Distinguish between sahih, hassan & daif from "summary" of An Introduction to the Science of the Ḥadīth by ʻUt̲mān Ibn-Ṣalāḥ-ad-Dīn Ibn-aṣ-Ṣalāḥ aš-Šahrazūrī,Ibn al-Shahrazuri
Sahih, hassan, and daif are three classifications of hadith used in traditional Islamic scholarship. Sahih is considered to be the most reliable, while hassan and daif are more uncertain and varied in their levels of reliability.- The standard criteria used to distinguish between sahih, hasan and daif Hadith includes checking for the validity and reliability of a narration's chain of narrators, analysis of the language and syntax used within the narration, and comparison of the content to other ahadith.
- Sahih is a term used for a kind of Hadith which is deemed reliable by scholars according to standard criteria. It is described as one that contains a valid chain of authorities all the way up to the Prophet and does not contain any abnormalities in regards to words or discrepancies of other ahadith.
- Daif is a hadith that fails to meet the required conditions of authenticity or is unverified because of an unknown narrator or similar issues. Statements made based on such hadiths are weak though not invalid and require further examination.
- While giving preference to sahih and hasan ahadith over daif ones, Islam holds absolute respect for both types of narrations as long as they do not clash with the Quran or established principles laid in it.
- Scholars may also assess whether they deem additional evidence such as reasoning and personal opinions are necessary to support the authenticity of each kind of hadith.
- Sahih Hadith, in particular, carry great importance and are taken as credible even when challenging opinions of prominent individuals due to their direct nature.
- Hasan is a type of hadith that is considered partially reliable, with some minor flaws in its chain of narrators. The accuracy remains reliable, however, and many statements can still be supported through this category.
- Depending on the legal school adopted, Ulama differ in regarding how sahih, hassan and daif ahadith should be treated in law-making and fatwas.
- Before making any decisions or acting upon information stated in a hadith, Muslims are encouraged to take utmost care in assessing the seriousness of its authenticity.
