The Third Route: Al-Hafiz Ibn Asakir recorded it in his History of Damascus (19/155), through al-Haytham ibn Kulayb al-Shashi: “Isa ibn Ahmad al-Asqalani narrated to us; Bishr ibn Bakr narrated it to us in a lengthy version, more complete than Duhaym’s narration.” It is hardly necessary to add that it contains the wording “musical instruments.”

What I have said concerning the man’s stance toward al-Isma'ili’s narration—his ignoring it, and indeed his denying what it contains—may likewise be said of his stance toward this narration: namely, that he knew of it yet concealed it, as I indicated above.

Yes, it may be said that perhaps he was unable to consult it, since it is found in an unpublished source.

I say: This is possible, although I consider it unlikely. Even if we grant this possibility, it still does not permit him to deny something of which he has no knowledge.

This discussion of the correction has become far longer than I had intended or imagined, and it has taken up a great deal of my time. That is owing to the ill effect of such people, who presume scholarly maturity before they have matured—especially this man, who has distinguished himself among them by declaring authentic hadiths weak, impugning their narrators, and fabricating hidden defects for them, all while opposing the leading authorities and masters of hadith, showing them no regard for either kinship or covenant. Yet I recall Allah’s words: “Perhaps you dislike something while it is good for you,” seeking thereby the reward from Allah.

Perhaps it will be beneficial to summarize for the esteemed readers the errors into which he has fallen, as a reminder to him and a lesson for everyone who wishes to take heed:

1. In declaring this authentic hadith weak, he has opposed more than ten of the foremost masters of