Science Of Hadith

Science Of Hadith

Hadith is next important source of Islamic Law after the Qur'an. It is widely observed that many Muslims (as well as non-Muslims) are unaware of how the ahadith (pl.) are studied and classified into various categories. In this section we would briefly discuss the sciences of hadith that leads to their classification into various grades of authenticity.
An Introduction To The Science Of Hadith, by Suhaib Hasan. This article is taken from USC Muslim Students Association Islamic Server.

Foreword
Some commonly-quoted ahadith [Be sure to look at the appendix below! -Ed. note]

Section A

1. Introduction
2. A brief history of Mustalah al-Hadith
3. Mustalah al-Hadith (the Classification of Hadith)
4. Rijal al-Hadith (the study of the Reporters of Hadith)

Section B
The Classification Of Hadith

1. According to the reference to a particular authority
2. According to the links in the isnad
3. According to the number of reporters in each stage of the isnad
4. According to the manner in which the hadith is reported
5. According to the nature of the text and isnad
6. According to a hidden defect found in the isnad or text of a hadith
7. According to the reliability and memory of the reporters

Section C

Further branches of Mustalah and Rijal

Appendix

Verdicts on the ahadith mentioned in the Foreword

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 The Science Of Hadith (A Brief Introduction). This article is taken from USC Muslim Students Association Islamic Server.

Components Of Hadith
Classification Of Hadith

1. According to the reference to a particular authority
2. According to the links of Isnad - interrupted or uninterrupted
3. According to the number of reporters involved in each stage of isnad
4. According to the nature of the text and isnad
5. According to the reliability and memory of the reporters