What does it mean when a Hadith has been graded as "weak"

[Optimus Prime]

Asalamualaikum.

I just wised to check my understanding here.

I've been told by a graduate ('Alim) that if you act upon a Hadith that is weak, but the Hadith is regarding virtue (fadhail) then it can be acted upon. However, my counter question is the reward that's promise in the narration is doubtful if the narration is graded weak, and I was told the answer is no because it doesn't matter whether a fadhail narration is authentic or weak then you'll still get the full reward.

Then, I was told by another person (student of knowledge) that's not the case, and can only be true if it's supported by other weak narrations.

Can, someone clarify otherwise why grade such narrations?

I'm asking because I'm only inclined to engage in nawafl salah/fast/zikir that are from authentic narrations or narrations graded as hasan to say the least.

[Suleiman]

There's a difference of opinion on the matter. Here's an article

http://sunnahonline.com/library/beliefs-and-methodology/75-on-daif-weak-hadith-and-passing-rulings-based-on-them

Having read the above, I've heard from many hanafi aalims that there is no problem accepting weak ahadith for virtues.

I personally don't act on weak ahadith.

Another article which is good. This also mentions that scholars have differed over the issue:

http://islamqa.info/en/44877

[Furkan]

This might be interesting:

http://www.livingislam.org/n/vwh_e.html

[Optimus Prime]

My question is pertaining to whether you get the same amount of level of reward for acting upon a weak Hadith as per stated in the narration itself or is there some doubt?

Hanafi scholars generally encourage the reliance on acting upon weak Hadith when it comes to fadhail. They have quoted scholars to confirm it's definitely been approved by some of the classical Ulema. I'm interested in another perspective, so thanks for the links.

Thanks for the link.

[Suleiman]

Tricky question and take my "opinion" with a handful of salt.

I suppose the reward depends on whether Rasoolullah (saw) really said it, thats what it boils down to the end of the day.

So if, hypothetically, he said that reading such and such is going to give you X amount of reward and its a weak hadith, then I don't see why you wouldn't get the reward.

And if Rasoolullah never said it or said something else, then Allah knows best.

[Optimus Prime]

Tricky question and take my "opinion" with a handful of salt.

I suppose the reward depends on whether Rasoolullah (saw) really said it, thats what it boils down to the end of the day.

So if, hypothetically, he said that reading such and such is going to give you X amount of reward and its a weak hadith, then I don't see why you wouldn't get the reward.

And if Rasoolullah never said it or said something else, then Allah knows best.

Then if that is your opinion, akhi then why would you not act upon it? You said you act upon that which, is authentic.

This is precisely my point does the authenticity of a fadhail narration undermine the trustworthiness of the narration otherwise why grade it.

[Suleiman]

I'm not very knowledgeable in Usul-ul-hadith so I won't speculate.

But as I said, this is an area where there is an acceptable scholarly difference of opinion so if you wish to use weak ahadith to encourage certain acts, then go ahead.

But from my limited experience, the weak narrations about virtues of doing certain acts usually appear to be quite extraordinary as compared to the authentic reports.

[Optimus Prime]

I'm not very knowledgeable in Usul-ul-hadith so I won't speculate.

But as I said, this is an area where there is an acceptable scholarly difference of opinion so if you wish to use weak ahadith to encourage certain acts, then go ahead.

But from my limited experience, the weak narrations about virtues of doing certain acts usually appear to be quite extraordinary as compared to the authentic reports.

Agreed.