Hadith Criticism & 'Ilm al-Rijal

Course Description

An advanced study of the science of narrator criticism (Jarh wa Ta'dil) and the biographical evaluation of Hadith transmitters ('Ilm al-Rijal). Students learn the terminology of praise and criticism used by classical critics, study major biographical dictionaries, and practise evaluating Isnad chains. The course addresses the historical development of Rijal literature and its continuing relevance.

What You'll Learn

• Apply the terminology of Jarh wa Ta'dil to evaluate narrators in Isnad chains
• Navigate major Rijal reference works including Tahdhib al-Tahdhib and Mizan al-Itidal
• Conduct an independent Isnad analysis of a Hadith report using Rijal methodology
• Discuss the debates among classical scholars regarding the principles of narrator criticism

Week by Week Breakdown