Mustalah Hadith - Science of Hadith

Allah sent down the Qur’an and the Hikmah, which is the Sunnah, as complete sources of guidance, leading scholars of hadith to establish principles to verify and classify narrations under the discipline of Muṣṭalaḥ al-Ḥadīth. This science enables Muslims to determine which hadith are accepted and which are rejected by studying a concise text by Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn that explains the principles of hadith authentication.

Taught by Shaykh Abdulwahid Stephenson, the course focuses on exploring the foundations of hadith terminology, understanding the methodology behind authenticating prophetic narrations, and appreciating the scholarly safeguards put in place to preserve Islam’s teachings.

Students will learn:

• The importance of the Sunnah as a source of guidance alongside the Qur’an

• The foundations and principles of Muṣṭalaḥ al-Ḥadīth

• The classifications of hadith, such as ṣaḥīḥ, ḥasan, and ḍaʿīf, and their significance

• How scholars verify and authenticate narrations

• The approach to identifying weak or fabricated hadith

• An understanding of Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn’s methodical explanation of hadith principles

This course is ideal for students of knowledge and anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the science of hadith and its vital role in preserving Islam’s teachings.