The Science and Terminology of Hadith Studies

This programme provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the foundational principles, terminology, and key theoretical frameworks of Ulum al-Hadith, the classical Islamic discipline concerned with the study of Prophetic narrations. The course centres on the authoritative text Nuzhat al-Nazar by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (d. 852/1449), engaging with fundamental topics such as the classification of hadith, the assessment of narrator reliability, the structure of transmission networks, and the methodological approaches developed by classical scholars for the authentication and interpretation of prophetic reports.

Through a systematic and interactive pedagogical approach, students will critically examine:

  • The definitions and conceptual distinctions between Sahih, Daif, Hasan, and Mawdu.

  • The implications of Mutawatir versus Ahad reports.

  • The roles of isnad (chain of transmission) and matn (text content).

  • The established criteria for evaluating narrator reliability and integrity within the scholarly tradition.

  • The historical evolution of hadith categorisation systems.

  • Practical techniques for the analysis of hadith literature.

Upon successful completion, this course will equip students with the requisite analytical tools for critically engaging with hadith texts, thereby establishing an academic foundation for advanced inquiry within the broader Islamic Sciences. The primary textual resource for this course is Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani's Nuzhat al-Nazar fi Tawdih Nukhbat al-Fikar, supplemented by relevant secondary readings and illustrative case studies. Bi-weekly live sessions will facilitate active intellectual engagement, with comprehensive learning resources provided to all enrolled students.

Outcomes:

1. Mastery of Hadith Terminology:

-Students will achieve a sophisticated understanding of the key definitions and classifications employed in hadith studies.

2. Analytical Skills for Textual Evaluation:

-Students will acquire the skills necessary to critically assess hadith authenticity and comprehend the underlying scholarly methodologies.

3. Engagement with Classical Scholarship:

-Students will gain the ability to access and interpret the intellectual heritage of hadith criticism and the science of transmission.

4. Preparation for Advanced Academic Study:

- Students will develop the essential critical and analytical base for advanced study in Islamic law, theology, and history.

Schedule: Fridays | Inaugural Session: Friday 16th May

Frequency: Bi-weekly (every two weeks)

Format: On-Campus & Online

Registration: Open | Registration Required 

Lecturer: Dr Badreldeen Ismail al-Husayni