The Authentic Hadith ( Al Hadith Assahih)

A hadith is considered 'sahih' (authentic) when it has an uninterrupted chain of transmission, righteous and accurate narrators, and does not present irregularities or defects.

A hadith is considered “sahih” (authentic) when it meets the following requirements:

1. Uninterrupted transmission chain (isnād): The chain of narrators who have transmitted the hadith must be continuous, without any gaps.
2. Right and Accurate Narrators (thiqāt): All narrators who make up the chain must be considered reliable, trustworthy, and accurate in transmission.
3. Absence of irregularities (shudhūdh) or defects (ilal): The hadith must not present any anomalies or hidden defects that compromise its authenticity.

Therefore, a hadith "sahih” is one whose chain of transmission is solid and composed of narrators recognized as upright and accurate, without any defect or irregularity found in its content.

The authentic Hadith (sahih) is divided into two main categories:

1. Intrinsically Authentic Hadith (sahih li-dhātihi): This type of hadith meets the following requirements:

a - The transmission occurs literally and in meaning from a narrator of complete accuracy (thiqah) to another equally accurate narrator.
b - The hadith does not contain any irregularities (shudhūdh) or defects (illah).

2. Externally Authentic Hadith (sahih li-ghayrih): This category includes hadith that, while not fully meeting the criteria of intrinsic authenticity, are still considered authentic due to the support of other sources and evidence.

In summary, the "intrinsically authentic" hadith is the one that meets all the requirements of the transmission chain and content, while the "extrinsically authentic" is supported by other elements that ensure its reliability.

Intrinsically Authentic Hadith

An extrinsically authentic hadith meets the same conditions as an intrinsically authentic hadith, where each narrator has directly heard the hadith from their previous teacher. However, the authenticity of the extrinsically authentic hadith is strengthened by support from other sources.

Terminology and Connection

The term "connection" (ittisāl) generally refers to a chain of transmission (isnād) without gaps, in which each of the narrators has heard the hadith from their own master.

This connection is divided into two main categories: true connection and sentence connection.

True Connection

True connection (ittisāl sahīh) represents the highest form of transmission, where the narrator listens directly from their teacher the narration of the hadith or presents it to them for confirmation of its authenticity. It occurs without relying on intermediaries, thus ensuring the accurate execution of what has been heard.

Minor Connection

This lesser form of connection (ittisāl da’īf) is achieved through other methods, such as permission (ijāza), written correspondence (mukātaba), delivery of the text (munāwala), will (wasiyya), notification (i’lām) and discovery (wijāda), excluding direct listening and presentation

The 'sentence connection' (ittisāl hukm) is mainly observed in the narrations transmitted by the young Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and by the major Successors (Tābi’ūn) of the Prophet.

In these specific cases, it is not necessary for the narrator to specify his teachers among the Companions when he intends to elevate the narration directly to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

This means that, for the young Companions and the main Successors, it is accepted that they can directly attribute their narrations to the Prophet without having to mention all the intermediate steps in the chain of transmission (isnād).

Definition of 'Righteous'

The term "righteous" (thiqah) refers to a person who possesses the following qualities:

• Good faith (amāna): The person is considered reliable and trustworthy.
• Good character (murū’a): The person has good moral conduct and exemplary behavior.
• Piety (dīn): The person adheres to religiosity and devotion, distancing themselves from sinful actions.

These characteristics give the person moral integrity and freedom from actions that could tarnish his or her honor and reputation, such as lying, immorality, or deviant innovations.

In other words, the term 'righteous' denotes a person of proven integrity, faith, and morality, who inspires trust in the transmission of knowledge and traditions.

Definition of 'Accurate'

The term 'accurate' refers to an individual who excels in listening to the hadith, continuously reviews it, and ensures accuracy in its delivery, preserving it in its original form without alterations.

Tipi di Accuratezza

Accuracy is distinguished into two categories: memory accuracy and written accuracy. Memory accuracy is the ability to retain the information heard in such a way that its possessor can recall it whenever desired.

Written Accuracy

Written accuracy involves excellence in transcription and a correct comparison of the text, combined with safeguarding the document to prevent any significant alterations.

Flawed Hadith

The 'flawed' or 'ma'lul' (correct term) hadith is a hadith that, despite an apparent absence of defects, actually has a hidden flaw or problem within it. These hidden imperfections are detected through a deep knowledge of the chains of transmission (isnad) of the hadith and an experience in carefully comparing the different origins and sources of such traditions.

Irregular Hadith

A hadith is considered "irregular" (shadh) when an accepted narrator reports a version that contradicts that of a more reliable narrator or the majority of his contemporaries.

In this case, the most numerous and authoritative narrators cannot be suspected of having reached a collective consensus on an error. Therefore, the hadith of a single narrator, even if accepted, is considered irregular and less reliable than the majority version.

This classification of "irregular hadith" is based on the principle that the transmission of a hadith by the reliable majority of narrators carries more weight than the version of a single narrator, even if the latter enjoys a good reputation.

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