Foundations of Hadith Science

This course introduces learners to the fundamental principles and terminology of ʿUlūm-L-Hadīth (Hadith Science), providing a structured foundation for understanding how Prophetic traditions are transmitted, evaluated, classified, and authenticated. Learners will explore key concepts including Isnād and Matn, Sahīh, Hasan and Daʿīf Hadith, narrators and their reliability, Hadith classification, and the basic principles of Hadith criticism. The course also introduces the major Hadith collections and the scholarly methods developed by Muslim scholars to preserve and assess the Prophetic tradition. Designed for beginners, the course equips learners with the essential vocabulary and conceptual framework needed to engage with Hadith literature more critically and confidently.