DEFINITION:

Hadith, Arabic Ḥadīth (“News” or “Story”), corpus of the sayings or traditions of the

Prophet Muhammad, revered by Muslims as a major source of religious law
and moral guidance. It comprises many reports of varying length and authenticity. The
individual reports are also called hadith (plural: hadiths). The word hadith is derived from the
Arabic root ḥ-d-th—signifying “to happen,” “to occur,” or “to come to pass”—
and encompasses a range of literal meanings, including “conversation,” “discussion,”
“speech,” and “small talk.” .
Literal meaning: The word Hadith is derived from the Arabic roots which means added
information about something, or incident is Hadith.
Technical meaning: Information about the sayings, deeds and silence (when something is
happened in his presence) of the holy prophet (PBUH) is Hadith.
In Islamic terminology, according to Juan Campo, the term hadith refers to reports of
statements or actions of Muhammad, or of his tacit approval or criticism of something said or
done in his presence.
Classical hadith specialist Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani says that the intended meaning of hadith in
religious tradition is something attributed to Muhammad but that is not found in the Quran.
Scholar Patricia Crone includes reports by others than Muhammad in her definition of hadith:
"short reports (sometimes just a line or two) recording what an early figure, such as
a companion of the prophet or Muhammad himself, said or did on a particular occasion,
prefixed by a chain of transmitters". However, she adds that "nowadays, hadith almost always
means hadith from Muhammad himself."
The meaning of Hadith in Islam: Hadith in Islam is all what the Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) said, or did. Hadith also includes the attributes of the beloved
Prophet (SAW).

IMPORTANCE OF HADITH:
Before knowing types of Hadith, we have to know Its importance. As we know, Hadith is the
second source of legislation in Islam, and has a role not less important than the
Holy Quran. The importance of Hadith also will be clear when we know that it explains the
Verses of the Holy Quran and shows their meanings.
Quran has also stressed on Muslims to follow Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by mentioning
that “In Muhammad you have a best example” so we can say that Hadith runs parallel to the
text of Quran. It is said that Quran is scent and Hadith opens it. Hadith forms an important
part and parcel and inseparable entity in Islam without which whole Islamic system in vain.
Almighty Allah says in Quran “O believers! Obey Allah and His messenger and turn not
away from him after hearing him…” “And obey Allah and his Messenger and dispute not
with one another, otherwise you will show timidity.” (Surah al-Anfal) “And we did not
send any Messenger but that he should be obeyed by Allah’s will.” (Surah al-Nisa). It has
been clearly established and proven from the above quoted verses from the Holy Quran that it
is incumbent upon each and every Muslim to follow the Messenger of Allah, and his
teachings.

SIGNIFICANCE OF HADITH IN ISLAM:

Hadith is integral to the Qur’an, since they are inseparably linked to each other. It is
impossible to understand the Qur’an without reference to Hadith. The Qur’an is the message,
and the Hadith is the explanation of the message by the Messenger himself.
1. The Qur’an makes it abundantly clear that the function of the Messenger is not merely
that of a deliveryman who simply delivers the revelation from Allah to us. Rather, he
has been entrusted with the most important task of explaining and illustrating the
same. This is a point mentioned in a number of verses in the Qur’an:
[And We have revealed unto thee the Remembrance that thou mayst explain to
mankind that which hath been revealed for them, and that haply they may
reflect.] (An-Nahl 16:44)
[And We have revealed the Scripture unto thee only that thou mayst explain
unto them that wherein they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a people
who believe.] (An-Nahl 16:64)
Therefore, Hadith explains, clarifies, and removes ambiguities about the Qur’an.
Hence, once we reject the Hadith, we may never be able to figure out the whole
meaning of the Qur’an.
2. Much of Islam will remain mere abstract concepts without Hadith. We would never
know how to pray, fast, pay zakah, or make pilgrimage without the illustration found
in Hadith, for these acts of worship remain as abstract imperatives in the Qur’an.
3. The Qur’an tells us the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has taught not
only the Book but also the wisdom (See Qur’an: 96:2; 33:34; 4:113, etc.) As Imam
Shafi`i stated, the wisdom mentioned here is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him); so if we were to reject the Hadith, we would be rejecting the
Qur’an itself.
4. The Qur’an tells us to obey the Messenger and abide by his decision:
[But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make thee judge in
all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against Thy
decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.](An-Nisaa’ 4:65)
[So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their
desires, but beware of them lest they seduce thee from some part of that which
Allah hath revealed unto thee. And if they turn away, then know that Allah’s
Will is to smite them for some sin of theirs. Lo! many of mankind are evil livers.]
(Al-Ma’idah 5:48)

COMPONENTS OF HADITH:
Hadith, in general is composed of three basic components which are given below:
 1. Matn/Content: It is the main passage which is the actual centre of attraction for
the reader. It normally talks about the right way of actions in different
circumstances of life.
2. Isnad/Sequence of Reporters: A series of correspondents through which Hadith
has spread. Sanad is the list of narrators- back to the Prophet (PBUH)- provided
that one narrator transmits it from another and then to another. In a sense, this
part is the chain of narrators. In fact, it is called the isnand. The words Saand and
Isnad are interchangeable.
3. Taraf/Introductory Text: The earlier portion of main substance which acts as a
groundwork for further lesson present in the Saying. It usually acts as a reference
towards the deeds or personality of the Holy Prophet ‫ﷺ‬.
These are the necessary three constituents which need to be present in any text for naming it
as a Hadith.

