Sahih Ibn Hibbaan on Hadith Methodology

Author and Work

• Abu Haatim Muhammad ibn Hibbaan ibn Ahmad al-Tameerni al-Busti, known as Ibn Hibbaan, was born in 354 AH.
• The book is titled Al-Musnad al-Sahih 'ala al-Taqaaseem wa la Thuboot Jarh fi Naaqilihaa wa al-Anwaa' min ghair Wujood.

Conditions for Inclusion of Ahaadith

• Focused on authentic haadith; only included narrations meeting five specific conditions:
  • Al-'Adaala: Integrity in religion.
  • As-Siqd: Truthfulness in reporting hadith.
  • Al-'Aql: Basic knowledge of their narrations.
  • Understanding the meanings of their narrations.
  • Not considered to be Mudaliseen (deceptive narrators).

Methodology

• Introduced the book with a clear rationale and outlined his methodology and other relevant issues in hadith science.

Organization of Ahaadith

• Divided the content into five main sections:
  • Al-Awaamir: Commands.
  • An-Nawaahi: Prohibitions.
  • Al-Akhbaar: Narrations.
  • Al-Mubaahaat: Permissibles.
  • Afaal un-Nabi: Actions of the Prophet.
• Each section is further divided into sub-sections for clarity.

Method of Mentioning Ahaadeeth

• Structured presentation: sub-section followed by related issues (Masaail) and included the most authentic hadith for each.
• Typically only one hadith was mentioned per masala, ensuring focus and clarity.
• Provided complete mutoon (text of the hadith) without unnecessary repetition.
• Repeated hadiths only if there was an addition or supporting evidence.

Divisions in His Book

• The book is systematically categorized:
  • Orders (الأوامر)
  • Prohibitions (نواهي)
  • News (الأخبار)
  • Permissibles (المباحات)
  • Actions of the Prophet (أفعال النبي)

Extracting Rulings

• Organized into chapters to facilitate understanding and memorization.
• Unfortunately, this structure led to confusion for some readers, contrary to its intended clarity.