Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/73

52 I. With reference to the character of those who have handed down the tradition :—

(1) Hadís-i-Sahíh, a genuine tradition, is one which has been handed down by truly pious persons who have been distinguished for their integrity.

(2) Hadís-i-Hasan, a mediocre tradition, is one the narrators of which do not approach in moral excellence to those of the Sahíh class.

(3) Hadís-i-Zʾaíf, a weak tradition, is one whose narrators are of questionable authority.

The disputed claims of narrators to these three classes have proved a fruitful source of learned discussion, and very numerous are the works written upon the subject.

II. With reference to the original relators of the Hadís:—

(1) Hadís-i-Marfuʾ, an exalted tradition, is a saying, or an act, related or performed by