Conditions for the Legitimacy of Al-Jarh wa al-Ta'deel

Abstract

This research presents an in-depth analysis of the science of "Al-Jarh wa alTa'deel" (Criticism and Praise of Narrators), which is considered the cornerstone of Hadith sciences and one of the most prominent methodological achievements unique to the Islamic civilization. The study defines this science as the critical methodology for evaluating Hadith narrators in terms of their 'Adalah' (religious and moral integrity) and 'Dabt' (accuracy in memory and transmission). This process aims to distinguish reliable narrators from weak and rejected ones, which forms the basis for determining the authenticity of Prophetic Hadiths. The research affirms the firmly rooted legitimacy of this science, drawing evidence from the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus. It clarifies that this practice is not a form of prohibited backbiting (Gheebah) but rather a religious necessity and duty that falls under the principles of "sincere advice to Muslims" and "warning against evil" to protect Islamic Law from distortion. It also highlights the profound ethical dimension that governed this discipline, as it was founded on rigorous principles of fairness, objectivity, detachment from personal and sectarian biases, and thorough verification before passing judgment. The study addresses the matter of balance and moderation, warning against the two extremes: excessive strictness in criticism, which could lead to the dismissal of authentic Hadiths, and excessive leniency in validation, which might permit weak narrations to be accepted. It emphasizes that the foremost scholars in this field adopted a moderate and balanced approach. Finally, the research outlines the meticulous qualifications required of a critic and examines the immense legacy of this science. This legacy is manifested in the purification of the Prophetic Sunnah, the establishment of unwavering confidence in its sources, and the enrichment of the Islamic library with a vast, unparalleled heritage of biographical dictionaries (known as 'Ilm alRijal) that have become a benchmark for historical documentation and criticism.