Introduction to the science of Hadith

The author in this book confirms that the value of the prophetic heritage does not appear only in being a practical statement of the Noble Quran, but understanding how the message of Islam spread, and the different jurisprudential, doctrinal, spiritual, and cultural aspects of Islamic civilization, requires studying that heritage from the beginning. Therefore, interest in the science of Hadith is not just engagement with a technical methodological science, but it is an essential entry point to understanding Islam and the Islamic society. Consequently, the author does not limit himself to introducing the concepts of the science of Hadith terminology and its determinants, but adds a historical and applied reading in jurisprudence, fundamentals, creed, Sufism, and politics. The author dedicated a whole chapter to the question of reliability raised by Orientalist writings that cast doubt on the trustworthiness of the prophetic Hadiths. He also discusses the ongoing debate about the prophetic Hadith in the modern Islamic world. This makes this book a unique approach, comprehensive in its chapters, and distinguished from traditional introductory books on this science. Jonathan Brown: Professor of Islamic Studies and Chair of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University, and holds the Prince Waleed bin Talal Chair for Islamic Civilization at the same university. He has several publications on the prophetic Hadith, the history of Islam, and issues of jurisprudence and legal reform, combining the study of Islamic heritage with the analysis of contemporary issues.