What is a Hadith?
# What is a Hadith?
Islam has two primary sources. First is the Quran and the second source is Prophet Muhammad’s teachings (s). These teachings include his words, actions and silent approval. In Islamic terminology, these teachings are called hadith. The word ‘hadith’ literally means news, report or narration. Sometimes the words and actions of the Prophet are referred to as his sunnah.
Hadith are needed in order to understand the Quran. For example, the Holy Quran will tell us to pray but the hadith will tell us how to pray. The Quran will tell us to pay zakah but the hadith will give its details and so on.
## Components of a Hadith
Every hadith has two parts to it. The first part is called the sanad (chain) and the second is the matn (text). Together they form one hadith. The sanad is extremely important to scholars. They study the lives of each of the individuals in every hadith to see if they were trustworthy or not and if we can rely on what they reported. This science of studying the reporters and narrators of hadith is called ‘Ilm ar-Rijal (The Science of Men) and goes hand-in-hand with the study of hadith.
## Categories of Hadith
A Hadith is divided into a few main categories:
1. **Sahih**: This is a hadith that has been rendered authentic. The chain of narrators is not broken; they are all trustworthy, have good memory, are not open sinners, and must be just.
2. **Hasan**: This is a hadith that has not reached the level of sahih. This means there may be a person in the chain of narrators that their reliability has not been affirmed yet.
3. **Da’if (Weak)**: This is a hadith that is neither Sahih nor Hasan. This could be because one of the narrators has been defamed or because they are unknown or a fabricator.
4. **Muwwaththaq (Dependable)**: According to the Shia, this is a hadith where some narrators are not Shia Ithna Ashari but they have all been praised as being trustworthy.
## Mutawatir and Ahad Hadith
A Hadith is also classified into “mutawatir” and “ahad”. A mutawatir hadith is one that is narrated by so many people that it would be impossible for them all to have agreed to fabricate it. Mutawtir is divided into two types: Mutawatir in words and Mutawatir in meaning. Mutawatir in words is when a hadith is narrated by many people in the same wording, while Mutawatir in meaning is when there are many hadiths that agree on the same meaning but differ in words.
Any hadith that is not mutawatir is called hadith ahad, also known as khabar al wahid. These narrations do not bring about certainty of authenticity on their own unless supported by other evidence. There are many other grades of Da’if according to scholars.
In conclusion, understanding the different categories and classifications of hadith is essential for scholars and followers of Islam to properly interpret and apply the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s).
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