Matn مَتْن

The text of a hadith, meaning the wording of what the Prophet said or did, as distinct from its chain.

Arabic
مَتْن
Transliteration
Matn
Meaning
Text of a hadith
Topic
Hadith

About Matn

Hadith scholars examine the matn as well as the isnad, checking that it does not contradict the Quran, stronger reports or established facts. A report can have a sound chain and still be judged flawed because of its text. The reader of a collection will find the chain first and then the matn.

See also

  • Isnad إِسْنَاد — Chain of narrators
  • Hadith حَدِيث — Report of the Prophet's words and deeds
  • Sahih صَحِيح — Authentic hadith
  • 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.