Our Methodology

Transparent analysis process for scholarly scrutiny

Analysis Framework

Our hadith chain analysis methodology combines traditional Islamic scholarship principles with modern computational techniques. We strictly adhere to established rijāl (narrator criticism) methodologies from both Sunni and Shia traditions.

Classical Sources

Based on authoritative rijāl works and biographical dictionaries

Verified Data

Cross-referenced narrator information from multiple scholarly sources

Graded Output

Clear authenticity ratings based on traditional grading systems

Sunni Analysis Approach

Source Materials

  • •Tahdhīb al-Tahdhīb by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalānī
  • •Taqrīb al-Tahdhīb by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalānī
  • •Al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dīl by Ibn Abī Hātim
  • •Mīzān al-I'tidāl by al-Dhahabī
  • •Lisān al-Mīzān by Ibn Hajar

Grading System

Reliable (Thiqah)

Narrators with established trustworthiness and precision

Acceptable (Hasan)

Good narrators with minor criticism

Weak (Da'īf)

Narrators with significant reliability issues

Rejected (Matrūk)

Narrators deemed unreliable by scholars

Shia Analysis Approach

Source Materials

  • •Rijāl al-Najāshī by Ahmad al-Najāshī
  • •Al-Fihrist by al-Tūsī
  • •Rijāl al-Tūsī by al-Tūsī
  • •Rijāl Ibn al-Ghadā'irī
  • •Tanqīh al-Maqāl by al-Māmaqānī

Grading Categories

Reliable (Thiqah)

Trustworthy narrators according to Shia criteria

Good (Hasan)

Praiseworthy narrators with good reputation

Acceptable (Muwathaqqaq)

Indirectly authenticated narrators

Weak (Da'īf)

Criticized or unreliable narrators

Step-by-Step Process

1

Text Parsing

AI identifies and extracts narrator names from the hadith chain, handling both Arabic script and transliterations.

2

Narrator Identification

Each narrator is matched against our comprehensive database of rijāl biographical information.

3

Scholarly Assessment

Critical evaluations from classical scholars are compiled and analyzed for each narrator.

4

Grade Assignment

Based on scholarly consensus, each narrator receives appropriate reliability grades.

5

Chain Analysis

Overall chain strength is determined based on the weakest link principle and traditional rules.

Important Limitations

Automated Analysis: While our system is based on traditional scholarship, it cannot replace the nuanced judgment of qualified scholars.

Database Coverage: Our narrator database, while comprehensive, may not include every narrator mentioned in classical literature.

Scholarly Differences: Where scholars disagree on narrator reliability, we present multiple viewpoints rather than definitive judgments.

Context Sensitivity: Traditional hadith criticism considers factors beyond narrator reliability that our automated system may not fully capture.

Scholarly Consultation Recommended

This tool is designed to assist and expedite research, not replace traditional scholarship. For authoritative rulings and religious guidance, always consult qualified Islamic scholars.