Regarding the hadiths narrated about the virtues of Ramadan, even if their chains of narration have been criticized by some scholars, I would say the following:
Firstly, it is important to understand that the category of “weak” hadiths is not a single level, and not every weak hadith is completely abandoned or disregarded. Similarly, not every authentic hadith is necessarily implemented as a practical ruling. Some weak hadiths may contain additional information or further explanation or interpretation.
Moreover, it should be noted that a weak hadith, due to reasons other than the narrator being a liar, may be strengthened by the presence of an authentic hadith on the same topic. In such cases, the weak hadith can be considered acceptable (hasan) for supporting evidence by other scholars.
Secondly, if we carefully examine the collection of hadiths regarding the virtues of Ramadan, we find that some of them have supporting evidence and reinforcement. For example, the notion of Ramadan being a month of mercy, forgiveness, and liberation has been mentioned in various narrations.
Thirdly, I have noticed that whenever someone wants to pass judgment on a hadith, they often refer to Sheikh Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him, as if his verdict has become the sole authority. It seems as if there is only one avenue for evaluating a hadith. For example, the hadith that states, “Whoever breaks their fast one day in Ramadan without a valid excuse, Allah will not accept their makeup fasting for the entire lifetime, even if they were to fast it,” has been classified as weak by Imam Bukhari, Ibn Hajar, Ibn Khuzaymah, Al-Qurtubi, Ad-Damiri, Adh-Dhahabi, and others. Ibn Hajar mentioned that there are three reasons for considering this hadith weak: confusion in the chain of narration, lack of knowledge about the narrator’s condition, and the possibility of interruption in the chain.
So, why refer to a specific scholar of hadith if there are the abovementioned others?!!!
Fourthly, the statement “Spread it in defense of the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him” is a significant statement. Thus, it is important to note that not every hadith contains rulings on what is permissible or prohibited, nor do they address matters of legislation or creed. So, where is the danger to the Sunnah in a collection of hadiths that speak about the importance of Ramadan and the virtues of fasting, taking into account that we acknowledge that there may be some weakness in their chains of narration?
Please exercise caution and deliberation in passing rulings.
Fatwa by Dr. Khālid Naṣr