The School of Hadith trains scholars in the rigorous sciences of Prophetic traditions. Students study the chains of transmission (Isnad), hadith criticism (Jarh wa Ta'dil), the major hadith collections, and the principles of Mustalah al-Hadith. This school upholds the highest standards of scholarly verification, ensuring that the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ is understood, preserved, and applied with integrity and care.
An entry-level course covering the foundational disciplines of Mustalah al-Hadith (Hadith terminology and methodology). Topics include the classification of Hadith by authenticity (Sahih, Hasan, Da'if), the history of Hadith compilation, and an overview of the six major collections (Kutub al-Sittah). Students also study the significance of the Isnad system.
A dedicated study of selections from Sahih al-Bukhari, the most rigorously authenticated collection of Prophetic Hadith. Students examine the Isnad and Matn (text) of selected narrations, study Imam al-Bukhari's methodology and chapter headings (Tarajim al-Abwab), and explore the jurisprudential implications of key Hadith. Classical commentary works (Shuruh) are used throughout.
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.
Shaykh Shavkat
Sh. Shavkat Sayed is an alumnus of Al-Azhar University, where he earned his degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies, complemented by traditional certifications (ijazah) in Quranic recitation (Hafs 'an 'Asim) under Dr. Mustafa Khattab with whom he contributed to the Clear Quran translation project. Additionally, he is credentialed in Hanbali jurisprudence (Fiqh), theology (Aqidah), Islamic legal theory (Usul), and Hadith studies through acquiring ijazahs from distinguished scholars.