Muhaddith
A muhaddith is a scholar specialized in the study, collection, and interpretation of hadiths, which are the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. The role of a muhaddith is central to the science of hadith, a key field for understanding and preserving Islamic teachings and laws. Muhaddith can either disseminate the hadiths or compile them into an ahadith.
Definition and requirements
A muhaddith is a narrator of hadith, expert in the chains of narration and the content of hadith. They are responsible for verifying the authenticity of these narrations through rigorous methods, including the evaluation of the reliability of transmitters and the continuity of the chains of transmission.Historical context
The tradition of collecting hadiths began soon after the death of Prophet Muhammad. Early efforts to compile these sayings into organized collections were undertaken by notable figures like Umar ibn al-Khattab and Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. These efforts laid the groundwork for subsequent scholars, leading to the creation of the major hadith collections.Famous collections and compilers
Some of the most renowned hadith collections include:Sunni
- Al-Muwatta — by Malik ibn Anas
- Musnad Ahmad — by Ahmad ibn Hanbal
- Sahih al-Bukhari — by Imam Bukhari
- Sahih Muslim — by Imam Muslim
- Sunan Abu Dawood — by Abu Dawood
- Sunan al-Tirmidhi — by Imam Tirmidhi
- Sunan an-Nasa'i — by Al Nasa'i
- Sunan Ibn Majah — by Ibn Majah
Shia
- Kitab al-Kafi — by Al Kulayni
- Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih — by Ibn Babawayh
- Tahdhib al-Ahkam — by Shaykh Tusi
- Al-Istibsar — by Shaykh Tusi