A Textbook of 2 a
Seva
Studies
Authenticity, Compilation, Classification
and Criticism of Hadith
AV Cettete settee seer
THE 1SLAMIC FOUNDATIONTransliteration Table
Consonants, Arabic
initial: unexpressed medial and final:
s? ad
eb 3 dh
ar at
& th Se
ei urs
ch sh
t kh Us 5
Vowels, diphthongs, ete,
Short: a
long: laa
diphthongs:
ue d
br
Lb;
e:
& eh
uF
c &
bow
Wo
mfor] Introduction
HADITH studies in the title of this book refer mainly to
hadith methodology and criteria that seek to verify accuracy of the
text and authenticity of hadith. My treatment of the hadith and its
methodology is somewhat selective and does not propose to cover all
of the numerous areas of this discipline; it does, nevertheless, attempt
to cover most of the important headings of hadith studies, commonly
known as ‘ulitm al-hadith. A great deal of what is presented in this book
is concerned with the methods of enquiry and principles which the
hadith scholars have formulated for verifying the authenticity of hadith
and accuracy of its message. “Jurisprudence of hadith” might be said
to be an equally acceptable equivalent in English of ‘alam al-hadith,
which is, however, not usually employed in the relevant literature.
One of the main objectives of methodology, whether in the sphere
of hadith or other disciplines of learning, is to develop objective
and scientific standards of enquiry and research. The purpose is to
ensure adequate safeguards against subjectivity and error that might
compromise reliability of the results of that enquiry. Methodological
guidelines are particularly important to areas of research that involve
yalue judgement and personal preference of the researcher, and also
commitment to certain hypotheses in research. Religion is one such
area where development of objectivity and impartial methods are at
once difficult and most valuable. Muslim jurists and ‘wlama' have
developed elaborate methodologies for the authentification of hadith
with the purpose precisely to enhance the scope of scientific objectivity
in their conclusions, This they have done in full awareness that in no