A brief introduction to

Hadith
What is Hadith?

Literal Meaning:
The word Hadith is singular and means Kalaam (speech). The plural is Ahaadith.

Technical Meaning:
The Fuqaha (Jurists) and Muhadditheen (Traditionists and experts in Hadith)
differ in their definitions of Hadith. This is because the fields of both are
different. According to the Fuqaha, the subject matter of Hadith is to deduce the
laws of Shari’ah from Hadith and the subject matter of the Muhadditheen is to
merely compile the Ahaadith.
Hence, according to the Fuqaha, the
definition of Hadith is:

“The sayings, the actions, and the confirmations of Rasulullah

‫”ﷺ‬.Actions here refer to only voluntary actions, not
involuntary actions.
While according to the Muhadditheen,Hadith
is:

“The sayings, the actions,the confirmations and the conditions of Rasulullah

‫”ﷺ‬
Subject Matter Of Hadith:

 Allamah al-Kirmaaniy [Rahimahullaah] (B.224AH; D.310AH) states that the

subject matter of Hadith is the personality of Rasulullah [Sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam] as a prophet.
Aims and Objectives Of Hadith:

The purpose of studying Hadith is to obtain the guidance of Rasulullah [Sallallahu

alayhi wa sallam] and thereby be successful in the world and hereafter.
Hadith is primarily divided into two aspects:

 ‫الروایۃ‬:"al-Riwaayah" refers to narrating of Ahaadith, writing them and

preserving them.
 ‫الدرایۃ‬:"al-Diraayah" refers to understanding the different aspects of Hadith,
the chain of narrators, the authenticity of the Hadith and the meaning of the
Hadith.
Virtues Of Studying Hadith:

 Sayyiduna Ibn Mas’ud [Radhiyallahu 'anhu] narrates that he heard the prophet
[Sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam] saying: "May Allah illuminate and freshen that person’s face who hears
(Hadith) from us and conveys it as he hears it.”
This Hadith is a clear and explicit glad tiding from Nabi [Sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam] to those who occupy themselves with learning and teaching Hadith.
 Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn 'Amr [Radhiyallahu 'anhu] narrates hearing Nabi [Sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam] as saying, “Narrate from me even though it may be one verse /
statement...”
Here, Nabi [Sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam] has encouraged us to involve ourselves
with learning and teaching Hadith. Even if we have only learnt one Hadith, we
should endeavor to convey it to others.
 Imam Abu Hanifa [Rahimahullaah] mentioned, “If it was not for the Sunnah
(Hadith), none of us would have understood the Qur'an.”
Dua

 May Allah Give Us Power to seek the Knowledge of Ahadith and to act upon
them. Ameen
Thank You