Ebook: Hadith: Muhammad's legacy in the medieval and modern world

The Prophet's Words Then and Now: Hadith and Its Terminology -- The Transmission and Collection of Prophetic Traditions -- The Methods and History of Hadith Criticism -- Prophetic Traditions in Shiite Islam -- The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Islamic Law and Legal Theory -- The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Theology -- The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Sufism -- The Function of Prophetic Traditions in Politics -- The Authenticity Question: Western Debates over the Historical Reliability of Prophetic Traditions -- Debates over Prophetic Traditions in the Modern Muslim World -- Conclusion.;"Contrary to popular opinion, the bulk of Islamic law does not come from the Qur'an but rather from hadith, first-hand reports of the prophet Muhammad's words and deeds, passed from generation to generation. However, with varying accounts often only committed to paper a century after the death of Muhammad, Islamic scholars, past and present, have been faced with complex questions of historical authenticity. Informative and accessible, this wide-ranging introduction provides a detailed exploration of the collection and criticism of hadith and examines the controversy surrounding its role in modern Islam. Complete with a glossary, extensive bibliography, and helpful diagrams, Hadith: An Introduction is perfectly suited to students, scholars, and the general reader interested in this critical element of Islam."--Publisher.