Hadith Essentials: 18 MCQs with answers

Speech or report

Linguistically, 'Hadith' means speech, report, or narrative. In Islamic terminology, it refers to the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Hadith/Sunnah

The Quran is the primary source, and Hadith/Sunnah is the second primary source. Ijma and Qiyas are secondary sources derived from the primary ones.

Sahih al-Bukhari

Sahih al-Bukhari is the most revered Hadith collection, but Al-Muwatta and Sunan Abu Dawood are also famous. The question asks for 'a famous collection', so any of these would be correct, but the option 'All of the above' is not correct because the question implies a single answer. However, since the instruction is to…

True

The consensus of Muslims is that the Quran is the first source, and the Sunnah/Hadith is the second primary source for Islamic legislation.

False

The Sanad is the chain of narrators, not the text. The text is called the Matn.

Fiqh (jurisprudence)

The two main components of a Hadith are the Sanad/Isnad (chain of narrators) and the Matn (text). Fiqh is Islamic jurisprudence, which is derived from sources including Hadith, but it is not a component of a Hadith itself.

The chain of narrators transmitting the report

Sanad (or Isnad) is the chain of narrators that connects the text of the Hadith back to the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is crucial for verifying authenticity.

The text or content of the report

Matn is the actual text of the Hadith, containing the words, actions, or approvals attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him).

The practices, sayings, and approvals of the Prophet

Sunnah is a broader term that encompasses the Prophet's sayings, actions, tacit approvals, and characteristics. Hadith is the record of these, so Sunnah is often used interchangeably but has a wider scope.

"And obey the Messenger" (Quran 4:59)

The Quran commands obedience to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in several verses, such as 4:59, which establishes the authority of his Sunnah as a source of guidance.

Authentic, with a continuous chain of reliable narrators

Sahih (authentic) Hadith meets strict criteria: continuous chain, narrators of proven integrity and accuracy, and absence of irregularities or hidden defects.

A scholar who specializes in Hadith

A Muhaddith is a scholar of Hadith, expert in the science of narration, criticism, and collection.

The chain of transmission

Isnād is the chain of narrators, synonymous with Sanad. It is the backbone of Hadith authenticity.

Sunan Ibn Majah

Sunan Ibn Majah is one of the six major Hadith collections, but it is not a 'Sahih' collection like Bukhari and Muslim. The question asks for NOT one of the Sahih collections, so Sunan Ibn Majah is correct.

A report or narration, often used synonymously with Hadith

Khabar literally means 'news' or 'report'. In Hadith sciences, it is often used interchangeably with Hadith, though some scholars distinguish it as a report from someone other than the Prophet.

Narrations from the Companions or the Prophet

Athar (trace, effect) is commonly used for narrations from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) or the Prophet (peace be upon him), though some use it for any report.

The chain must be continuous

A continuous chain (ittisal) is a fundamental condition for Sahih. Narrators must be of proven integrity and accuracy, but being Muslim is not enough; they must be trustworthy and precise. Length and fame are not conditions.

A Hadith reported by many narrators at each level, making it certain

Mutawatir is a Hadith reported by such a large number of narrators at every level that it is impossible for them to have agreed upon a lie. It yields certain knowledge.