- "Determining authenticity of hadith is enormously important in Islam because along with the Quran, the Sunnah of the Islamic prophet—his words, actions, and the silent approval—are considered the explanation of the divine revelation (wahy), and the record of them (i.e. hadith) provides the basis of Islamic law (Sharia)."
The Hadith are collections of the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. They provide guidance on a wide range of topics, including faith, ethics, and social conduct.
Introduction to Hadith: This covers the basic definition of Hadith, its scope, and importance within Islamic studies.
The Sahaba or Companions of Prophet Muhammad: This covers the companions of Prophet Muhammad who played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of Hadith.
The Science of Hadith: This topic discusses the principles of Hadith criticism and the methodology used to authenticate Hadith.
The Types of Hadith: This topic covers the various classifications of Hadith, including Sahih, Hasan, and Da'if.
Hadith Collections: This topic provides an overview of the most well-known Hadith collections, including Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and others.
The Concept of Sunnah: This topic explains the relationship between Hadith and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
The Role of Hadith in Islamic Law: This topic discusses the legal implications of Hadith and how they are used in Islamic jurisprudence.
Hadith and Islamic Spirituality: This topic focuses on the role of Hadith in Islamic spirituality, including how Hadith can be used in personal development and the cultivation of piety.
Hadith and Interfaith Relations: This topic examines the role of Hadith in interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Contemporary Issues in Hadith Studies: This topic covers current debates and controversies surrounding Hadith studies, including issues of authenticity and interpretation.
Hadith Qudsi: These are the Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) narrates words directly from Allah. These Hadiths are not a part of the Qur'an but are considered as divine by Muslims.
Hadith Nabawi: These are the Hadith that are narrated by the Prophet (peace be upon him). They are a source of guidance and are used as a way of understanding Islamic teachings.
Sahih Hadith: These are the most authentic Hadiths, and they have been collected and authenticated by the scholars. Muslims consider these Hadiths as the most reliable source of Islamic teachings.
Hassan Hadith: These are the Hadiths that are considered good but not as reliable as Sahih Hadiths. These Hadiths still have a lot of value and are used for guidance by Muslims.
Da'if Hadith: These are the weak Hadiths that are not considered a reliable source of Islamic teachings. They are not used for guidance by Muslims.
Sunan Hadith: These are the Hadiths that record the actions and sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him). They often provide guidance on how to lead a life as a Muslim.
Muttawatir Hadith: These are the Hadiths that are narrated by a large number of people, and their authenticity is not in question.
Shadh (irregular) Hadith: These are the Hadiths that are reported by a narrator who is different from all other narrators, and scholars consider these Hadiths as weak.
Mashhur Hadith: These are the Hadiths that are commonly known among Muslims, and their authenticity is not in question.
Mu'allaq Hadith: These are the Hadiths that are missing some links in their chain of narration. Hence, their authenticity is in question.
Marfu Hadith: These are the Hadiths that are directly attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and are considered as part of his teachings.
Mauquf Hadith: These are the Hadiths that are attributed to a companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and hence their authenticity is based on the trustworthiness of the companion who narrated them.
Maqtu Hadith: These are incomplete Hadiths that are interrupted in the middle of the text.
Musnad Hadith: These are the Hadiths that are organized based on the Sahabah that narrated them.
- "...the record of the words, actions, and the silent approval of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad."
- "...the record of them (i.e. hadith) provides the basis of Islamic law (Sharia)."
- "...along with the Quran, the Sunnah of the Islamic prophet—his words, actions, and the silent approval—are considered the explanation of the divine revelation (wahy)."
- "hadith give direction on everything from details of religious obligations (such as Ghusl or Wudu, ablutions for salat prayer), to the correct forms of salutations, and the importance of benevolence to slaves."
- "Thus the 'great bulk' of the rules of Islamic law are derived from hadith, rather than the Quran."
- "There are three primary ways to determine the authenticity (sihha) of a hadith: by attempting to determine whether there are 'other identical reports from other transmitters'; determining the reliability of the transmitters of the report; and 'the continuity of the chain of transmission' of the hadith."
- "by attempting to determine whether there are 'other identical reports from other transmitters'"
- "determining the reliability of the transmitters of the report"
- "'the continuity of the chain of transmission' of the hadith."
- "Traditional hadith studies has been praised by some as 'unrivaled, the ultimate in historical criticism'"
- "heavily criticized for failing to filter out a massive amount of hadith 'which cannot possibly be authentic'."