Methodology of Hadith: Lesson Nine

The Author: Abu Abdurrahman Ahmad ibn Shu'ayb ibn 'Ali

• Born in the year 215 AH.
• Significant figure in Hadith scholarship known for his works and contributions to Islamic theology.

Name of the Book

• 'Al-Mujtabaa': Considered the more accurate title of the work.
• Other names include 'As-Sunan as-Sughraa' and 'Al-Mujtanaa'.
• The book is also referred to as 'As-Sahih.
• Scholarly debate exists on authorship: some believe it was compiled by an-Nasaai while others attribute it to his student, ibn us-Sunni.
• Manuscripts provide evidence supporting an-Nasaai as the compiler, with ibn us-Sunni acting as a narrator rather than the author.

Subject Matter

• The work is a compilation of jurisprudential ahadith from The Prophet Muhammad.
• Condensed from the larger compilation, highlighting essential teachings and legal rulings.

Reason for the Compilation

• Initially compiled a more extensive work titled 'As-Sunan al-Kubraa'.
• The need arose to synthesize the content into a more accessible version, leading to the creation of 'Al-Mujtaba'.