hadith agree that a hadith is authentic, it can only be true. Each of these two groups employs both evident and subtle forms of reasoning to establish its conclusions, through which those thoroughly versed in this field can be recognized. Allah, the Most High, inspires them to reach the correct judgment in this matter, as the scriptural proofs indicate and as practical experience has shown. For Allah has inscribed faith in their hearts and strengthened them with a spirit from Him, because they were sincere in their allegiance to Allah and His Messenger and in their opposition to those who turn away from Him.

The Most High said:

“You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers, their sons, their brothers, or their kindred. Those are the ones in whose hearts He has inscribed faith and whom He has strengthened with a spirit from Him.”

Those versed in the knowledge transmitted from the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, uphold these principles more fully than anyone else. In Allah’s cause, none of them fears a critic’s reproach, nor do formidable hardships turn them away from Allah’s path. Rather, each speaks the truth even when it tells against him, and speaks critically of those dearest to him, acting upon the words of the Most High:

“O you who believe, stand firmly for justice as witnesses for Allah, even against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah has a greater claim upon both. So do not follow your desires, lest you depart from justice. If you distort your testimony or refuse to give it, Allah is indeed fully aware of what you do.”

And His words:

“O you who believe, stand firmly for Allah as witnesses in justice, and do not let hatred of a people lead you to be unjust. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is fully aware of what you do.”

Their commendable efforts and worthy work in assessing transmitters’ reliability and flaws, and in judging hadiths weak or authentic, have helped preserve the religion and protect it from the fabricators’ inventions. They occupy different levels in this work: some confine themselves to transmission and narration alone; others possess knowledge of hadith and expertise in its critical study; and others have a deep understanding of it and knowledge of its meanings.