تضعیف حدیث کے اصول و ضوابط اور قرن اول کے مراکز حدیث کی خدمات

Principles and Criteria of Hadith Weakening and the Contributions of Early Hadith Centers

Abstract

There is no doubt that the ultimate book of guidance is the Quran, and the Prophetic traditions (Hadith) serve as its essential exegesis and elucidation. It is impossible to attain true guidance by relying solely on the Quran while disregarding Hadith, as numerous Quranic injunctions explicitly affirm this reality. Hadith constitutes an expansive and profound ocean, encompassing the sayings, actions, tacit approvals, and moral as well as natural states of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These noble traditions were transmitted to successive generations of the Muslim Ummah through the Companions (Sahabah) of the Prophet ﷺ, who were the privileged witnesses of his august presence. To ascertain the authenticity and veracity of Hadith, the scholars of Hadith (Muhaddithin) and the jurists of the Ummah established an unparalleled framework of rigorous methodologies and principles. This meticulous system of authentication and scrutiny is an exclusive hallmark of the Muhammadan community. Based on these principles, the traditions of Hadith were classified into various levels of credibility, such as Sahih (authentic), Hasan (fair), and Da'if (weak). Consequently, in matters of practice and derivation of rulings, it is imperative to observe the distinctions and hierarchies among these categories of Hadith.