Classification of Hadith – Definition, Components & Categories
Here in this blog, you’ll get complete information about Hadith, Components of Hadith, and Classification of Hadith in detail. So, first of all, you need to know about Hadith.
What is Hadith?
Hadith Definition is: “Everything related with the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH like Holy deeds, sayings, actions, characteristics, character explanation, etc”. Every action of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH is called “Sunnah”.
The deeds and words of the Companions and the following generation with a reference to Maqtu (sayings by generation) and Mauquf (Saying by Companions of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) are also known as Hadith. There are some scholars who use the word report (Khabar) in place of hadith and also use the term “Asar” for the deeds and words of the following generation and companions. Ahle Hadith (followers of Hadith) follow instructions of Prophet Muhammad PBUH along with the Holy Quran.
Components of Hadith
In general Hadith is a combination of two basic components which are:
- Isnad (Sequence of Reporters)
- Matn (Content or Text of Hadith)
Example of Isnad and Matn
Isnad
Isnad is the chain of narrators, they combined and spread the Hadith.
Matn
Matn is the main text or Speech of Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH in the Hadith.
Categories of Hadith
The following are the five major types of Hadith.
- Reference
- Links of Isnad
- Number of Reporters
- Nature of Isnad and Matn
- Authenticity of Correspondents
Classification of Hadith
According to the Reference
Qudsi (Divine)
These Hadiths were sent directly from Allah Almighty to the Holy Prophet PBUH, who then passed to his companions.
Marfu (Elevated)
These Hadiths were directly heard from the Holy Prophet PBUH by His companions.
Mauquf (Stopped)
Commands by the Holy Prophet PBUH to his companions who later forwarded it.
Maqtu (Severed)
Set of Instructions which cannot be traced back to the Holy Prophet PBUH, interpreted by his companion in their own words.
Links of Isnad (Sequence of Reporters/Narrators)
Musnad (Supported)
Reported by a well-known companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH, although the final reporter might not have been with him at that time.
Muttasil (Continuous)
The one with uninterpreted Isnad (Sequence of Narrators) which only goes back to a successor or Companion.
Mursal (Hurried)
This type of Hadith is quoted by one of the following generations directly in the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH without mentioning the name of any of the Companions.
Munqati (Broken)
Those Hadiths which have one or more than one reporters missing, but not successively are said to be Munqati.
Mu’adal (Perplexing)
Hadiths with two or more reporters missing consecutively are said to be Mu’adals.
Mu’allaq (Hanging)
Hadiths in which one or more reporters are not known at the beginning of the Sanad or Isnad (Sequence of Reporters/Narrators) or none of the reporters are known.
Number of Reporters/Narrators
Mutawatir (Consecutive)
Reported by many rightful companions that it is agreed upon as authentic.
Ahad (Isolated)
Hadith which has been reported by a countable number of persons.
Ahad has been further classified into three sub-categories:
Mash’hur (Famous)
Mash’hur Hadith is related to more than two persons from each generation.
Aziz (Rare yet Strong)
Hadith has only two narrators in its Isnad (Sequence of Reporters/Narrators).
Gharib (Strange)
Saying of Holy Prophet PBUH with only one reporter in its Isnad (Sequence of Reporters/Narrators).
Nature of Isnad and Matn
Munkar (Denounced)
Hadith which differs from an authentic Hadith and belongs to a weak reporter.
Mudraj (Interpolated)
Mudraj is a type of Hadith with some additional words to the authentic Hadith by its reporter.
Authenticity of Correspondents
Sahih (Sound)
Hadith reported by a trustworthy narrator known for his knowledge, truthfulness, correct narrations, etc.
Hasan (Good)
Hadith related to those narrators who are known and also have solid character but weak memory.
Da’if (Weak)
Hadith included under Hasan (good) because of an imperfection in the Isnad (Sequence of Reporters/Narrators).
Maudu (Fabricated)
Hadith have wording opposite to the confirmed Holy Prophet PBUH traditions.
Hadith Books Pdf
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