A Textbook of Hadith Studies: Authenticity, Compilation, Classification and Criticism of Hadith

by Mohammad Hashim Kamali

A Textbook of Hadith Studies provides an academic introduction to the Hadith, or the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, which are second only to the Qur'an (Koran) in their authoritativeness within Islamic tradition. Suitable for university courses and all serious students of Islam, the topics surveyed include Hadith methodology, Hadith literature, the history of Hadith compilation and documentation, and the methods of Hadith criticism (al-jarh wa al-ta'dil) and classification.

Mohammad Hashim Kamali, born in Afghanistan in 1944, was a professor of Islamic Law and Jurisprudence at the International Islamic University in Malaysia, and dean of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) from 1985–2007. He is currently chairman and CEO of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, Malaysia. He is also on the international advisory boards of eleven academic journals published in Malaysia, the United States, Canada, Kuwait, India, Australia, and Pakistan. Professor Kamali has addressed over 120 national and international conferences, and has published sixteen books and over 110 academic articles. His books include The Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, Freedom of Expression in Islam, and Islamic Commercial Law: An Analysis of Futures and Options.

Genres: Islam, Religion

257 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2005

About the author

Mohammad Hashim Kamali, B. A., Law & Political Science, Kabul University, 1965

LLM., Comparative Law, University of London, 1972, Ph.D., University of London. 1976

Current Position: Founding Chairman & Cheif Excecutive Officer, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia.

Date and Place of Birth: 7 February 1944, Lalpur, Nangarhar, Afghanistan.

Nationality: Afghan and Canadian, Permanent Resident of Malaysia as of 3 April 2003

Marital Status: Married - have two children born in 1976 and 1979 respectively

Reviews

[zaydzayn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are total beginner in hadith studies, this book is good. It gives you a brief idea and summary of what the branches of hadith studies are. Maybe a better title for the book is "An introduction to hadith studies". I won't call this book a "textbook". However, i think the "flow" of the book isn't that good. It jumps here and there from chapter to chapter. There really isn't a continuation between each chapter. But, all in all, i think this is a good introductory book.

[Nazerul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book can be approached with a basic understanding of Hadith and the methodologies used by classical muslim scholars in classification and codification of the vast Hadith corpus. The writer explains the varying degree of Hadith authenticity clearly and succinctly without adopting the dogmatic voice of clerics.

The chapters of the book could be better arranged as some topics reappear in another form elsewhere in the book. The chapter on Hadith criticism and reevaluation of the existing corpus of Hadith literature is a much needed breath of fresh air that could lead to the slow reformation of muslim thought and relationship with a body of literature complied and codified centuries after the death of the founder of the Islamic faith.

[Y Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introductory book to Hadith studies.

[Younes Gul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely written. The book conveys us to investigate hadith and not blindly accept anything we hear, even from an Imam or Scholar. And even if the hadith is stated "sahih".

[Abū'l-Layth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this when it was first published. I think it was required text for a hadith class taught Jamal Zarabozo.