The Role of Jarḥ and Taʿdīl in Evaluating Hadith Authenticity and Preserving the Prophetic Tradition

Abstract

The preservation and safeguarding of the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), following the Qur’an, has been among the most significant challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah. The science of Jarḥ (discrediting) and Taʿdīl (accrediting) has played a pivotal role as a key instrument in this endeavor. This study aims to examine and analyze the function of the science of Jarḥ wa Taʿdīl in verifying the authenticity or falsity of Hadiths and the role of narrators in preserving the Prophetic tradition. The research follows a descriptive-analytical method and gathers and analyzes data through the study of legal and Hadith sources. The findings demonstrate that Jarḥ as a form of negative criticism and Taʿdīl as positive validation of narrators offer rigorous and scholarly criteria for assessing the reliability of narrations. Thus, this science has had a significant impact on refining the Hadith corpus and ensuring its authenticity. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of scholars and Hadith specialists in formulating the principles of Jarḥ wa Taʿdīl and their role in safeguarding the Prophetic legacy. Ultimately, the study concludes that a profound understanding and proper application of the science of Jarḥ wa Taʿdīl is among the most essential means to ensure the soundness of Hadiths and the accurate transmission of the Prophet’s message (peace be upon him) to future generations.