Hadith II – The Six Sound Collections of Hadith SS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

After the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslim scholars worked hard to collect and preserve his sayings and actions. This effort led to the creation of many hadith collections. Among these, six collections became known as the most reliable and are called “The Six Sound Collections” (Al-Sihah al-Sittah). This lesson will explain these six collections, a special type of hadith called Hadith Qudsi, and how these relate to the Quran and general hadith.

1. The Six Sound Collections of Hadith

The six sound collections are the most trusted books of hadith. They were collected about 200 years after the Prophet Muhammad’s death. These collections are still studied today by Muslims all over the world.

1. Sahih Al-Bukhari

About the Author

• Full Name: Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari
• Born: 810 CE in Bukhara (now in Uzbekistan)
• Died: 870 CE
• Life’s Work: Traveled for 16 years to collect hadith, visited many cities and met many scholars

About the Book

• Full Title: Al-Jami al-Sahih (The Authentic Collection)
• Number of Hadith: Contains 7,563 hadith (including repeated ones), about 2,602 without repetition
• Selection Process: Al-Bukhari examined over 600,000 hadith and selected only those that met his strict standards
• Authentication Method: He would take a bath and pray before recording any hadith
• Arrangement: Organized by topic (fiqh/Islamic law topics)
• Unique Feature: Considered the most authentic book after the Quran
• Famous Statement: Imam Bukhari said, “I did not include any hadith in my book until I had performed ghusl (ritual bath) and prayed two rakats, seeking guidance from Allah.”

2. Sahih Muslim

About the Author

• Full Name: Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj
• Born: 817 CE in Nishapur (now in Iran)
• Died: 875 CE
• Teacher-Student Relationship: He was a student of Imam Bukhari

About the Book

• Full Title: Al-Musnad Al-Sahih (The Authentic Collection Arranged by Narrators)
• Number of Hadith: Contains about 7,500 hadith (with repetitions), about 4,000 without repetition
• Selection Process: Examined 300,000 hadith
• Arrangement: Better organized than Sahih Bukhari, with less repetition
• Unique Feature: Gathers all hadith on one topic in one place, making it easier to use
• Scholarly Opinion: Some scholars say it’s easier to use than Bukhari, though slightly less strict in authentication

3. Sunan Abu Dawud

About the Author

• Full Name: Abu Dawud Sulaiman ibn al-Ash’ath
• Born: 817 CE in Sijistan (between Iran and Afghanistan)
• Died: 889 CE
• Expertise: Expert in hadith related to fiqh (Islamic law)

About the Book

• Full Title: Kitab al-Sunan (Book of Traditions)
• Number of Hadith: Contains about 5,274 hadith
• Focus: Focuses on hadith related to legal rulings
• Authentication Level: Includes sahih (authentic), hasan (good), and some weak hadith that he identified
• Unique Feature: Abu Dawud often explained the weaknesses of certain hadith and their legal implications
• Practical Use: Very useful for understanding Islamic law and practices

4. Jami al-Tirmidhi

About the Author

• Full Name: Abu Isa Muhammad ibn Isa al-Tirmidhi
• Born: 824 CE in Termez (now in Uzbekistan)
• Died: 892 CE
• Notable Fact: Became blind in his later years

About the Book

• Full Title: Al-Jami al-Kabir (The Large Collection)
• Number of Hadith: Contains about 3,956 hadith
• Special Feature: Mentions different opinions of legal scholars on issues
• Authentication Method: Clearly states if a hadith is sahih (authentic), hasan (good), or da’if (weak)
• Innovation: Introduced the category of “hasan” (good) hadith
• Additional Benefit: Explains difficult terms and includes information about narrators

5. Sunan al-Nasa’i

About the Author

• Full Name: Ahmad ibn Shu’ayb al-Nasa’i
• Born: 829 CE in Nasa, Khorasan (now in Turkmenistan)
• Died: 915 CE
• Notable Fact: Known for his strict standards and devotion to fasting

About the Book

• Full Title: Al-Sunan al-Sughra (The Minor Collection) or Al-Mujtaba
• Number of Hadith: Contains about 5,761 hadith
• Authentication Level: Very strict, close to the level of Bukhari and Muslim
• Special Focus: Slight differences in the wording and chains of narration
• Organization: Well-organized by topics of fiqh (Islamic law)
• Scholarly Opinion: Known for its precision and attention to detail

6. Sunan Ibn Majah

About the Author

• Full Name: Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Yazid Ibn Majah al-Qazwini
• Born: 824 CE in Qazwin (now in Iran)
• Died: 887 CE
• Travel: Traveled extensively to Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Arabia to collect hadith

About the Book

• Full Title: Kitab al-Sunan (Book of Traditions)
• Number of Hadith: Contains about 4,341 hadith
• Unique Feature: Contains many hadith not found in the other five collections
• Authentication Level: Contains sahih (authentic), hasan (good), da’if (weak), and even a few fabricated hadith
• Status: Last to be accepted as one of the six major collections
• Scholarly Note: Some scholars suggested Imam Malik’s Muwatta instead of Ibn Majah’s collection, but the six collection idea became standard

