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In plain terms
Isnad
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An isnad is the chain of narrators reporting a hadith back to the Prophet Muhammad. Scholars examine each name for honesty, memory, and plausible contact with the next narrator. A strong isnad and a weak one can carry identical wording.
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Related terms
Hadith
A hadith is a report of something the Prophet Muhammad said, did, or approved of. It passes down through a chain of narrators, called an isnad. Scholars grade each hadith's…
Sahih
Sahih describes a hadith judged authentic. Its chain of narrators is unbroken and reliable, and its wording doesn't contradict stronger evidence. It is the highest of the…
Da'if
Da'if describes a hadith judged weak, because of a gap or an unreliable narrator somewhere in its chain. Scholars differ on how, or whether, a da'if hadith may still be used. A…