Explain the criteria for determining the authenticity of Hadith.

Criteria for determining the authenticity of Hadith

Muslim scholars of Hadith (Muhaddithun) developed a rigorous science ('Ilm Mustalah al-Hadith) to test whether a reported saying, action or approval of the Prophet (S.A.W.) is genuine. A sound (Sahih) Hadith must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Continuity of the chain (Ittisal as-Sanad): The chain of narrators (isnad) must be unbroken from the last reporter right back to the Prophet, with each narrator having actually received it from the one before him.
2. Integrity/uprightness of narrators ('Adalah): Every narrator must be a Muslim of sound moral character, truthful, pious, and free from open sinfulness or lying.
3. Accuracy and retentive memory (Dabt): Each narrator must be known for precise memory or careful written preservation, so that the wording and meaning are not distorted.
4. Freedom from hidden defect ('Illah): The Hadith must be free of any subtle flaw in its chain or text that a specialist would detect.
5. Freedom from irregularity (Shudhudh): A trustworthy narrator must not contradict what other, more reliable narrators reported; a lone report opposing stronger ones is rejected.
6. Agreement with the Qur'an and established Sunnah: The content (matn) must not contradict the clear teachings of the Qur'an, authentic Sunnah, reason, or established historical fact.

A Hadith meeting all these conditions is graded Sahih; one falling slightly short in memory is Hasan; and one failing a major condition is Da'if (weak).