Hadith

Dr. Maurice Bucaille has brought out many books and articles on the subject of the veracity of the Qur’an. He has proved by scientific argument that the Qur’an is the Book of God.

He does not, however, place the Hadith on the same plane as the Qur’an. Expressing his doubts regarding the authenticity of the hadith, he holds that some traditions are authentic, but that others are either dubious, or should be rejected outright. (p. 243)

Imam Muslim ibn al Hajjaj of Nishapuri belonged to the Qushayri tribe of Arabia, which played an important part in Islamic history. Many of his clan members had been the Prophet’s companions.

Muhammad ibn Ismail al Bukhari was born in Bukhara. Bukhari’s grandfather Mughira was the first in his family to have converted to Islam from Zoroastrianism. Bukhari’s father was a traditionist, but he died when Bukhari was just an infant. After his father’s death, Bukhari’s mother brought him to Makkah from Bukhara.

Sihah al Sitta or the ‘six correct books’ is the name given to six collections of Hadith, which are considered standard and most authentic by all Muslims. These are:

1.  Sahih of Muhammad bin Ismail al Bukhari (d.236 A.H.) His Sahih is considered to be next to the Quran in authenticity.

2.  Sahih of Muslim bin Qushairi (d.261 A.H.). His Sahih is the next most important collection of hadith.

3.  Sunan of Ibn Majah (d.275 A.H.).