Narrational & Contextual Knowledge; Meaning and Historical Background
علم الروایہ والدرايۃ٬ مفہوم اور تاریخی پس منظر
Abstract
Hadith and Science of Hadith are the terms used by specialists of Hadith known as Mohaditeen. A hadith is a recorded statement, action or approval of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). It is considered as the second primary source of Islamic law after Quran. It is also a part of revelation. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) described it through his words. The science of hadith examplifies the principles with which a specialist in the field of Hadith evaluates the authenticity and accuracy of narrations. In the past there were two specific and developmental stages for the Books of Hadith terminology. In its 1st stage, the Scholars focused on the compilation of the statements of earlier scholars, quoting the expressions they had used without evaluating those terms or suggesting terms applicable to those expressions. This methodology was adopted by the earlier scholars such as Yaḥyā ibn Ma`īn, `Alī ibn al-Madīnī, Muslim ibn al-Ḥajjāj, and Al – Tirmidi. In the second period the Authors cited the quoted statements of the earlier works and began the collection and codification of relevant terms. In this period, the specific Principles were established. Examples of books authored in this manner are: Ma`rifah `Ulūm al-Ḥadīth by al-Ḥākim, Al-Kifāyah by al-Khaṭīb alBaghdādī and the Introduction of Ibn al-Ṣalāḥ. In this article the two major types of science of Hadith have been mentioned, Rewayat-ul-Hadith and Derayat-ulHadith. Its definition and historical background has been described.
