Hadith Terminologies
Types of Hadith Based on Number of Narrators
Mutawatir (Mass-transmitted):
The hadith which fulfills the four conditions of Mutawatir:
SB (a) EB It is narrated by a large number of narrators.
SB (b) EB Human intellect and custom consider it impossible for them to lie.
SB (c) EB This abundance exists in every generation of the chain from the era of prophethood until the time of the compiler of the book.
SB (d) EB The hadith relates to human observation or hearing.
Note: A group of narrators who have heard the hadith from one or more teachers is called a "generation" (Tabaqah).
SB (a) EB It is narrated by a large number of narrators.
SB (b) EB Human intellect and custom consider it impossible for them to lie.
SB (c) EB This abundance exists in every generation of the chain from the era of prophethood until the time of the compiler of the book.
SB (d) EB The hadith relates to human observation or hearing.
Note: A group of narrators who have heard the hadith from one or more teachers is called a "generation" (Tabaqah).
Khabar al-Wahid (Solitary Report):
The hadith which does not fulfill the conditions of Mutawatir.
There are four types of Ahad (single) hadith:
➊ Mashhoor (well-known)
➋ Mustafiz
➌ Aziz
➍ Gharib
There are four types of Ahad (single) hadith:
➊ Mashhoor (well-known)
➋ Mustafiz
➌ Aziz
➍ Gharib
Mashhur (Well-known):
The hadith in which the number of narrators in each generation is more than two but not equal, e.g., three narrators in one generation, four in another, and five in another.
SB Another definition of Mashhoor hadith: EB Mashhoor hadith is one narrated by at least three narrators in every generation. Hadiths with more than three narrators are also called Mashhoor as long as they do not reach the level of Mutawatir.
SB Warning: EB Being Mashhoor is not a proof of authenticity; sometimes false reports also become famous.
SB Second warning: EB Generally, a Mashhoor narration is understood as one known by most people, for example: "Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China."
SB Another definition of Mashhoor hadith: EB Mashhoor hadith is one narrated by at least three narrators in every generation. Hadiths with more than three narrators are also called Mashhoor as long as they do not reach the level of Mutawatir.
SB Warning: EB Being Mashhoor is not a proof of authenticity; sometimes false reports also become famous.
SB Second warning: EB Generally, a Mashhoor narration is understood as one known by most people, for example: "Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China."
Mustafid (Well-circulated):
The hadith in which narrators in every generation are more than two and equal in number, or the number of narrators in the beginning and end of the chain are equal.
Aziz (Rare, with two narrators at every level):
The Hadith whose narrators in any generation are only two.
Gharib (Strange or singular):
The Hadith narrated by only one narrator in a certain generation. If that narrator is a Sahabi (Companion) or Tabi‘i (Follower), it is called "Ghareeb Mutlaq" (Absolute Ghareeb), and if the narrator is someone else, it is called "Ghareeb Nisbi" (Relative Ghareeb).
Note SR: ER Among the above types, Mutawatir Hadith is true to the level of certain knowledge (Ilm al-Yaqin). Other types can be acceptable or rejected.
Another definition of Ghareeb Hadith: Ghareeb Hadith is one in which only one narrator remains in any generation of the chain (Sanad).
Warning: Usually people consider Ghareeb narration weak, but this is not true; Ghareeb narrations can be authentic or weak.
Note SR: ER Among the above types, Mutawatir Hadith is true to the level of certain knowledge (Ilm al-Yaqin). Other types can be acceptable or rejected.
Another definition of Ghareeb Hadith: Ghareeb Hadith is one in which only one narrator remains in any generation of the chain (Sanad).
Warning: Usually people consider Ghareeb narration weak, but this is not true; Ghareeb narrations can be authentic or weak.
