Numerical Abundance and Its Role in Establishing Hadith Authenticity « A Foundational and Analytical Study

Abstract

This research addresses the issue of al-‘adad (numerical quantity) in ḥadīth transmission, one of the intricate topics in ‘ilm al-ḥadīth (the science of ḥadīth) due to its direct impact on classifying aḥādīth as mutawātir (mass-transmitted) or āḥād (solitary), and consequently, on the acceptance or rejection of reports. In modern times, the question of numerical quantity has become a subject of debate, as some contemporary writers have stipulated tawātur (recurrent mass transmission) and large numbers as conditions for accepting the Sunnah, necessitating a scholarly, foundational study that clarifies the methodology of muḥaddithūn (ḥadīth scholars) in dealing with numerical criteria.

This research sought to establish the correct understanding of al-‘adad according to ahl al-ḥadīth (the scholars of ḥadīth) by demonstrating that the criteria for acceptance are based on ‘adālah (integrity) and ḍabṭ (precision in transmission) rather than the multiplicity of transmission chains. The study emphasized that a large number of narrators is not a prerequisite for validating a ḥadīth; rather, the reliability and precision of a single narrator suffice, as in the case of khabar al-āḥād (solitary reports). The researcher examined the stance of the Qur’an and Sunnah on the concept of numerical quantity, highlighting the miraculous nature of the Prophetic Sunnah in encompassing all aspects of Islamic law despite its seemingly limited numerical transmission. Additionally, the study reviewed scholarly opinions on the number of aḥādīth that have reached us and refuted those who insist on numerical abundance as a condition for accepting reports.

The research employed inductive, analytical, and critical methodologies, concluding that numerical quantity is not a criterion for the authority (ḥujjiyyah) of a narration. Rather, the decisive factors are the qualities of the transmitter. The study underscores the importance of adhering to the meticulous critical methodology established by the imams of ḥadīth, particularly in light of contemporary doubts aimed at undermining the authority of the Prophetic Sunnah. The research affirms that the criteria for accepting narrations are thiqah (trustworthiness) and ḍabṭ (precision), not the number of narrators. Abundance does not necessarily indicate authenticity, nor does scarcity imply weakness. Moreover, the texts of the Sunnah comprehensively cover all aspects of legislation despite their limited number—a testament to divine preservation and effective transmission. The study also asserts that requiring large numbers is an unfounded rationalistic innovation (bid‘ah ‘aqliyyah), unsupported by textual or rational evidence.

The researcher recommended raising awareness of the muḥaddithūn’s methodology among students and researchers, as well as conducting parallel studies addressing contemporary doubts about the authority of the Sunnah from other perspectives.