A weak Hadith

Types and Characteristics

The Definition of Weak Hadith

Linguistically, "weak" ((ضعيف) is derived from weakness, which is the opposite of strength.

Technically, a weak hadith (حديث الضعيف) it refers to any hadith that does not meet the criteria of a "hadith “Sahih“ "(authentic) hadith, nor those of a "hadith “Hasan” "(good) hadith.

Weakness is a broad term that encompasses any defect compromising the five essential requirements for authenticity, which are: continuity of the transmission chain (Isnad), integrity of the narrators (Adalat), precision in memory (Dabit), absence of irregularities (Mutaba'at), and statements contrary to reason (Khabar).

Types of Weak Hadith Based on lack of Continuity:

1. Mu'allaq (مُعَلَّق) (Suspended): Where one or more narrators are omitted at the beginning of the chain.
2. Mu’dal (مُعْضَل) (Problematic): When two consecutive narrators are omitted from the chain, either at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end. Some scholars also define it as "Munqati" (Disconnected) or "Mursal" (Sent).
3. Mursal (مُرْسَل) (Sent): A hadith in which a "Tabi'in" (follower of the Companions) narrates directly from the Prophet ﷺ without mentioning a companion. This term also applies to narrations by Tabi'in who have met and interacted with numerous Companions. Some scholars extend the term "Mursal" to include narrations of those who have not met the Companions.
4. Tadlees (تَدْلِيس) (Obfuscation): occurs when a narrator fails to disclose that they have directly heard a hadith or modifies the name of the person from whom they are narrating. This concept also includes the intentional omission of a weak narrator between two trustworthy narrators, known as "Tadlees al-Taswiyah.",

Weakness due to lack of Integrity

Integrity is compromised by the following:

1. Suspicion of lying: it refers to a situation where there is suspicion of lying, especially when narrating something that should not be said or reporting contradictory information to the fundamental principles of Shariah.
2. Terminologies for Defects: the terms "Mawdu" (fabricated), "Matrook" (abandoned), and "Munkar" (denounced) refer to specific defects in the transmission of hadiths, indicating their falsehood, their non-acceptance, and their condemnation.

Specific Types of Defective Hadith:

1. Mawdu (موضوع) (Fabricated): A hadith falsely attributed to the Prophet ﷺ, known to be false. Scholars also describe it as "Munkar," "Batil" (false), or "La Asla Lahu" (without foundation).
2. Matrook (مطرود) (Rejected): A hadith rejected due to the narrator being accused of lying, contradicting well-known Islamic principles, or narrating something that contradicts widely accepted hadiths.
3. Munkar (منكر) (repudiated): Defined by Imam Muslim as a hadith in which the narrator's version is contradicted by more reliable narrators.

Weakness Due to Lack of Precision::

Accuracy is compromised by:

1. Excessive forgetfulness, frequent errors, contradictions with reliable narrators, or significant doubts.
2. Terminologies for Inaccuracy: The terms "Musahhaf" (مصحف) refer to a altered text, "Mudtarib" (مضطرب) indicates inconsistency, and "Maqloob" (مقلوب) describes a transposed text.

Some Examples::

1. Musahhaf (Altered Text): refers to a hadith in which small modifications in the text, such as variations in points or vowels, alter the meaning. These changes generally occur due to negligence, similarities between letters, or auditory errors.
2. Mudtarib (Incoherent): indicates a hadith narrated in contradictory ways by a narrator considered reliable, without clear preferences emerging for a specific version.
3. Maqloob (Inverted): describes a hadith in which the parts are arranged incorrectly, such as in the case of swapped narrator names or altered sequence of events.

Weakness Due to Irregularity::

A hadith is defined as "Shaadh" (شاذ) (irregular) when it contradicts a more reliable narration or opposes established principles of Shariah and well-known practices transmitted by the Companions. Imam Malik expanded this definition to include narrations that deviate from the legal practices established in his region, stating: "Our practice is not in agreement with it, nor is the narrator."

Weakness Due to Hidden Defects::

A hadith with a hidden flaw undermining its authenticity, even if it appears outwardly sound, is considered weak. Hidden defects can include:

1. Chain Manipulation: Alterations that elevate the status of a narration or obscure its true origin.
2. Exchange of Narrators: Confusion or similarity of names that can mislead about the authenticity of the transmission chain.
3. Errors in Narration: Incorrect attributions, mixing of narrators or narrations, or wrong interpretations regarding the geographical origin or school of a narrator, which may lead to the acceptance of weak hadiths.

Dr. Abdellah El Arifi