Usul Hadith is a science that relates to the study of hadith. It considers whether the chain and text of a single narration is authentic or not. This allows the scholars to only derive rulings and establish Aqaa’id based on rigorously authenticated hadith only. One of the earliest known scholars who discussed the principle of…Continue reading A Brief History of Usul Hadith
Tag: hadith
A Brief History of Hadith Narrations
Some people believe hadith were collected 300 years after the Prophet’s death ﷺ. Men like Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim tried to work out which ones were authentic and which were not. Therefor questioning the overall authenticity of hadith narrations. This is far from the truth. Hadith collection existed during the era of the lifetime…Continue reading A Brief History of Hadith Narrations
The Ranks of Hadith Collections
The scholars generally give the following ranks to the hadith collections. Highest Rank Second Level Third Level Fourth Level
Types of Hadith Collection
The types of books of al-Aḥādīth The types of al-Aḥādīth based on the way in which the books are structured are as follows; al-Jāmi’, al-Sunan, al-Musnad, al-Mu’jam, al-Juz, al-Mufrad, al-Gharībah, al-Mustadrak, al-Mustakhraj, al-Risālah, al-Arba’īn, al-Amālī, al-Atrāf, al-‘Ilal, al-Majma’, al-Zawāid, al-Musannaf al-Muwatta. al-Jāmi’ This is a type of book of al-Ḥadīth which consists of eight topics; …Continue reading Types of Hadith Collection
Ulum al-Hadith Curriculum
Ulum al-Hadith is a vast ocean of a science. It requires extensive reading and study over many, many years. Here is a suggested curriculum for aspiring students of hadith, consisting of a combination of Arabic and English works. It is based on my own experiences and advice from consulting with scholars, as well as the wonderful Multaqa…Continue reading Ulum al-Hadith Curriculum
How to study Hadith
The following works are basic hadith collections For the serious student of usul hadith: Foundations Intermediate Advanced Mastery The following contemporary authors also have beneficial works: Shaykh Abdullah al-Sa’d offered the following advice during one class for students of hadith: Ilm al-riwayah begins with al-Bukhari and Muslim whilst listening to recorded commentaries where possible. Then move onto…Continue reading How to study Hadith
The Golden Chains of Hadith narration
In hadith narration, the Sanad plays an important part when authenticating hadith. Factors like the individuals themselves and the number of people in the chain strengthen or set hadith above one another. There are multiple opinions on which chains are golden, i.e. narrated by immaculately precise, honest and pious people. According to al-Bukhari, the strongest…Continue reading The Golden Chains of Hadith narration
The Classifications of Hadith Summarised
The science of hadith is vast and there are many classifications and rankings of hadith. Here is a summary of the main types of classifications (tabaqat). A hadith is composed of three parts: The Matn is the main text whereas the Isnad is the chain of reporters leading back to the Prophet, and the Taraf is the beginning sentence of…Continue reading The Classifications of Hadith Summarised