The first generation
Memory, transmission and written records
Companions preserved the Prophet’s words and actions by accompanying him and practising his teaching. Hadith, letters and records were also written with his permission, including the records of Abdullah ibn Amr.
Reports prohibiting writing other than the Quran and reports permitting writing must be read together. Scholars explained the prohibition in relation to circumstances such as the risk of mixing material with the Quran.
Compilation
Organised collection with continuing criticism
Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz ordered wider collection towards the end of the first Islamic century. Muwatta collections, musannafs, musnads, Sahih collections and Sunan followed.
Collection was never automatic acceptance. Scholars examined narrators, dates, routes and wordings. Each book has its own aims and criteria.
Read carefully
Boundaries of understanding and application
Not exclusively oralWritten records existed during the Prophet’s lifetime.
Not a second Quranic codexThe entire Sunnah was not gathered in one official volume during his lifetime.
Inclusion is not a gradeSome collections contain both accepted and weak reports.
Lesson summary
What to remember
- 1Memorisation and writing began early.
- 2Compilation expanded gradually.
- 3Each collection has a method.
- 4Criticism accompanied collection.
Quick questions
Was hadith written during the Prophet’s lifetime?+
Yes, in records, letters and writings made with his permission.
Is every narration in a musnad authentic?+
No. Check the compiler’s method and the judgments of hadith specialists.