Learn to evaluate the sources of hadith and safeguard against any false references. Topics include classification, modes of transfer and biographical analysis.

Aim

To develop the ability to evaluate the sources of hadith and safeguard against any false attributions being placed upon the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him).

Outcomes

On completion learners should be able to:

1. Define and identify the criteria for the classification of a hadith and recognise its ruling.
2. Reconcile the differences between conflicted ahadith.
3. Understand and appreciate the hadith acquisition process and its effect.
4. Identify the classification of transmitters via the process of Jarh wa Ta’dil and Arabic nomenclature.
5. Research hadith utilising key hadith collections with a particular focus on the Kutub Sittah
6. Translate and comprehend classical works in Usul al‐Hadith
7. Evaluate the conclusion of the Muhaddithun in their treatement of the narrators and hadith.

Indicative Syllabus Content

The course content has been split into 4 core subjects areas; (1) Hadith classification (terminologies), (2) conflicted hadith (conflict resolution), (3) reception and delivery (hadith acquisition). These three form the bulk of ilm mustalah al-hadith and (4) biographies (Rijal). Additionally there are few ancillary subject areas such as History of Hadith, Hadith genres, Ghara’ib al‐Hadith and research methods

Resources

Core reading

Nukhbat al-Fikr ma'a Nuzhat al-Nazar. Hafid Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani (d. 852)

Essential reading

Fawa'id fi 'Ulum al-Hadith. Allm. Zafar Ahmad Tanwi.

Tadrib al-Rawi. Allm. Jalal al-Din Suyuti (d. 911)

Recommended reading

Introduction to hadith. M. Saifur Rahman Nawhami. Islamic Studies Bulletin. Issue 2.