Modernists And Hadith Rejecters by Sajid A. Kayum

A Response to Doubts raised by
on the science of hadeeth verification
Maulana Mawdudi expounds his views extensively on hadeeth and
the science of hadeeth verification in his book Tafhimaat (vol.1,
p.359–362 / Islamic Publications Limited, Lahore 2000 CE). Under
the heading, 'Maslak-e-Eitidaal (The Moderate Position)', he says,
“…Rather our intention is to clarify that those (the
Muhadditheen) who have criticized or praised individuals
were after all human. They too had human weaknesses. Is it
necessary that those whom they have declared as
trustworthy were trustworthy beyond doubt and
trustworthy in all their narrations… Moreover, to accurately
ascertain each individual's memory, good intention and
self-restrain, etc., is further difficult…
It is due to this and similar reasons that the knowledge of
isnad, Jarh and Ta'deel cannot be considered correct in its
entirety. This material is reliable to the extent that it helps in
the research of Prophet's Sunnah and Aathaar and it may be
given due consideration, but it is not of the status that it may
be relied upon completely.”
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