Types of Hadith and the Science Behind Their Classification

Understanding the Types of Hadith and the Science of Hadith

Introduction to Hadith​

Hadith refers to the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that were revealed by Allah ﷻ for the guidance of mankind. The source of Hadith is divine, and the Prophet ﷺ conveyed these revelations through his words, deeds, or silent endorsements.


In the early period of Islam, Hadith was not classified into specific categories, nor did the Companions divide the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings into distinct types. However, it was universally accepted that all of his ﷺ teachings were derived from divine light.

The Beginning of Hadith Classification​

As various trials and false attributions to the Prophet ﷺ began to surface, scholars developed principles for examining and categorizing Hadith. These principles were derived from the Qur’an and Hadith, and a detailed study of the chain of narration (Isnad) was introduced to distinguish between authentic and fabricated reports.

Classifications of Hadith​

Hadith is categorized based on several aspects, including the text (Matn), chain of narration (Isnad), rank and authenticity, and transmission frequency.

① Classification Based on Text (Matn)​

• ◈ Marfū‘ Hadith (مرفوع):
  A Hadith attributed directly to the sayings, actions, or approvals of the Prophet ﷺ.
  Example:
  قال رسول الله: والذی نفسی بیده…
  The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "By the One in Whose Hand is my soul..."
• ◈ Mawqūf Hadith (موقوف):
  A Hadith that ends with the statement, action, or approval of a Companion.
  Example:
  Ibn ‘Abbās said…
• ◈ Maqtū‘ Hadith (مقطوع):
  A Hadith that ends with the statement, action, or approval of a Tābi‘ī (a successor of the Companions).
  Example:
  A Tābi‘ī says: “The Prophet ﷺ did such and such.”

② Classification Based on Chain of Narration (Isnād)​

• ◈ Muttaṣil (متصل):
  A Hadith with an unbroken and complete chain of narrators.
• ◈ Munqaṭi‘ (منقطع):
  A Hadith with a broken chain at any point, but not falling under the category of Mu‘allaq or Mursal.
• ◈ Mursal (مرسل):
  A Hadith in which a Tābi‘ī narrates directly from the Prophet ﷺ, omitting the Companion.
• ◈ Mu‘ḍal (معضل):
  A Hadith in which two consecutive narrators are missing from the chain.
• ◈ Mu‘allaq (معلق):
  A Hadith in which one or more narrators are omitted from the beginning of the chain.

③ Classification Based on Authenticity and Rank​

• ◈ Ṣaḥīḥ (صحیح):
  A Hadith whose narrators are upright and trustworthy, possess strong memory, and have a complete chain.
  
  • ✔ Ṣaḥīḥ li-dhātihī (صحیح لذاته):
    Fulfills all conditions of authenticity.
  • ✔ Ṣaḥīḥ li-ghayrihī (صحیح لغیره):
    A narration where a narrator's memory may be slightly weak but is strengthened through multiple chains.
• ◈ Ḥasan (حسن):
  A Hadith whose narrators are upright but with slightly weaker memory.
  
  • ✔ Ḥasan li-dhātihī (حسن لذاته):
    All narrators are trustworthy but have minor memory lapses.
  • ✔ Ḥasan li-ghayrihī (حسن لغیره):
    A narration strengthened by supporting chains.
• ◈ Ḍa‘īf (ضعیف):
  A Hadith with some weakness in the chain, such as a narrator's lack of reliability. However, if supported by other chains, it may become acceptable.
  
  • ✔ Qawī bi-ta‘addud al-ṭuruq (قوي بتعدد الطرق):
    A weak Hadith strengthened through multiple supporting narrations.
• ◈ Matrūk (متروک):
  A very weak Hadith with no supporting chains, considered unreliable.

④ Classification Based on Frequency of Transmission​

• ◈ Mutawātir (متواتر):
  A Hadith narrated by so many individuals in every generation that their agreement on a falsehood is impossible.
  Example:
  "لا نبی بعدی"
  “There is no Prophet after me.”
• ◈ Mashhūr (مشہور):
  A Hadith not Mutawātir among the Companions but widely narrated in later generations (Tābi‘īn and their successors).
• ◈ ‘Azīz (عزیز):
  A Hadith narrated by at least two individuals in every generation.
• ◈ Gharīb (غریب):
  A Hadith narrated by only one person in any generation.
  Example:
  "Faith has seventy branches."

Importance of Hadith and the Uniqueness of Its Science​

The science of scrutinizing and classifying Hadith was introduced solely by the Muslim Ummah. This knowledge allows scholars to distinguish authentic narrations from weak or fabricated ones. It is a cornerstone in preserving the integrity of Islam.


Those who assess Hadith without proper knowledge or who, under the influence of orientalists, deem Hadith unreliable, in reality, cause harm to Islam itself.