What is the critique of the Hadith concerning 'istisca'' (working for manumission)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Manumission
Primary text
Sulayman ibn Harb questioned and weakened the narration concerning 'istisca'' mentioning that Abu Abdullah (Ahmad ibn Hanbal) stated there is no confirmed narration from the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding 'istisca'', citing that the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah is narrated by Ibn Abi Urwah. Furthermore, Shu'bah and Hisham al-Dastawa'i did not mention it, and Ma'mar narrated it without mentioning 'istisca''. Abu Dawud stated Hammam also omits it. Al-Marrudhi reported that Abu Abdullah considered the narration of Sa'id weak. Ibn al-Mundhir stated the Hadith of 'istisca'' is not authentic, noting that Hammam mentioned the inclusion of 'istisca'' was from the legal opinion (fatwa) of Qatadah, distinguishing it from the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Ibn Abd al-Barr noted the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah revolves around Qatadah, and Shu'bah, Hisham, and Hammam—who are authorities regarding Qatadah—agreed to omit it, making their position authoritative over others.
Supporting text
Regarding Abu Hanifa's position and that of his two disciples (in their later view), they lack any strong or weak Hadith support, relying merely on opinion and arbitrary judgment that contradicts both reported Hadiths. Ibn Abd al-Barr stated that Abu Hanifa and Zufar did not follow the Hadith of Ibn Umar nor the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah as reported, and any opinion contradicting the Sunnah must be rejected.