Ḥadīth - Classification Based on Original Relators

Islamic tradition places immense importance on the Ḥadīth (حديث‎), records of the sayings, actions, and endorsements of the Prophet Muhammad. These traditions serve as a source of Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and guidance second only to the Qur’an. With reference to the original relators, Ḥadīth are classified as Ḥadīth al-Marfūʿ, Ḥadīth al-Mauqūf, and Ḥadīth al-Maqṭūʿ, each reflecting varying levels of association with the Prophet Muhammad directly or indirectly through his Companions and Followers.

Etymology

• Ḥadīth (حديث‎): Derived from the Arabic root “ḥ-d-th” (ح د ث), meaning “to report,” “to happen,” or “new.”
• Marfūʿ (مرفوع‎): Means “elevated” or “lifted,” implying its direct association with the Prophet Muhammad.
• Mauqūf (موقوف‎): Denotes “stopped” or “restricted,” referring to the Companions’ sayings or deeds.
• Maqṭūʿ (مقطوع‎): Means “cut off,” implying it comes from the Successors (Tābiʿūn), not from the Prophet or his Companions directly.

Types of Ḥadīth Based on Relators

1. Ḥadīth al-Marfūʿ (حديث مرفوع)

Definition: Also known as an exalted tradition, Ḥadīth al-Marfūʿ comprises sayings, actions, or approvals explicitly attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. It’s deemed the most authoritative type of Ḥadīth due to its direct connection with the Prophet.

Significance: This category of Ḥadīth is crucial for understanding the prophetic Sunnah, guiding Muslims in their beliefs and practices.

Example: “The Prophet said, ‘Actions are judged by intentions’…”

Arabic Translation: حديث مرفوع

Turkish Translation: Yüceltilmiş Hadis

2. Ḥadīth al-Mauqūf (حديث موقوف)

Definition: Known as a restricted tradition, Ḥadīth al-Mauqūf consists of sayings, actions, or approvals attributed to the aṣḥāb (أصحاب‎), the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad. These are significant but hold a lower status than Ḥadīth al-Marfūʿ.

Significance: It reflects the practices and interpretations of the immediate followers of the Prophet, offering insights into the early community’s understanding and implementation of Islamic principles.

Example: A statement by a Companion such as, “Umar said, ‘Do not cut the hand of the thief for less than a quarter of a dinar.’”

Arabic Translation: حديث موقوف

Turkish Translation: Durdurulmuş Hadis

3. Ḥadīth al-Maqṭūʿ (حديث مقطوع)

Definition: Known as an intersected tradition, Ḥadīth al-Maqṭūʿ includes sayings, actions, or approvals from the Tābiʿūn (تابعون‎), who were the Followers of the Companions. This classification is the least authoritative due to its indirect link to the Prophet.

Significance: Despite its lower rank, it contributes valuable context and understanding of how Islamic teachings were interpreted and practiced by second-generation Muslims.

Example: A statement by a Follower such as, “Al-Hasan al-Basri said, ‘The heart of the believer is like a bird.’”

Arabic Translation: حديث مقطوع

Turkish Translation: Kesilmiş Hadis

Suggested Books for Further Study

• “Introduction to Ḥadīth” by Abdul Wahhab ibn Nasir Al-Thabt and Emad Hamdeh.
• “Studies in Early Ḥadīth Literature” by Muhammad Mustafa al-Azami.
• “The Canonization of al-Bukhāri and Muslim: The Formation and Function of the Sunni Ḥadīth Canon” by Jonathan Brown.
• “Ḥadīth: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World” by Jonathan A.C. Brown.

Takeaways

Understanding the classifications of the Ḥadīth helps Muslims and scholars differentiate the levels of authority and the contexts in which these narrations were transmitted. This knowledge is vital for interpreting Islamic law, theology, and ethics.

Conclusion

The study of Ḥadīth classification with respect to the original relators underscores the profound structure and methodology within Islamic scholarship. By categorizing Ḥadīth into Marfūʿ, Mauqūf, and Maqṭūʿ, scholars can delineate the weight and origin of each narration, thereby preserving the teachings and legacy of Islam in the most authentic manner.