For a report coming from a Companion, first ask whether it explicitly transmits the Prophet’s words, deeds, or approval. If not, examine the content and formula: Does it report non-inferable unseen knowledge? Does it use “from the Sunnah” or “we were commanded”? Does it clearly locate the practice in the Prophetic period?
Where the relevant grounds are present, constructive marfūʿ may be warranted. Where the report does not reach beyond the Companion, it remains mawqūf.
Only then assess transmission authenticity by examining chains, narrators, and textual evidence. The authenticity inquiry cannot substitute for identifying the intended level of attribution.