In-depth Analysis on the Methodology of Sanad and MatanCriticisms: The Perspective of Hadith Scholars

Abstract

Knowledge on the classification (Mustalah) and sciences (‘Ulum) of the Hadith that has long existed is the platform for religious scholars to debate the preservation and safeguarding of the originality and authenticity of the Prophet’s SAW Hadith. The topic is to determine whether to accept or reject the circumstances surrounding the chain of narrators (Sanad) and the text of the Hadith (Matan). The evaluation of a Hadith is made based on the Sanad and Matan criticisms. What is the relationship between these two aspects and to what degree does the role and significance of these two aspects affect the evaluation of a Hadith, notwithstanding the criteria needed by parties that intend to evaluate the Hadith? Hence, these are some of the questions that reflect the issues in this article. This brief study on the writings by experts in the field has produced a few latent points that can be summarised as; the criticisms of the Sanad and Matan had begun since the time of the Prophet’s SAW companions although criticisms on the Matan took preference and dominance due to the need at that moment in time. In the context of evaluating the Hadith, both these aspects need to be jointly criticized and not in a separate context. At times, the Hadith might have been authenticated based on the Sanad, nevertheless criticism of the Matan would still be initiated to ascertain that the text of the Hadith is safe from contradictory facts or void of any hidden flaws.