Is Jarh wa Ta’deel Dead?

By Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Al Junaid

Translated by:

Akram an-Najdee

Source:

Duroos Yawm Al Jumu’ah, April 26, 2013

Today one of the brothers asked Shaykh ‘Abdul-Qaadir bin Muhammad Al Junaid -hafidhahullah- the following question:

Some people today say that Jarh wa Ta’deel (criticism and praise) is in the graves – this is the statement of Shaykh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan -. How do we reconcile between this statement and the statement of Shaykh Al-Albaanee on Shaykh Rabee’ being the flag-bearer of Jarh wa Ta’deel in this day?

Shaykh ‘Abdul Qaadir Al Junaid answered:

Jarh wa Ta’deel exists in this day. It exists from the time of the Prophet -salallaahu alaihi wa salam- to our times and thereafter. The Prophet -salallaahu alaihi wa salam- said that there will always be a group from his Ummah clearly upon the Truth. How can we say that you do not refute the people of innovations? Of course it exists.

However, the statement (of Shaykh Saaleh al Fawzaan) refers to Jarh (criticism) and Ta’deel (praise) of the narrators of Hadeeth, and this is finished. It is a type of Jarh wa Ta’deel. Criticizing and praising the narrators is a type of Jarh wa Ta’deel.

(Please note that the above is not an exact translation. Shaykh ‘Abdul Qaadir does not permit us to record, so the above is based on what was written from my notes)