Introduction to the Development of Hadith Literature
by Mohamad K. Yusuff
The primary divisions of hadith are as follows:
- the 'sound' hadith (al sahih al hadith)
- the 'good' hadith (al hasan al hadith)
- the 'weak' hadith (al da`if al hadith)
The 'Sound' Hadith
Al Sahih Al Hadith (the 'sound' hadith) is a term used to describe any hadith the veracity of which is absolutely
beyond question. Hence, these ahadith are classified as 'sound' and 'trustworthy', meaning that they are of the
highest level of authenticity and reliability. All of the core (basic and primary) ahadith reported by Imam Al Bukhari
and Imam Muslim are universally accepted by Islam's orthodoxy as sahih. As mentioned before, the works of the
other four recognized compilers, Abu Dawud, Al Tirmidhi, Al Nasa'i and Ibn Majah have also been accorded
distinguished status behind the 'reliable two' by the `ulama'.
The 'Good' Hadith
Al Hasan Al Hadith (the 'good' hadith) is a term used to describe any hadith whose text (matn) is absolutely true
but whose narrators (isnad) do not pass the test of complete reliability and accuracy based on the stringent criteria
established by the hadith compilers. The ahadith in this division are a degree less in quality than that of the sahih
class and are thus considered as 'good' or 'fair' or 'moderate' in hadith literature.
The 'Weak' Hadith
Al Da`if Al Hadith (the 'weak' hadith) is a term used to describe any hadith whose truthfulness in both text (matn)
and transmission (isnad) is not absolutely beyond question; that is, its authenticity is not proven, and hence, it is
considered 'weak.' However, it is important to note that not all ahadith classified as 'weak' are rejected. As mentioned
before, Imam Abu Dawud (of the 'group of six') included da`if traditions in his musnad when he could find nothing else
to explain questions relating to 'morals' or 'religious devotion'. Many of the musnad collections also contain 'weak'
ahadith. [Muhammad `Ali]
There are as many varieties of weak (da`if) ahadith as there are kinds of vitiating characteristics affecting them.
Some hadith writers have classified 'weak' hadith in multiple subgroups, from as little as twenty-five, to as many
as seventy five. [Al Faruqi]
A hadith could be weak for many reasons, one of which is attributable to the character of its narrators. a hadith could
also be weak because one of its narrators is mastur; that is, he is not so well-known for his piety and reliability, but
nothing is known to the compiler that would impugn the narrator's character. Or, a narrator may have less than
perfect memory, but his veracity was never questioned, or his sympathy with or orientation toward heretical and
sectarian beliefs was never clearly established [`Abdul-Rauf].
The weakness in a hadith could also be due to the interruption in the isnad; that is, a break (missing narrator) in the
chain of transmission. Since there was nothing to suggest that a missing narrator was less than truthful or reliable,
such weak hadiths were included in musnad collections for reasons other than for legal necessity; that is, for their
value in areas of moral guidance and religious liturgy. for example, those ahadith which exhort people to good, or
illustrate principles of religious devotion, or answer moral questions are examples of da`if traditions which were
included in some collections. [Muhammad `Ali]