TYPES OF HADITH:
There Are three types of Hadith-e-Qauli, Faili and Taqreeri.
 Hadees Qauli: (‫)حديث قولى‬
Hadith-e-Qauli is the kind of Hadees in which the sayings of the prophet (PBUH) are
mentioned.
Following is an example:
- Hudhaifa (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) stated: "Satan considers
the food upon which Allah's name is not mentioned, as lawful [i.e Bismillah is not
mentioned before it is eaten]." [Muslim]

 Hadith-e-Faili:( ‫)حديث فعلى‬

Hadith-e-Faili is that kind of Hadees in which the deeds and lifestyle of the holy prophet
(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is mentioned.
Following is as example:
- Na'man ibn Bashir (RA) narrates: "When we stood up for prayers, the Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) would straighten our rows. When we stood straight, he would then say
Takbeer [i.e Allahu Akbar] [and start the prayer]." [Abu Dawood]

 Hadees Taqreeri:( ‫)حديث تقريرى‬

Hadees Taqreeri is the kind of Hadees in which the silence of the holy Prophet (PBUH) is
mentioned when his companion did some thing or said some thing
in his presence.
Following is an example :
- It is narrated from Qais ibn 'Amr (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw a
person performing two rak'aha prayer after the morning obligatory prayer, so he asked
him : The morning prayer is two rak'aha ?, the man replied, "I did not perform the two
rak'aha before the obligatory prayer so I have prayed those two now." The Messenger of
Allah (pbuh) was then silent [i.e gave his tacit permission] [Abu Dawood]

CATEGORIZATION OF HADITH:
The taxonomy of the Prophetic (PBUH) axioms has been very carefully devised according to
different sets of classifications along with their further kinds. Following are the five basic
arrangements of Ahadiths on the basis of particular grounds:

 According to Reference to a Particular Authority

According to careful research, Hadith is divided into four additional kinds under this
category:

1. Qudsi: meaning “Divine”. It is a Heavenly text which was directly sent upon the

Holy Prophet (PBUH), Who passed it on to His followers Himself.
2. Marfu`: meaning “Elevated”. It has got important status in Islam as it was
directly heard from the Messenger (PBUH) of God Himself by His companions
and was brought forward.
3. Mauquf: meaning “Stopped”. It is a kind of command which was directly given
by Rasulullah (PBUH) to His cohorts who forwarded it.
4. Maqtu`: meaning “Severed”. It is a form of Instruction which is plainly
described by Successor in his own words.
 

 According to the links of Isnad

Hadith is further divided into six groups under this category:

1. Musnad: meaning “Supported”. Isnad being reported by a well-known

companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) although final narrator might not be
with Him at that time.
2. Muttasil: meaning “Continuous”. The one with undisturbed Isnad relating back
to rightful friend or its heir.
3.  Mursal: meaning “Hurried”. It missed a connection between the storyteller and
the Messenger (PBUH).
4. Munqati`: meaning “Broken”. Hadith with a link being absent before it reaches
the Successor of the actual narrator.
5. Mu`adal: meaning “Perplexing”. The one in which narrator misses multiple
reported in an order in Isnad of the Hadith.
6. Mu`allaq: meaning “Hanging”. It fails to spot the complete Isnad of the Hadith.

 According to a number of reporters

It is divided into two more sub-groups:

1. Mutawatir: meaning “Consecutive”. Hadith being reported such a large number

of rightful companions that it is agreed upon as authentic.
A mutawatir hadith is called lafzan (verbally) mutawatir, if it is reported
verbatim in each narration.
2. Ahad: meaning “Isolated”. The one which has been narrated by a countable
number of people. An ahad hadith is one which fails to fulfill the requirement of
mutawatir.

It has been further categorized into three sub-types:

 1. Mash’hur: meaning “Famous”. Hadith which is related by more than two
individuals
2. Aziz: meaning “Rare yet Strong”. The one having only two reporters in its
Isnad.
3. Gharib: meaning “Strange”. Saying of Holy Prophet (PBUH) with only one
narrator in its Isnad.

