Hadith Books

Hadith books are collections of the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Along with the Quran, they are an important guide for Muslims. The six most authentic Hadith books are Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an-Nasa'i, and Sunan Ibn Majah. These books help Muslims understand how to follow the teachings of the Prophet SAW and are important for Islamic law (Sharia). They also preserve the Prophet’s guidance for future generations.

Hadith and Its Importance in Islam

After the Quran, Hadith is the most important guide in Islam. Hadith includes the sayings, actions, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His companions narrated them and they were later collected in book form.

Hadith is important because it shows how to follow the Quran. The Quran tells us to pray, fast, give charity, and perform Hajj. Hadith explains how to do these things correctly. Without Hadith, it is difficult to know the right way to follow Allah’s commands.

Types of Hadith

There are two main types of Hadith:

• Hadith Qudsi is when the Prophet (SAWW) narrated the Words of Allah.
• Hadith Sharif is the words, actions, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).

The Six Authentic Hadith Books

There are six main Hadith books considered most authentic by Muslims.

Sahih Bukhari

Compiled by Muhammad Al-Bukhari, this is the most trusted Hadith book for Sunni Muslims. It contains around 93 chapters. They cover prayers, fasting, Quranic revelations, stories of prophets, and Islamic guidance. The book is organized in a clear and precise manner.

Sahih Muslim

Compiled by Muslim Ibn Al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim is another very authentic book. It contains about 7,500 narrations of Hadith Qudsi and Hadith Sharif. It is respected by Sunni and Shia Muslims alike.

Jami at-Tirmidhi

Compiled by Imam Abu Isa Muhammad At-Tirmidhi, this book contains around 4,400 Hadith in 49 chapters. It teaches about Islamic laws, hunting, fasting, prayer methods, and descriptions of Paradise and Hell.

Sunan Abu Dawood

Compiled by Imam Abu Dawood Sulayman, this collection includes 5,274 Hadith across 43 books. It gives guidance on daily life, such as lost and found items, marriage, divorce, voluntary prayers, and Quran recitation practices.

Sunan An-Nasai

Compiled by Imam Ahmad an-Nasai, this book contains around 5,700 Hadith. It provides instructions on financial dealings, performing Ghusl (ritual bath), Eid prayers, Qibla directions, and more.

Sunan Ibn Majah

Compiled by Imam Muhammad bin Yazid Ibn Majah al-Qazvini, this book has 4,341 Hadith. It explains how to live according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), including guidance on blood money, property and wills, Jihad, food and drink, Azaan, funerals, and the rights of others.