Contrary to popular opinion, the bulk of Islamic law does not come from the Qur'an but rather from hadith, first-hand reports of the prophet Muhammad's words and deeds, passed from generation to generation. However, with varying accounts often only committed to paper a century after the death of Muhammad, Islamic scholars, past and present, have been faced with complex questions of historical authenticity. Informative and accessible, this wide-ranging introduction provides a detailed exploration of the collection and criticism of hadith and examines the controversy surrounding its role in modern Islam. Complete with a glossary, extensive bibliography, and helpful diagrams, "Hadith: An Introduction" is perfectly suited to students, scholars, and the general reader interested in this critical element of Islam. $c From back cover.

"A Oneworld book"--T.p. verso.

The Prophet's words then and now: hadith and its terminology -- $t The transmission and collection of prophetic traditions -- $t The methods and history of Hadith criticism -- $t Prophetic traditions in Shiite Islam -- $t The function of prophetic traditions in Islamic law and legal theory -- $t The function of prophetic traditions in theology -- $t The function of prophetic traditions in Sufism -- $t The authenticity question: Western debates over the historical reliability of prophetic traditions -- $t Debates over prophetic traditions in the modern Muslim world -- $t Conclusion.