ISL532 Usul al Hadith: Methodology in Prophetic Narrations (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject addresses the place of hadith in Islamic scholarship and the methodology of evaluating critically the authenticity of hadith narrations, as well as their classification in canonical texts. The Prophet Muhammad’s sayings, actions and his approvals as reported by his companions have been collected separately as multi-volume hadith books. Collection of hadith books, their classification and authentication has been an integral part of Islamic scholarship. This subject will also cover the history of development of the science of hadith critique from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (7th century) to the 10th century of Islamic scholarship.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

Session 1
Distance *	United Theological College

*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ISL532

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to articulate critically the difference between hadith and Sunnah
be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the different phases in the collating of hadith literature in the first three centuries of Islam
be able to critically discuss the methods used to classify hadith
be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding and skill in the appreciation of methods for critical analysis of hadith
be able to differentiate critically the level of authenticity between hadith narrations

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

Distinction between hadith and Sunnah
Ulum al Hadith - The Science of Hadith Studies
Identification phase of hadith
Collection phase of hadith
Classification phase of hadith
Six canonical hadith collections
Refinement phase of hadith
Definitions of hadith classifications
Content analysis of hadith
Critical analysis of chains of transmission (sanad)
Methods in transmission of Hadith from master to student
Criteria for hadith critique
Qualification criteria for hadith narrators

Residential School

This subject contains a optional 2 day residential school.

The purpose of the optional residential school is to provide an opportunity for exploration of the overall coursework covered. In addition to content review, this part of the course aims to facilitate an interactive session between the teaching academics and students.

Students will be involved in small group discussion, lectures, visual presentations and one-on-one sessions with the subject coordinator and lecturers to address any issues that may arise. Material and summary content covered in this session will be a valuable contribution towards the major assessment tasks.

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