Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) stated that [Imaam] Adh-Dhahabi (rahimahullaah) stated in Meezaan Al-I’tidaal that this biography is found in the book [Su’aalaat Abee Daawud] by [Imaam] Ahmad Bin Hanbal regarding criticism and appraisal of the narrators. He mentioned a group amongst the Makkans, their state of affairs in relation to transmission of reports, criticism and appraisal of the narrators till the third generation.

The people of Makkah are more knowledgeable regarding the Manaasik (rites of Hajj and Umrah) than the people of Koofah. Al-A’mash said, “Habeeb bin Abee Thaabit said to me, ‘The people of the Hijaaz and Makkah are more knowledgeable regarding the rites of Hajj and Umrah!’ So I said, “You are from them and I am from your companions; you do not bring a letter except that you narrate a hadeeth about it”.

A Scholar of Makkah (especially) in subject matter of Hajj and Umrah

Rabee’ah said: Ataa excelled the people of Makkah in issuing verdicts (i.e. in the subject matter of hajj and umrah rites).

It was narrated from Sufyaan Bin Uyaynah, from Abdi Rabbihi Bin Sa’eed who said that Muhammad Bin Ali said: None amongst the people who remained were more knowledgeable than (Ataa) in the subject matter of Hajj.

Abu Zur’ah was asked about Ataa bin Rabaah, so he said: A Makkan and Thiqatun (reliable or trustworthy).

To be continued InShaaAllaah

Next Topic: A scholar of Makkah debated with Bishr Al’ Mareesiy in the presence of Al-Majmoo during the Fitna of (the Mutazilah who said that the) Qur’aan is created

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[Source: Makkah Fee Hayaatil Ilm Wal Ulamaa ‘ by Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool ( may Allaah preserve him ) page 28-29]