New terms in the science of hadith in the fifteenth century AH: a critical study

Abstract

The science of Ḥadīth in the fifteenth century AH has witnessed significant developments, most notably the emergence of new terminologies that were not present in classical ḥadīth literature. This academic study critically investigates these newly coined terms in light of the established methodological principles of ḥadīth studies. The research aims to catalog these emerging terms, analyze the contexts of their emergence, and evaluate their consistency with the foundational concepts and objectives of traditional ḥadīth criticism. A descriptive, comparative, and critical approach was employed to identify and assess the most prominent terminologies that have gained traction in contemporary ḥadīth circles. The study finds that while some new terms reflect a positive methodological evolution that supports the aims of ḥadīth criticism, others appear ambiguous or deviate from scholarly rigor, warranting further critical review. The research concludes that modern terminologies in ḥadīth studies should be regulated in alignment with classical traditions, while maintaining a thoughtful openness to contemporary scholarly needs.