Isnad إِسْنَاد

The chain of narrators through whom a hadith reached the one who recorded it, going back to the Prophet.

Arabic: إِسْنَاد
Transliteration: Isnad
Meaning: Chain of narrators
Topic: Hadith

About Isnad

The isnad is what allowed hadith scholars to study each narrator's life, honesty and memory. A famous saying among early scholars is that the isnad is part of the religion. Checking it is the first step in grading a report.

See also

Matn مَتْن — Text of a hadith
Sahih صَحِيح — Authentic hadith
Hadith حَدِيث — Report of the Prophet's words and deeds
Da'if ضَعِيف — Weak hadith

These entries are general, mainstream explanations for learning. Where scholars differ, this is noted. For rulings and personal questions, please ask a qualified scholar.