Hadith: Muhammad's Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World

by Jonathan A.C. Brown

Overview

Contrary to popular opinion, the bulk of Islamic law does not come from the Quran but 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.

In this wide-ranging introduction, Jonathan A. C. Brown explores the collection and criticism of hadith, and the controversy surrounding its role in modern Islam. This edition, revised and updated with additional case studies and attention to the very latest scholarship, also features a new chapter on how hadiths have been used politically, both historically and in the Arab Spring and its aftermath. Informative and accessible, it is perfectly suited to students, scholars and general readers interested in this critical element of Islam.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786073075
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	12/12/2017
Series:	The Foundations of Islam
Edition description:	2nd Edition
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	682,122
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.80(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Jonathan A.C. Brown is Professor and Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He is the author of Slavery & Islam, Misquoting Muhammad and Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World, all of which are published by Oneworld. He lives in Virginia.

Table of Contents

Illustrations viii

Preface to the Revised Edition ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xii

Conventions, Abbreviations, and Transliteration xiv

1 The Prophet's Words Then and Now: Hadith and Its Terminology 1

2 The Transmission and Collection of Prophetic Traditions 16

3 The Methods and History of Hadith Criticism 69

4 Prophetic Traditions in Shiite Islam 135

5 The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Islamic Law and Legal Theory 162

6 The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Theology 185

7 The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Sufism 196

8 The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Politics 210

9 The Authenticity Question: Western Debates over the Historical Reliability of Prophetic Traditions 226

10 Debates over Prophetic Traditions in the Modern Muslim World 277

11 Conclusion 308

Glossary 316

Bibliography 322

Index 338

Editorial Reviews

‘Far surpasses all previous introductory surveys. It is especially distinguished by its attention to hadith scholarship throughout the Middle Ages, not just the age of the great collectors.’

Christopher Melchert

‘A must read and a great read. The combination of impeccable, critical scholarship with a storyteller’s style has produced an introductory volume that is both substantive and remarkably engaging.’

John L. Esposito

‘Both erudite and highly readable... Jonathan Brown’s remarkably learned, engaging, and wide-ranging book will certainly find favor with students of all levels, but it is also accessible to educated lay readers and offers a fruitful read for specialists.’

International Journal of Middle East Studies

‘A comprehensive study of the scholarship throughout Islamic history dealing with the traditions of the Prophet. A combination of critical analysis and informed understanding that presents a significant new perspective on a much-debated subject.’

John O. Voll

‘It is impossible to understand the Islamic tradition without getting some knowledge of the sciences of hadith. In this fascinating introduction, Jonathan A. C. Brown provides the reader with the necessary means to navigate between the traditional framework and contemporary issues. A brilliant essay written by a widely-acknowledged scholar in the field.’

Tariq Ramadan

‘This work is, in my opinion, without parallel in the English language. Stunning in its scope, it enables one to grasp a highly complex subject in well-written and clear prose. The knowledge of Islam is of utmost importance today, and this book bridges a yawning gap in our access to that knowledge in English. It’s essential reading for any serious student of Islam limited by language.’

Hamza Yusuf Hanson