Aṣ-Ṣiḥāḥu ʾS-Sittah (الصحاح الستة)
Definition
Aṣ-Ṣiḥāḥu ʾS-Sittah (الصحاح الستة), also referred to as al-Kutubu ʾs-Sittah (الكتب الستة), translates to “The Six Correct (Books)” in English. These collections are considered the six most authentic and authoritative sets of Hadith (traditions) by Sunni Muslims.
Etymology
- Arabic: Aṣ-Ṣiḥāḥu ʾS-Sittah (الصحاح الستة)
- Turkish: Sahih-i Sitte
The Six Books
The title Aṣ-Ṣiḥāḥu ʾS-Sittah covers the following six collections:
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Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (صحيح البخاري)
- Scholar: Abū ʿAbdi ʾllāh Muḥammad ibn Ismāʿīl al-Bukhārī
- Born: A.H. 194
- Died: A.H. 256
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Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (صحيح مسلم)
- Scholar: Abū ʾl-Ḥusain Muslim ibn al-Ḥajjāj al-Qushairī
- Born: A.H. 204
- Died: A.H. 261
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Sunan al-Tirmidhī (سنن الترمذي)
- Scholar: Abū ʿĪsā Muḥammad ibn ʿĪsā ʾl-Tirmiẓī
- Born: A.H. 209
- Died: A.H. 279
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Sunan Abū Dāwūd (سنن أبي داود)
- Scholar: Abū Dāʾūd Sulaimān ibn Ashʿas̤ as-Sijistānī
- Born: A.H. 202
- Died: A.H. 275
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Sunan an-Nasāʾī (سنن النسائي)
- Scholar: Abū ʿAbdi ʾr-Raḥmān Aḥmad ibn Shuʿaib an-Nasāʾī
- Born: A.H. 215
- Died: A.H. 303
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Sunan Ibn Mājah (سنن ابن ماجه)
- Scholar: Abū ʿAbdi ʾllāh Muḥammad ibn Yazīd, ibn Mājah al-Qazwīnī
- Born: A.H. 209
- Died: A.H. 273
Alternative Collection
An alternative text that sometimes replaces Sunan Ibn Mājah in the list is:
- Muwattaʾ of Mālik (موطأ الإمام مالك)
- Scholar: Abū ʿAbdi ʾllāh Mālik ibn Anas ibn Mālik ibn Abī ʿĀmir ibn ʿAmr ibn al-Ḥāris̤ al-Aṣbaḥī al-Ḥimyarī
- Born: A.H. 95
- Died: A.H. 179
Importance in Sunni Islam
Among these collections, the works of al-Bukhārī and Muslim are held in the highest esteem and are collectively referred to as aṣ-Ṣaḥīḥān (الصحيحان), meaning “the two authentic (books).” Although Muwat̤ṭaʾ of Mālik is ancient and highly respected, it is sometimes excluded from the list by the Ḥanafīs due to Mālik’s association with a specific school of Islamic jurisprudence.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Introduction to the Hadith” by Abd al-Hadi al-Fadli
- “Studies in Hadith Methodology and Literature” by Muhammad Mustafa Azmi
- “The Authority of Sunnah” by Muhammad Taqi Usmani
- “An Introduction to the Science of Hadith” by Suhaib Hasan
- “The History of the Quranic Text and Hadith” by Muhammad Mustafa al-Aʿzami
Key Takeaways
- Aṣ-Ṣiḥāḥu ʾS-Sittah represents the six most trusted Hadith collections in Sunni Islam.
- Al-Bukhārī and Muslim are the most highly regarded among these collections.
- The term “aṣ-Ṣaḥīḥān” is used exclusively for the collections of Bukhārī and Muslim.
- These texts are fundamental for the understanding of Islamic law, theology, and daily practices among Sunni Muslims.
Conclusion
Aṣ-Ṣiḥāḥu ʾS-Sittah is a cornerstone of Sunni Islamic scholarship, embodying the most trusted collections of Prophet Muhammad’s traditions. Understanding these texts is crucial for comprehending Islamic law and theology, enriching the spiritual and intellectual life of Sunni Muslims. For those interested in deepening their knowledge, the suggested books provide an excellent starting point.
