it had been authentically reported from him that it was not forbidden. There are other similar examples. All of this falls within the meaning of hadith and is the subject of hadith scholarship, which seeks only what can serve as evidence in religious matters: his words, actions, or tacit approvals.

This may also include some accounts of him and aspects of his life before prophethood, such as his devotions in the Cave of Hirā and his exemplary conduct. Such accounts reveal the noble character and admirable deeds that distinguished him before prophethood, as expressed in Khadījah’s words to him:

“Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You maintain ties of kinship, bear the burdens of the helpless, entertain guests, provide for the destitute, and help others meet rightful needs in times of adversity.”

Likewise, this includes knowing that he was unlettered, neither writing nor reading, and that no learned person had compiled anything comparable, although he was known for truthfulness and trustworthiness. Other such information provides evidence about his circumstances that helps establish his prophethood and truthfulness. These matters are therefore of considerable use in demonstrating the proofs of prophethood. For this reason, such accounts appear in books about his life, alongside his lineage, relatives, and other information through which his circumstances become known. This, too, may fall within the meaning of hadith.

The books containing accounts of him include works of Quranic commentary, works on his life and military expeditions, and collections of hadith. Hadith collections are more particularly concerned with what occurred after prophethood, although they also contain accounts of events before prophethood. Those earlier events are not recounted so that his conduct before prophethood should be adopted and prescribed as religious practice. Rather, Muslims unanimously agree that what