What is a Hadith?

Introduction to Hadith

Hadith (حديث) are the recorded sayings, actions, approvals, and descriptions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Parts of a Hadith

1. Isnad (إسناد) — the chain of narrators

2. Matn (متن) — the actual text/content

Example:

> "Umar ibn al-Khattab said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: Actions are judged by intentions..."

Here, Umar → Prophet ﷺ is the isnad. The words "Actions are judged by intentions" is the matn.

Types of Hadith by Attribution

The Six Major Collections (Kutub al-Sittah)

1. Sahih al-Bukhari

2. Sahih Muslim

3. Sunan Abu Dawud

4. Jami' at-Tirmidhi

5. Sunan an-Nasa'i

6. Sunan Ibn Majah

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