Importance of the Six Collections

• They represent the most authentic hadith collections
• They form the foundation of Islamic legal rulings
• They help Muslims understand how to practice Islam correctly
• They were compiled using strict scientific methods of authentication
• They have been continuously studied, taught, and transmitted since their compilation
• They are available in many languages today
• Many later collections and books are based on these six collections

2. Al-Hadith Al-Qudsi

Definition and Meaning

• Hadith Qudsi: Sacred hadith where the Prophet quotes Allah directly
• The word “Qudsi” comes from “Quds” meaning holy or sacred
• In Hadith Qudsi, the meaning is from Allah but the wording is from the Prophet
• Usually begins with phrases like: “The Prophet said: Allah says…” or “Allah Almighty says as reported by His Messenger…”

Examples of Hadith Qudsi

1. On Allah’s Mercy: “Allah says: ‘I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself. If he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a better gathering. If he comes closer to Me by a hand’s span, I come closer to him by an arm’s length. If he comes to Me walking, I come to him running.'” (Bukhari)
2. On Good Deeds: “Allah says: ‘When My servant intends to do a good deed, I record it for him as one good deed. If he does it, I record it as ten good deeds up to seven hundred times or more. If he intends to do a bad deed but does not do it, I record it as one good deed. If he does it, I record it as only one bad deed.'” (Muslim)
3. On Fasting: “Allah says: ‘All actions of the son of Adam are for him except fasting, which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it. Fasting is a shield…'” (Bukhari)

Number of Hadith Qudsi

• Scholars differ on the exact number
• The most common collection contains about 101 hadith qudsi
• They cover topics like Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, good deeds, and warnings against sins

Authenticity of Hadith Qudsi

• Hadith Qudsi are examined using the same authentication methods as regular hadith
• They can be sahih (authentic), hasan (good), or da’if (weak)
• Many authentic Hadith Qudsi are found in the six major collections

3. Relationship with the Quran and General Hadith

Comparison Between Quran and Hadith Qudsi

1. Source of Meaning

• Quran: Both meaning and words are from Allah
• Hadith Qudsi: Meaning is from Allah, but words are from the Prophet
• Regular Hadith: Both meaning and words are from the Prophet

2. Revelation Method

• Quran: Revealed through Angel Jibreel, usually clearly and openly
• Hadith Qudsi: Often inspired through dreams or direct inspiration to the heart
• Regular Hadith: From the Prophet’s own thoughts, actions, and judgments

3. Recitation Status

• Quran: Reciting it is an act of worship; used in prayers
• Hadith Qudsi: Reading it is not the same level of worship; not used in prayers
• Regular Hadith: Reading it is beneficial but not an act of worship like Quran recitation

4. Handling Rules

• Quran: Cannot be touched without being in a state of purity
• Hadith Qudsi: No special purity requirements for touching
• Regular Hadith: No special purity requirements for touching

5. Challenge of Imitation

• Quran: Contains a challenge that no one can produce anything like it
• Hadith Qudsi: No such challenge exists
• Regular Hadith: No such challenge exists

6. Transmission Method

• Quran: Transmitted by large groups in each generation (tawatur)
• Hadith Qudsi: Often transmitted by fewer chains
• Regular Hadith: Often transmitted by fewer chains

Importance of Hadith Qudsi

• They express Allah’s words in a more personal and direct way
• They often explain Allah’s attributes and relationship with humans
• They help Muslims understand Allah’s mercy and forgiveness
• They give additional guidance not detailed in the Quran
• They often touch hearts more directly through their personal style
• They complement the Quran’s teachings and expand on them

Practical Use of Hadith Qudsi

1. Spiritual Development

• Hadith Qudsi often focus on developing a closer relationship with Allah
• They encourage good character, forgiveness, and compassion
• Example: “Allah says: ‘O son of Adam, as long as you call upon Me and hope in Me, I will forgive you whatever comes from you, and I do not care…'” (Tirmidhi)

2. Understanding Divine Attributes

• They help Muslims understand Allah’s names and attributes
• They show how Allah interacts with His creation
• Example: “Allah says: ‘I am the Most Self-Sufficient and have no need of partners…'” (Muslim)

3. Motivation for Good Deeds

• They often mention specific rewards for good deeds
• They motivate Muslims to do good and avoid evil
• Example: “Allah says: ‘I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived…'” (Bukhari)

How All Three Types Work Together

• The Quran provides the foundation of faith and practice
• Hadith Qudsi adds divine personal messages and explanations
• Regular Hadith shows how to practically apply these teachings
• Together they form a complete guidance system
• Example:
  1. Quran commands prayer
  2. Regular Hadith shows how to pray
  3. Hadith Qudsi explains the spiritual rewards and connection with Allah in prayer

Conclusion

The six sound collections of hadith are vital resources for Muslims seeking authentic information about the Prophet’s teachings. Hadith Qudsi occupies a special place between the Quran and regular hadith, providing divine words through the Prophet’s expressions. Understanding the relationships between these three types of religious texts helps Muslims properly apply Islamic teachings in their lives. Together, the Quran, Hadith Qudsi, and regular hadith provide a comprehensive guide for Muslim belief and practice.