Notes on the Science of Hadith

Notes on the Science of Hadith

The preservation of prophetic teachings is one of the most critical responsibilities within Islamic scholarship. Notes on the Science of Hadith provides a clear and structured introduction to the discipline that safeguards this legacy, offering readers an accessible roadmap to understanding how hadith are evaluated, authenticated, and transmitted.

About the Book Notes on the Science of Hadith presents an organized and beginner-friendly overview of ʿilm al-ḥadīth (the science of hadith: the methodological discipline concerned with evaluating prophetic narrations based on chain authenticity, narrator reliability, and textual analysis). Drawing from classical manuals and historical developments, the book outlines key principles that scholars use to determine whether a narration can be accepted as reliable.

The text explains essential concepts such as isnād (chain of transmission), matn (the textual content of a narration), categories of authenticity, narrator criticism, and the methodological differences between Sunni and Shi‘a hadith sciences. It also highlights the role of early scholars who devoted their lives to collecting, verifying, and preserving the sayings of the Prophet and the Imams.

What You Will Discover

• A foundational introduction to ʿilm al-ḥadīth—its purpose, history, and major components.
• Clear explanations of isnād (chain of transmission) and matn (textual analysis) as core tools of evaluation.
• An overview of categories of hadith, including ṣaḥīḥ, ḥasan, ḍaʿīf, and others.
• Insights into narrator criticism, biographical evaluation, and criteria for determining reliability.
• A comparison of Sunni and Shi‘a approaches to hadith methodology and preservation.
• Discussions on the importance of objectivity, precision, and ethical responsibility in hadith scholarship.
• Practical reflections on how this science strengthens the authenticity of Islamic teachings.

About the Author Drawing from classical hadith scholarship, methodological treatises, and historical studies, the author presents the subject with clarity and academic discipline. Complex concepts are distilled into understandable explanations without sacrificing scholarly depth, making the book an effective educational resource.

Who Is This Book For? This book is for readers seeking a structured, accessible, and academically reliable introduction to the science of hadith—ideal for students, researchers, Islamic educators, and anyone interested in understanding how narrational authenticity is preserved in Islamic tradition.