Wisdom of The Holy Prophet — Page 4
4 WISDOM OF THE HOLY PROPHET through example. What the Holy Prophet said and did in exposition and illustration of the guidance contained in the Quran is available in compilations which are collectively known as Hadith, or Traditions. These began to be compiled shortly after the demise of the Holy Prophet through a painstaking and laborious pr:ocess of critical sifting and testing. The compilers of Hadith carefully tested the veracity and reliability of each narrator and transmitter in the chain of transmission of a Hadith. If a compiler found that a single narrator in the chain of transmission was of doubtful ver acity, or reliability, in respect of memory, intelligence or character, his testimony was rejected imd the Hadith was discarded. A further and even more rigid and discrimin ating test was that each Hadith must be in conformity with the Holy Quran, the Word of Allah. The Holy Prophet had adomnished that nothing could be attributed to him which was in any way in conflict with the Holy Quran. There are six principal collections of Hadith which are regarded by the main body of Orthodox Islam as authentic or Sahih, namely, the compilations of Imams Bokhari. Mus lim, Tirmizi, Ibne Maja, Ibne Daud and Nasai. Some others, for instance, the Muatta of Imam Malik, and the Musnad ,of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal rank almost as high. There are many others of varying degrees of authenticity. It will thus be seen that the material available is vol luminous which in itself is proof of the devotion, loyalty and zeal inspired by the personality and example of the Holy Prophet. This was bound to be so and the passage of nearly fourteen centuries has not in any manner detracted from the deep devotion that pulsates tltrough the heart of every Muslim towards the beloved personality of the Holy Prophet. The Word of Allah bears testimony: "We have sent thee not but as a m<!rcy for the worlds" (21: 107).