5
Hadiths
Textbook: pp. 25–32
GoalKnow the structure of a hadith (sanad and matn) and understand the lessons of good conduct in hadiths.
New words
chain of narrators (who said it) · sanadtext, the content · matncompanion of the Prophet · sahobafollower of the companions · tobein
Explanation
A hadith is a report of what the Prophet Muhammad said, did or approved; in Islam it is the second sacred source after the Qur’an. Each hadith has two parts: the sanad shows who passed it on and from whom, and the matn is the content itself. The Prophet’s companions are called sahoba, and their followers tobein. The hadiths in the textbook teach good conduct: greeting people you know and do not know, controlling anger, respecting parents (with special attention to the mother), caring for orphans and valuing learning. We study them here as moral lessons for life.
Worked examples
Example: the part “so-and-so heard from so-and-so …” is the sanad; the advice that follows is the matn.
Example: calling a person who controls anger a “true wrestler” means strength is also in self-control, not only in fists (a figurative thought).
Class activity
Table: write “Hadith” in your notebook, draw two columns – “Sanad” and “Matn” – and define each in your own words.
Practice
1
How many parts does a hadith have and what are they called?
Two parts: sanad and matn.
2
What does the sanad show?
Who passed it on and from whom.
3
Name two conduct themes from the hadiths in the textbook.
For example: greeting others and respecting parents.
4
Why is a person who controls anger called a “wrestler”?
Because overcoming oneself is harder and greater than physical strength.