 According to nature of Matn and Isnad

It is split into two major kinds:

1. Munkar: meaning “Denounced”. A Hadith belonging to a weak reporter.

2. Mudraj: meaning “Interpolated”. The one having some adding up of words to
the authentic Hadith by its narrator.

 According to Authenticity of Correspondents

It has the following three categories:

1. Sahih: meaning “Sound”. A hadith reported by a trustworthy reporter known for

his truthfulness, knowledge, correct way of narrations etc.
2. Hasan: meaning “Good”. The one whose reporters are known and is clear-cut.
3. Da`if: meaning “Weak”. A hadith ranking under that of Hasan because of failing
to address the Isnad properly.
4. Maudu`: meaning “Fabricated”. Hadith having wording opposite to the
confirmed Prophetic (PBUH) traditions.

 In Terms of Content:
Al-Nass
A hadith is called "al-naṣṣ" (Arabic:  ّ‫ )النَّص‬when its content has no more than one
meaning.
Al-Zahir
A hadith is called "al-ẓāhir" (Arabic: ‫ )الظّا ِهر‬when it admits of different possibilities
regarding its meaning, where one of these possible meanings is more probable (the
apparent meaning) and is meant by the speaker.
Al-Mu'awwal
A hadith is called "al-muʾawwal" (Arabic: ‫ )ال ُمَؤ وَّل‬when there are different possibilities for
its meaning and one of those possible meanings is more probable in itself, but there is
evidence that the speaker has meant something other than the apparent meaning.
Al-Mutashabih or al-Mujmal
A hadith is called "al-mutashabih" (Arabic: ‫ )ال ُمتَشابِه‬or "al-mujmal" (Arabic: ‫ )ال ُمج َمل‬when
there are different possibilities for its meaning, but none of them can be preferred to
others, and so it is not known at all what the speaker means.
Al-Mashhur
 A hadith is called "al-mashhūr" (Arabic: ‫ )ال َمشهور‬when it is well-known by Muslims, such
as the hadith according to which actions are evaluated by the intentions.
Al-Shadhdh and al-Nadir
ّ ‫ )ال ّش‬when its content is
A hadith is called "al-shādhdh wa l-nādir" (Arabic: ‫اذ والنّا ِدر‬
contrary to a well-known hadith. An al-shadhdh hadith also refers to a hadith a narrator of
which is accused by having a poor memory throughout his life.
Al-Mukatab
A hadith is called "al-mukatab" (Arabic: ‫ )ال ُمکاتَب‬when the narrator who immediately
reports the Imam's (s) speech reports it from the Imam's handwriting, whether the Imam
(a) had written it initially or in response to a question. According to some scholars, al-
mukatab hadiths should be transcribed from the Imam's (a) handwriting.
Al-Qudsi
A hadith is called "al-qudsī" (Arabic: ‫ )القُدسی‬when its content is revealed to
the Infallible (a) by God, although its woding is formed by the Infallible (a) himself,
unlike the Holy Qur'an whose wording and meaning are both revealed by God to
the Holy Prophet (s).
 In Terms of Acting Upon Hadith
In order to have religious beliefs, one has to have certainty. Thus, if hadiths do not
provide certainly with regard to a principle of belief, they will not be acted upon. But with
respect to the rulings of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), it is required to act upon al-wahid
hadiths, as evidenced by Quranic verses and some certain hadiths and the Sunna. Scholars
of fiqh issue fatwas in accordance with al-wahid hadiths.
Al-Maqbul
A hadith is called "al-maqbūl" (Arabic: ‫ال َمقبول‬, acceptable) when its chain of narrators is
not dependable, there is evidence on the basis of which scholars have accepted its content
and acted upon it.
Al-Nasikh and al-Mansukh
A hadith is called "al-mansūkh" (Arabic: ‫ال َمنسوخ‬, abrogated) when its content is overriden
by another hadith, which is called "al-nāsikh" (Arabic: ‫النّا ِسخ‬, abrogating).

REFERNCES
 https://rattilonline.com/types-of-hadith-in-islam/
 https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hadith
 http://ramadanforall.blogspot.com/2012/01/al-hadith.html
 http://www.quranreading.com/blog/types-of-hadith/
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadith
 https://www.slideshare.net/olycompk/hadith-ranking-type-of-hadith-in-islam
 https://geeska.yoo7.com/t25-topic
 https://www.thekhalids.org/hadith/565-the-definition-of-hadith-and-its-types
 https://www.islam.org.uk/hadith/types-of-hadith/
 https://en.wikishia.net/view/Types_of_Hadiths
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categories_of_Hadith
 (‫ حدیث (اقسام‬in Farsi WikiShia.
 Mahmūd Tahhān, Taysīr Mustalih al-Hadīth
 Sahih Al Bukhari
 https://islamonline.net/en/what-is-the-significance-of-hadith-in-islam/