The Hadith (Prophetic traditions) constitute the second primary source of Islamic law and theology after the Holy Quran. They are the recorded sayings, actions, and silent approvals of Prophet Muhammad (๏ทบ). While the Quran provides the overarching principles of faith, the Hadith provide the practical demonstration of how to live and worship as a Muslim.
Allah says in the Quran: “He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah” (Surah An-Nisa 4:80).
The Sihah Sitta (The Six Authentic Books)
To preserve the exact words of the Prophet (๏ทบ), early scholars developed rigorous sciences of authentication (‘Ilm al-Hadith). The Sunni Islamic tradition heavily relies on the six major collections, collectively known as Al-Kutub Al-Sittah:
- Sahih al-Bukhari: Compiled by Imam Bukhari, universally considered the most authentic book after the Quran.
- Sahih Muslim: Compiled by Imam Muslim, known for its strict criteria and logical arrangement.
- Sunan Abu Dawood: Focuses heavily on legal traditions (Ahadith al-Ahkam).
- Jami’ at-Tirmidhi: Includes valuable commentary on the grading of each Hadith.
- Sunan an-Nasa’i: Known for having the fewest weak traditions among the four Sunan.
- Sunan Ibn Majah: The final book, valued for its unique narrations not found in the other five.