علوم حدیث میں تساہل: اسباب اور صحت حدیث پر اثرات –ایک تحقیقی مطالعہ

Concept of Leniency in Hadith Sciences: Causes and its Impact on the Authenticity of Hadith – A Research Study

Abstract

In the science of Hadith, Tasaahul (leniency) is a significant term that plays a vital role in understanding the differences of opinion among Hadith scholars regarding the authenticity and weakness of narrations. When examining the chain of transmission (isnaad) or the text (matn) of a Hadith, one often finds considerable variation in scholarly judgments. A major reason for this is the differing temperaments of scholars in the field of jarh wa ta‘deel (criticism and accreditation of narrators)—some adopting a more lenient stance, while others are stricter in their evaluations. Based on this, Hadith scholars are commonly categorized into three groups: the strict (mutashaddid), the moderate (mu‘tadil), and the lenient (mutasaahil). These differences are rooted in scholarly ijtihad (independent reasoning), and are influenced by their academic standards, methodological inclinations, and approaches to Hadith criticism. Certain scholars, such as Imam al-Tirmidhi, al-Hakim, and al-Bayhaqi, are considered lenient, while others like Shu'bah ibn Hajjaj and Yahya ibn Saeed are known for their strictness. The presence of such variation reflects the depth and complexity of the principles used to authenticate or weaken Hadiths. Since the practice of lenience in hadith can sometimes conflict with the principles and rules adopted by the scholars of hadit, a detailed and critical study of this concept is essential. Such a study should aim to clarify the true nature of Tasaahul, explore its underlying causes, and assess its impact on the authenticity of Hadith. This research will not only aid in the classification of Hadiths but also provide intellectual clarity and reassurance to students and researchers of Hadith.