Muslim Ibn al-Hajjaj: The Scholar Behind Sahih Muslim§
Muslim Ibn al-Hajjaj (more commonly known as al-Qushayri) was a pivotal figure in the preservation and authentication of hadith, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Born in 821 CE, his work culminated in the creation of Sahih Muslim, one of the most authoritative collections of hadith recognized in Sunni Islam.
Etymology and Background§
- Etymology: The name “Muslim” means one who submits to God, while “Ibn al-Hajjaj” indicates “son of the pilgrim.”
- Historical Background: Born in Nishapur, Greater Khorasan (modern-day Iran), Muslim traveled extensively in pursuit of hadith scholarship.
- Role in Hadith Science: Muslim distinguished himself as a rigorous scholar with stringent criteria for hadith authenticity, contributing significantly to the science of Ilm al-Rijal (study of hadith transmitters).
Historical Facts & Cultural Context§
- Inception of Sahih Muslim: Officially completed and broadly recognized by 875 CE, the collection stands as part of the esteemed Kutub al-Sittah (The Six Authentic Books) in Sunni tradition.
- Categorization of Hadith:
- Authentic reports transmitted by reliable and scholarly individuals.
- Reports by less scholarly but upright individuals.
- Suspect reports due to fabrication or error.
- Areas Addressed: Sahih Muslim contains over 7,000 hadiths covering faith, rituals, personal status, business transactions, crime and punishment, eschatology, and the characteristics of Muhammad and his companions.
Cultural Differences and Similarities§
- Sunni vs Shia Traditions: While Sahih Muslim is revered in Sunni Islam, Shia Islam ascribes higher authority to different collections such as Al-Kafi and fewer uses Sahih Muslim directly.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms§
- Synonyms: Hadith Scholar, Muhaddith
- Antonyms: Fabricator, False Narrator
- Related Terms:
- Ilm al-Hadith: Science of hadith,
- Sahih al-Bukhari: Another canonical hadith collection.
- Kutub al-Sittah: The Six Authentic Books
Exciting Facts§
- Wide Acceptance: Sahih Muslim is second only to Sahih al-Bukhari in terms of authenticity within Sunni Islam.
- Texts in Translation: Sahih Muslim has been translated into many languages, including English, Urdu, and Persian, making its teachings accessible globally.
Quotations from Notable Writers§
- Nawawi: “The scholars have admired the sake of Sahih Muslim, setting it alongside Sahih al-Bukhari, and described it as one closely approaching in authenticity to the former.” (Commentary on Sahih Muslim)
- Ibn Taymiyyah: “The compilation of Muslim is more stringent in comparison to his counterparts concerning the transmission chains.”
Literature and Further References§
- Essential Readings:
- “The Science of Hadith”: A guide to understanding hadith classification and significance.
- “Sahih Muslim” - Annotated: Translations with comprehensive commentary.
- “Studies in Hadith Methodology and Literature”: By M.M. Azami.
Thought-provoking Farewell§
May the study of Sahih Muslim enrich one’s understanding of the depth and rigor of Islamic scholarship and bring light to the timeless traditions that shape faith and practice.
