Shaykh Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i was asked:

Question:

“What is your opinion of the book ‘The Lives of the Companions’ by Kandhlawi?”

Answer:

“The book ‘The Lives of the Companions’ has in it Ahaaadith that are authentic, Ahaadith that are weak, Ahaadith which are fabricated, and false stories. So it is not necessary to rely upon it. However, we advise (you) to read ‘The Merits of the Companions’ by Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (may Allah have mercy upon him). Likewise the book ‘al-Isaabah’ of Hafidh Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy upon him), and ‘al-Istee’aab’ of Ibn Abdul Barr (may Allah have mercy upon him). Although it was said that Ibn Abdul-Barr sometimes mentions in his book, and his book is valuable, some affairs which mention the faults of some Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all)”. End translation. [Reference]

Translated by

Faisal bin Abdul Qaadir bin Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan