ISC211 – Hadith Studies
This module aims to introduce students to the disciplines of studying Islamic traditions and to the different categories of narrations and reports received from the Prophet. It furthermore examines the standards assumed by different collectors of traditions in their compilations of hadith. This module will equip students with the necessary familiarity with one of the most important types of primary textual sources in Islamic studies.
Syllabus
- Introduction to various disciplines of Hadith Studies
- History, development, and the authority of hadith as a source of Islamic sciences
- Classification of hadith and reporters
- The definition of sahabi (companion), tabi’, tabi’ al-tabi’un and their position in reporting traditions
- Technical language and concepts used in Hadith Studies.
- Biographies of major compilers of Hadith.
- Compilation of reports
- The six major Sunni collections of hadith
- The position of the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt and the four major Shi’a collections of hadith
- Fabricated traditions
- New Approaches to Hadith Studies
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:
- Theorize an overview of the various disciplines of Hadith Studies and the significance of hadith among other Islamic sources. (A2)
- Debate the criteria used to evaluate traditions in order to differentiate an authentic tradition from a dubious one. (A3)
- Assess and evaluate the major collections of traditions. (A6, A7)
- Acquainting skills to analyse classical and modern methodologies for accepting and rejecting traditions. (A2)
Skills
This module will call for the successful student to:
- Use a number of methods to evaluate traditions reported from the Prophet, the Companions and the Shi’a Imams. (B4, C1, C3, C4, C6, D2, D3, D5, D6)
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
The basic content of the module will be provided by lectures. There will also be seminars for interactive discussion on more difficult concepts. Individual study will consist of general reading, specific historical texts and reading on selected topics.
Assessment Mode
Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment includes evaluation of text, in an advanced, critical and informative manner. Tutorial time enables the module leader to give constructive feedback to student on the preparation and development of their case studies. Tutorials would help develop students’ learning and enhance their final submissions. Additionally, revision sessions are arranged that will cover topics in preparation for exams, providing constructive formative feedback to students.
Summative Assessment:
Assessment for this module consists of a case study and a written examination. The case study will be 1,500 words in length in which students will be required to examine a hadith in relation to syllabus topics discussed in class (Outcome 5). The 2 hour written examination will take place at the end of the semester (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4).
Assessment Weighting
Case Study: 40%
Written examination: 60%
Learning Materials
Core readings
- Brown, J.A.C. (2009). Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World. Oxford: Oneworld.
- Fadli, A.H. (2002). Introduction to Hadīth. Translated from Arabic by N. Virjee. London: The Islamic College Press.
- Nasiri, A. (2013). An Introduction to Hadith: History and Sources. Translated from Persian by M. Limba. London: MIU Press.
- Siddiqhi, M.Z. (1993). Hadith Literature: Its Origin, Development and Special Features. Cambridge: The Islamic Texts Society.
