An Introduction to Hadith: History and Sources

As the second primary source of Islam, hadīth possesses a complex history regarding its transmittal, compilation, and eventual publication. Scholars of Islamic history recognise that the journey of hadīth has been marked by diverse developments, with its formal codification facing both staunch advocacy and significant opposition across various eras. Consequently, an understanding of the “History of Hadīth”—though distinct from the technical branches of hadīth sciences (‘ulūm al-hadīth)—is indispensable for anyone seeking to engage deeply with the Sunnah. This necessity is underscored by the differing methodologies of compilation adopted by various Islamic schools of thought (madhāhib), whose divergent opinions on the timeline and mechanism of recording traditions can impact the perceived status and credibility of the existing corpus.

The present work, designed as a tertiary-level textbook for Islamic studies, offers a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the general subjects relevant to hadīth and its historical evolution. It aims to acquaint students with the major Sunnī hadīth collections as well as the Shī‘ī “Four Books” (al-Kutub al-Arba‘ah), providing a clear and systematic approach to this vital field of study.