Contrary to popular opinion, the bulk of Islamic law does not come from the Qur’an but rather from hadith, first-hand reports of the prophet Muhammad’s words and deeds, passed from generation to generation. However, with varying accounts often only committed to paper a century after the death of Muhammad, Islamic scholars, past and present, have been faced with complex questions of historical authenticity.
Informative and accessible, this wide-ranging introduction provides a detailed exploration of the collection and criticism of hadith and examines the controversy surrounding its role in modern Islam. Complete with a glossary, extensive bibliography, and helpful diagrams, Hadith: An Introduction is perfectly suited to students, scholars, and the general reader interested in this critical element of Islam.
By:
Jonathan A.C. Brown
Imprint: One World
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions:
Height: 225mm,
Width: 146mm,
Spine: 26mm
ISBN: 9781786073075
ISBN 10: 1786073072
Series: The Foundations of Islam
Pages: 368
Publication Date: 01 February 2018
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Preface to the Revised Edition Preface Acknowledgments Conventions, Abbreviations, and Transliteration 1 The Prophet’s Words Then and Now: Hadith and Its Terminology 2 The Transmission and Collection of Prophetic Traditions 3 The Methods and History of Hadith Criticism 4 Prophetic Traditions in Shiite Islam 5 The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Islamic Law and Legal Theory 6 The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Theology 7 The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Sufism 8 The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Politics 9 The Authenticity Question: Western Debates over the Historical Reliability of Prophetic Traditions 10 Debates over Prophetic Traditions in the Modern Muslim World 11 Conclusion Glossary Bibliography Index
Jonathan A. C. Brown is Associate Professor and Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization at Georgetown University. He is the author of Misquoting Muhammad, which is also published by Oneworld. He lives in Washington, DC.
Reviews for Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World
`A must read and a great read. The combination of impeccable, critical scholarship with a storyteller's style has produced an introductory volume that is both substantive and remarkably engaging.' -- John L. Esposito, Founding Director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University `A comprehensive study of the scholarship throughout Islamic history dealing with the Traditions of the Prophet. A synthesis of critical analysis and informed understanding that presents a significant new perspective on a much-debated subject.' -- John O. Voll, Professor Emeritus of Islamic History, Georgetown University
