The Science of Rijal — Narrator Evaluation

Ilm al-Rijal — The Science of Narrators

Before a hadith can be graded, every narrator in its chain must be evaluated.

Conditions for an Acceptable Narrator

1. Muslim — must be Muslim

2. Baligh — adult

3. 'Aql — of sound mind

4. 'Adala — moral uprightness (not known for major sins)

5. Dabt — precise memory and careful transmission

Levels of Praise (Ta'deel)

1. Highest: "Not seen anyone like him" — إمام الأئمة

2. "Thiqah thiqah" (trustworthy, trustworthy)

3. "Thiqah" (trustworthy)

4. "Sadooq" (truthful) — slight weakness

5. "La ba'sa bihi" (no problem with him)

Levels of Criticism (Jarh)

1. Slightly criticised — hadith written but not used alone

2. Weak — hadith abandoned

3. Very weak — hadith rejected

4. Accused of lying

5. Known liar — hadith fabricated

Major Rijal Works

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