Islamiyat · May / June 2026 · Paper 22 · Question 2

Outline the two parts of a Hadith and the different categories of Hadith.

Use the AO1 Levels of Responses

Candidates are expected to describe the two components of a Hadith (isnad and matn) and then write an account of the various categories of Hadith.

It could be said that every Hadith consists of two parts: isnad and matn. These two parts are very important for the compilers of Hadith, who carefully examine them when collecting and authenticating Hadiths.

Isnad refers to the chain of narrators of the Hadith, while matn refers to the content of the Hadith. Several rules are established to study the isnad and matn of a Hadith which determine its authenticity, and these could be given to develop the answer.

Hadiths are generally classified according to the quality of the text, truthfulness and reliability of narrators, and continuity in the isnad.

Sound/Sahih Hadith is a term used to describe any Hadith whose accuracy is beyond question. The narrators of these Hadiths are renowned for their honesty, truthfulness and strong memories, and there is no break in the chain of narrators. Hadiths of Imam Bukhari and Muslim are examples of Sahih Hadiths.

Good/Hasan Hadith are Hadiths whose text is true, but whose narrators (isnads) may have a slightly weak memory and hence do not meet the strict criteria established by Muhadditheen. The Hadith in this group, though considered reliable and good, are a degree lower in quality than the Sahih Hadiths and hence considered inferior to them in Hadith literature.

Weak/Da’if Hadith are those whose truthfulness in both text and transmission is not beyond question. Though their authenticity is not proven they are not rejected altogether. A Hadith could be considered weak for a number of reasons. For example, one of its narrators may not have been widely known for piety or reliability, even though there is no evidence against his character. A narrator may also have had a weak or imperfect

memory, although his truthfulness was never questioned. Weakness in a Hadith could also result from an interruption or break in the isnad. False/Mawdu Hadith are fabricated Hadith, and they are classified as such, so that they are not included in Hadith collections.

Discuss why so much importance is given to classifying authentic Hadiths. Give two reasons for your answer.

Use the AO2 Levels of Responses

One reason for classifying Hadiths could be that Hadiths are used in making Islamic law and for this purpose it is important to know whether a Hadith was Sahih or Da’if as in legal matters only the most authentic Hadiths can be used to prevent incorrect law making.

Another reason for classifying Hadiths could be that they are used to keep the faith pure, and its practice correct. An example could be given to develop the point further.

All valid responses should be credited.