Books of Hadith (Siyasittah)

Explore the six major collections of Hadith in Islam, their significance, and additional insights into weak Hadith and Mutawatir narrations.

Table of Contents

What is the Hadith?

An Introduction

The Hadith are the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

They serve as a crucial source of Islamic knowledge, second only to the Quran. Below is a brief overview of the six major books of Hadith, known as Siyasittah, which hold a significant place in Islamic tradition.

Sahih al-Bukhari

Significance and Content

Sahih al-Bukhari is regarded as the most authentic collection of Hadith, compiled by Imam Bukhari. It includes over 7,000 narrations, all meticulously verified for authenticity.

Sahih Muslim

Significance and Content

Compiled by Imam Muslim, this collection is also highly authentic and complements Sahih al-Bukhari, providing a detailed understanding of Islamic teachings.

Sunan an-Nasa'i

Focus and Content

Compiled by Imam an-Nasa'i, this collection emphasizes Islamic worship and rulings relevant to daily life.

Sunan Abu Dawood

Focus and Content

Imam Abu Dawood’s collection focuses on Islamic jurisprudence and legal rulings, making it an essential resource for scholars of fiqh.

Sunan al-Tirmidhi

Uniqueness

Compiled by Imam Tirmidhi, this book includes unique narrations and commentary on the reliability of the chains of transmission.

Sunan ibn Majah

Significance

The work of Imam Ibn Majah, this collection contains narrations not found in other books, making it an important source for scholars.

Quick Facts
  • The six books are collectively called Siyasittah.
  • Each book focuses on different aspects of Islamic teachings.
  • Mutawatir Hadith are beyond dispute in authenticity.
Did You Know?

Imam Bukhari spent 16 years compiling his collection, ensuring every narration met strict criteria for authenticity.

Weak Hadith

Weak Hadith are narrations with defects in the chain of transmission or the text itself. They are generally not used for legal rulings but may be cited for virtues if no authentic Hadith is available.

Mutawatir Narrations

Mutawatir narrations are those reported by a large number of Sahabis through an unbroken chain. These Hadith are considered indisputably authentic and hold the highest degree of reliability.