To err on the side of caution, are there phrases that can be used in lieu of a verbatim report of hadith when trying to reassure, remind or correct someone? For example, can one say "there is a hadith that says you shouldn't do this...,or you should do that ..., or you can't do this....or you can do that?" Is this permissible or prohibited?

Alima Muhsina: Is it correct to conclude that it is more important to report hadith accurately than to know it or are they equally important?

Reporting a hadith is a heavy responsibility. Integrity and accuracy is incumbent upon us when relaying hadith to avoid incurring sin and perpetuating misinformation.

Narrated Abu Huraira(May Allah be pleased with him) :

I said: "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Who will be the luckiest person, who will gain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: O Abu Huraira! "I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your longing for the (learning of) Hadiths. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah."

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 3, Hadith 98 www.Sunnah.com)

May Allah make us one of those closest to Him. Ameen