Miracles Of The Messenger (H/B) – Darussalam

In today’s complex and volatile world the consequences of relying on fraudulent and counterfeit Hadith to legitimise extremist behaviour, issue violent fatwas, and justify blatant abuse, particularly of women, is not only far too easy but in fact dangerous. Israr Khan addresses the sensitive topic of Hadith authentication, focusing on the criteria adopted by classical scholars to maintain that concentration on the continuity and accuracy of the chain of narrators, rather than the textual content of Hadith, has led to particular Hadith being included which either contradict other Hadith directly, project the Prophet (SAAS) in an uncharacteristic light, or do not reflect and/or conflict with the teachings of the Qur an. The study traces in careful detail the historical development of the oral and written traditions, as well as the many targeted attempts at fabrication that took place, critiquing in methodical detail certain Hadith which have come to be widely accepted as authentic. The prominent collections we have today, were made possible by the development of the science of Hadith criticism, and Muslim scholars deserve deep appreciation for their painstaking work, as well as their invaluable contribution towards preserving the Hadith literature to the best of their ability. However, insists the author, the process is ongoing, and the closed door policy which currently surrounds Hadith authentication needs to be carefully reexamined.

Dr. Bilal Philips writes: “The Prophet’s sayings and actions were primarily based on revelation from Allah and, as such, must be considered a fundamental source of guidance second only to the Qur’an.” According to Dr. Philips, the Hadith, the record of these sayings and actions, plays a vital role in that it transmits revelation, tafseer (exegesis of the Qur’an), Islamic law, and the Islamic moral ideal. For instance, the Prophet’s “…character and social interactions became prime examples of moral conduct for Muslims. Consequently, the daily life of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) as recorded in the hadith represents an ideal code of conduct. It is largely due to the science of hadith that the final message of Islam has been preserved in its original purity for all times.” In Usool al-Hadeeth, the reader will embark on a course of study that will, Allah willing, enable him or her to make critical and intelligent use of the body of Hadith literature in his or her daily life.

By Shaykh Ibn al-Uthaymeen

A commentary on the famous poem in the field of hadith sciences entitled al-Manzumah al-Bayquniyyah by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen (rahimullah).