A Textbook of Hadith Studies

A Textbook of Hadith Studies is an authoritative book on Hadith criticism, classification, compilation and authenticity. It provides a wide-ranging coverage of Hadith methodology and literature for intermediate and advanced levels of study.

Hadith Studies in the title refer mainly to hadith methodology and criteria that seek to verify accuracy of the text and authenticity of hadith. Authors and scholars of hadith sometimes use usul al-hadith to refer to this subject but 'ulum al-hadith is more favoured and has become more common. Prof. Mohammad Hashim Kamali prefers to use the simple and generic term 'hadith studies' and utilise both 'ulum al-hadith and usul al-hadith as its Arabic variants. See the chapter on hadith terminologies which introduces key hadith terms that will help the reader to navigate through various chapters.

This textbook selectively covers most of the important topics of 'ulum al-hadith. It includes methods and principles hadith scholars have formulated for verifying the authenticity of hadith and accuracy of its message. Some of the topics covered are:

• Reception, delivery and documentation of hadith
• Hadith terminologies
• Hadith forgery
• Hadith criticism
• Hadith defects
• Conflicts in hadith
• Abrogation
• Hadith classification
• Prerequisites of authenticity
• And more

A Textbook of Hadith Studies is aimed at intermediate and advanced levels of study. So some basic knowledge of 'ulum al-hadith (principles or sciences of hadith) will help to better understand some of the topics discussed. The book is targeted at those who are interested in Hadith, Islamic law, History and classical Islamic intellectual tradition.

Dr. Asiah Yaacob, International Islamic University, Malaysia:

Professor Dr. Mohammad Hashim Kamali jas quenched the thirst of those who yearn for such a work. The book covers all the salient features of hadith studies and is presented in a challenging style... One novel feature of the book is Kamali's reform proposal, which is appended together with the conclusion. Most of his concerns are genuine... it is an essential reference work. I am sure that students and teachers alike will benefit immensely from Kamali's scholarly discourse.