The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 14
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 14 authenticity is evidently established by both methods, one cannot vest full confidence in it. The first method is of Riwāyat 1. In other words, the objective is to test the external testimonies of the instance which has been narrated. Hence the purpose is to determine whether the channel through which the narration has reached us is adequately reliable or not. The second method is of Dirāyat 2. In other words, the objective is to put to trial the internal testimonies of the instance that has been narrated. That is, irrespective of the channel through which the narration has reached us, whether the instance in itself and on the basis of its environment, can be presumed to be true and authentic. Therefore, in order to audit the validity of all narrations as well as historical documentation, these two fundamental principles were invented by the Muslims. The Muslims have followed these principles since the advent of Islām. On the basis of these two fundamental principles, many terms and conditions worthy of consideration have been specified. The most common of these terms are mentioned below. In accordance with the principles of Riwāyat , the following terms have been deemed most significant: 1. The narrator should be well-known. 2. The narrator should be truthful in speech and honest. 3. The narrator should possess the ability to comprehend and rationalize. 4. The narrator should possess a sound memory. 5. The narrator should not be one to habitually exaggerate, summarize or sway original reports in any way. 6. The narrator should not have a personal interest in the narration that is related, lest one may categorize the narrator as biased. 7. The encounter of two narrators who come after one another must be acceptable, based on their time periods and circumstances. 8. All the links of the narration should be fully preserved and no narrator should be missing from the top, middle or bottom. 9. As per the above mentioned characteristics, the solidity of any narration increases with an increase in the credibility and trustworthiness of its narrators. 10. In the same manner, the strength and authenticity of a narration 1 Narration (Publishers) 2 Rationalization (Publishers)