Chapter Four: The Ṣaḥīḥ, the Ḥasan, and the Ḍaʿīf

The fundamental divisions of hadith are three. At the top stands the Ṣaḥīḥ, at the bottom the Ḍaʿīf, with the Ḥasan occupying the middle rank. Every other category that has been mentioned ultimately falls under one of these three.

The Ṣaḥīḥ

A hadith is deemed Ṣaḥīḥ (sound) when it is established by the transmission of an upright narrator of consummate precision, and when it is free from both hidden defects and irregularity.

Ṣaḥīḥ in and of Itself

If these qualities are present in their fullest and most perfect form, the hadith is Ṣaḥīḥ in and of itself.

Ṣaḥīḥ through External Corroboration