clarified. Al-Haythami declared it weak in Majmaʿ al-Zawaʾid (8/104–105), saying: “Ahmad narrated it, and its chain includes Ibn Lahiʿah, who is somewhat weak; the remainder of its narrators are trustworthy.”