KHABAR-I-WĀḤID (خبر واحد)
Definition and Context
KHABAR-I-WĀḤID (Arabic: خبر واحد, Turkish: Tek Haber) refers to a singular report or a tradition narrated by a single individual and transmitted through a single chain of narrators. This term is significant in the realm of Hadith studies and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), where the authenticity, credibility, and application of Hadith are methodically assessed.
Etymology
- Arabic: خبر واحد (Khabar-i-Wāḥid)
- خبر (Khabar): “news,” “report,” or “information.”
- واحد (Wāḥid): “one,” “single.”
The term literally means “a single report.”
Usage in Islamic Tradition
-
Hadith Classification: In the science of Hadith, KHABAR-I-WĀḤID denotes a Hadith that has been reported by only one narrator at each stage in its chain of transmission (isnad). This makes it different from mutawatir Hadiths, which are reported by numerous narrators.
-
Implications for Jurisprudence: While KHABAR-I-WĀḤID can be used in deriving legal rulings, it doesn’t carry the same weight as mutawatir Hadith due to its solitary transmission chain. However, when supported by contextual evidence or corroborated by other Hadiths, it can still warrant significant influence.
Critical Analysis in Islamic Scholarship
Islamic scholars evaluate KHABAR-I-WĀḤID meticulously:
- Sanad (Chain of Narrators): The reliability and integrity of each narrator in the isnad are scrutinized.
- Matn (Content of the Report): The content is critically assessed to ensure it does not contradict established Islamic principles or other authenticated narrations.
Books for Further Study
For those interested in delving deeper into this topic, the following books offer valuable insights:
- “Introduction to the Science of Hadith” by Ibn al-Salah
- “Mustalah al-Hadith” by Mahmud al-Tahhan
- “Studies in Early Hadith Literature” by Muhammad Mustafa al-A’zami
- “An Introduction to the Hadith” by John Burton
Key Takeaways
- KHABAR-I-WĀḤID refers to a solitary Hadith report in Islamic tradition.
- It plays a crucial role in Islamic jurisprudence although it is considered less authoritative than widely transmitted (mutawatir) Hadith.
- Rigorous examination of both the narrators and the content is essential for its acceptance and application in legal rulings.
Conclusion
KHABAR-I-WĀḤID is a significant yet nuanced element of Hadith studies within Islamic tradition. Its critical assessment by scholars underscores the intricate balance between reliance on individual narratives and the overarching quest for authentic transmission in Islamic jurisprudence.
Understanding the principles behind KHABAR-I-WĀḤID enriches one’s comprehension of the complexity and meticulousness involved in the authentication of Islamic traditions.
