Introduction to Hadith

Occasion for presenting this book:

4^th of Rabi‘ al-Thani, the birth of the noble descendant of Imam Hassan (as), al-Sayyid ‘Abd al-‘Azim al-Hasani as one of the greatest narrators of Shia hadiths

Book Bibliographic Details:

Author: Abd al-Hadi al-Fadli, Al-Shahid al-Thani

Translator: Nazmina Virjee

Publisher: ‎ ICAS Press

Length: 248 pages

Language: English

ISBN: 978-1904063049

Publication date: 26 April 2002

About the Authors:

The book is primarily authored by Abd al-Hadi al-Fadli, a renowned 20th-century Iraqi scholar and jurist. Born in Basra, he was a distinguished student of prominent figures such as Ayatollah Baqir al-Sadr. His writings are known for their clarity and accessibility, making complex Islamic sciences understandable to a wider audience. He spent his life teaching in both traditional Islamic seminaries (hawzah) and modern universities, which is reflected in his methodical approach to the subject of hadith. His work provides a modern framework for understanding hadith studies, particularly from a contemporary Shi’a perspective.

The second author is Al-Shahid al-Thani (The Second Martyr), a celebrated 16th-century Lebanese jurist and scholar. His full name was Zayn al-Din al-Juba’i al-‘Amili. He is revered in Shi’a Islam for his vast knowledge, having studied with both Shi’a and Sunni scholars across the Islamic world. His martyrdom, along with that of Al-Shahid al-Awwal, gave him the title of “the Second Martyr.” He wrote a seminal work on hadith studies called Dirayat al-Hadith, which is considered the first comprehensive text on the subject in the Shi’a tradition. Al-Fadli’s book, “Introduction to Hadith,” includes a full translation of Al-Shahid al-Thani’s classic work, making it accessible to a new generation of readers and highlighting the historical foundation of modern Shi’a hadith scholarship.

About the Book:

Introduction to Hadith is a foundational text that provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methodology of hadith studies within the Shia tradition. The book serves as a bridge between traditional and modern scholarship. It systematically explains the different categories of hadith, the criteria for evaluating the reliability of narrators (‘ilm al-rijal), and the rules for understanding and applying hadith texts. By including a full translation of Al-Shahid al-Thani’s seminal work, Dirayat al-Hadith, alongside modern commentary, the book offers a unique blend of historical depth and contemporary analysis, making it an essential guide for students seeking to understand the science of hadith.

Where to find it:

You can find the book at one of the online bookstores below:

• Shia Books Australia
• Waterstones
• co.uk
• Google Books
• Amazon