The Rule of Leniency (Tasamuh) in Evaluation of Nonobligatory Hadiths

The rule of Leniency (Tasamuh) means not to be strict about weak hadiths (narrations) concerning nonobligatory actions. Because this kind of actions are ubiquitous in almost all branches of jurisprudence, studying this rule is very important. This article studies this rule and its realm. The results of this study show that “man balaq” hadiths, which are mentioned as the most important proof for this rule, neither imply the authenticity of weak hadiths (narrations) concerning nonobligatory actions, nor can they be understood as ‘irshad (referring to intellect), but these hadiths merely prove a graceful reward from Allah for those who acts according to them expecting His rewards. Furthermore, these hadiths -covering both recommended and reprehensible actions (Mustahab and Makrūh) does not include Fatwa, weak hadiths concerning obligation, prohibition and virtues of special people.