Types of Hadith in Islam – People would accept al-Hadith as an authoritative source of Islamic knowledge alongside the Holy Quran for guidance on the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad. Nonetheless, within this mass of narration that purports to point back to the Prophet, not all of them would indeed merit this name.
Muslim scholars have classified Hadith into distinctive Types of Hadith in Islam depending on their strength of authenticity, so as to be able to delineate clearly between authentic Hadith on the one hand and weak or even fabricated ones on the other. Based on this knowledge of classifications, Muslims get to practice what is true instruction and true Islamic teaching.
Types of Hadith in Islam
Classification of Hadith in Terms of Authenticity
Classifying Hadith according to their authenticity will help the acceptance of the narration in Islamic rules and teachings.
- Sahih (Authentic Hadith)
Although Sahih Hadith appears at the apex of all classifications, it means that it is deemed highly authentic and meets tough criteria concerning a continuous and trustworthy chain of narrators, integrity of each narrator, and accuracy in transmission. A Sahih Hadith has no faults and is held valid for Islamic jurisprudence and teachings.
Examples of Sahih Hadith:
- It was collected in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the two most authentic collections of Hadith in Islam.
- These Hadiths form the basis of Islamic laws and practices.
- Hasan (Good Hadith)
A Hasan Hadith represents that level of Hadith that is a little less than Sahih but can be nevertheless used. The narrators from whom this Hadith was transmitted were, generally speaking, trustworthy, yet there may exist some minor fault concerning the chain of transmission.
- It is used to support Islamic rulings in the absence of a Sahih Hadith.
- Found in collections like Sunan Abu Dawood and Sunan Tirmidhi.
- Da’if (Weak Hadith)
With very few exceptions, Da’if-Hadith is completely weak due to the missing of one or more reliable narrators in His chain of transmissions. The only place these are valid is in respect to good moral teaching; some notable scholars allow it.
Weakness may be attributed to any of the following:
- An unreliable narrator in the chain.
- A broken chain of narrators.
- Text contradicts the Quran or other authentic Hadith.
- Mawdu’ (Fabricated Hadith)
Due to lies and inaccurate accusations by the followers, Mawdu’ Hadith is totally fabricated and wrongfully ascribed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These Hadiths are dangerous themselves for perpetrating falsehood.
How to identify a fabricated Hadith?
- Contradicts the Quran and authentic Hadith.
- Illogical statements or exaggerations.
- Liars or unreliable narrators in the chain.
Classifying according to the Number of Narrators
Another dimension of classification of Types of Hadith in Islam depends on the number of narrators in each generation of transmission.
- Mutawatir Hadith
The term “Mutawatir” expresses that this class of Hadith is narrated by so many persons in every stage of the transmission that the possibility of its being false presents itself only theoretically. This is considered the most authentic Hadith.
Example:
The one which stated that the five daily prayers are obligatory for every Muslim is an example of a Mutawatir Hadith.
- Ahad Hadith
Ahad Hadith has multi-interpretable narrators in the chain, which are sub-classified into:
- Mashhur
Heard by a few but later made known to an extent that adoption for legal purposes is conceded but not Mutawatir.
- Aziz
At least two trustworthy persons must narrate it at every stage.
Not famous, but at least reliable.
- Gharib
One narrator at an undefined point in time.
It would be sound if the one narrator is trustworthy but needs rigorous scrutiny.
Classifications According to Transmission (Sanad)
The Sanad or chain of transmission refers to the manner in which Hadith are transmitted. In Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith are classified into those attributed directly to the Prophet and those attributed to others.
- Marfu’ (the Prophet)
- It is the most important category because it refers to what has been said all the way back to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- This is used for teaching and law.
- Mawquf (the Companions)
- Narrations from the Companions but not from the Prophet himself.
- Used to understand the practice of early Muslims.
- Maqtu’ Hadith (Tabi’un)
- Statements of the Tabi’un (Successors of the Companions).
- These have no major ruling implications but have historical value.
The Importance of Authentic Hadith in Islam
Authenticity is thus important in the teachings of Islam.
- Sahih Hadiths in the application of Islam
- To elaborate ayah of the Quran.
- Gives base for Islamic laws concerning prayer, fasting, marriage, etc.
- How do the scholars determine the authenticity of Hadith?
- Analysis of narrators’ credibility.
- The content must be checked against the Quran and other Sahih Hadith.
- Why is the use or following of weak Hadith or fabricated Hadith dangerous?
- It leads to practices that are not relevant to Islam.
- Distorts the teachings of Islam.
How to Verify the Authenticity of a Hadith?
- The Role of Hadith Scholars
Hadith scholars such as Imam Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, etc. dedicate their entire lives to collecting and authenticating Hadith.
- Importance of Isnad (Chain of Narrators)
A Hadith is applicable only when its authenticity is seen through the lens of unbroken, reliable narration in the chain of transmission.
- Reliable Sources for Hadith Studies
Among the really trusted sources are Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, and Jami’ Tirmidhi.
Voice Search Optimization Section
Some long-tail queries about the classification of Hadith:
- “What are the different types of Hadith in Islam?”
- “How do I check the authenticity of a Hadith?”
- “What is the definition of Sahih Hadith?”
- “What are the differences between Sahih Hadith and Da’if?”
- “Who classified Hadith in Islam?”
FAQs
What is the strongest type of Hadith?
The strongest is Mutawatir Hadith, in which there were many narrators who collected numerous chains of transmission at every stage to substantiate its credibility.
Can weak Hadith be used for action?
Weak Hadith can function as a source for morals and spirit but should never be used to make law.
What are the key differences of Hadiths with Sunnah?
Hadith is a record of the sayings and actions of the prophet, while Sunnah is about the way he lived.
What makes a few Hadiths to be called fabricated?
More often than not, uncertainty about the narrator, contradiction with the Quran, or being the object of a political scheme, these forces led to the classification of a few Hadiths as fabricated.
Who are the most trusted Hadith scholars?
Those most reliable in Hadith would be Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Abu Dawood.
Conclusion
Hadith screening, therefore, is the most important in ensuring the authenticity of Islamic teachings. Sahih Hadiths are the basis of Islamic law; weak or fabricated Hadiths need to be treated cautiously. The scholars have worked hard and checked the Hadiths by very strict criteria to ensure that the Muslims are really following the right path.
The RattilOnline platform offers a plethora of valuable information on classification, importance, and Islamic teachings. Knowledge about the different types of Hadith in Islam surely builds one’s faith and, hence, the durability of the proper practice of Islam.
