In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

Etiquettes of the Muhaddith

By Shaykh Dr. Mahmood at-Tahhaan (teacher and principle of Hadith and its sciences program in the University of Kuwait) 

These etiquettes can be found in the shaykh’s book entitled, “Tayseer Mustalah al-Hadith” under Fasl Thaani: Adaab ar-Riwaayah. The shaykh said,

Occupying oneself with hadith is from the most virtuous ways of becoming closer to Allah the Most High and the most noblest of deeds. Therefore, it is imperative for one who busies himself with spreading hadith among the people to adorn the most excellent character, have high moral standards, and be a truthful example for those who he teaches. He implements what he knows firstly before commanding others.

The Muhaddith should adorn himself by:

1. Rectifying his intentions and being sincere.

Also, cleansing his heart from desiring the worldly life, like having love for leadership or fame.

2. Making his biggest concern to propagate hadith, conveying the statements of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and seeking abundant reward from Allah.

3. Not narrating in the presence of those who precede him in age or knowledge.

4.Guiding those who ask him something about hadith to one who is more knowledgeable (than him), if he knows there is someone present.

5. Holding gatherings for dictating and teaching hadith. For indeed, that is the highest level of narrating.

What is strongly recommended to do if there are sittings for dictating hadith:

1. (He should) purify/perfume himself, and groom the beard.

2. Sit with dignity and reverence in order to glorify the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

3. Give his attention to everyone present in the lecture and do not give special attention to someone over the other.

4. Open and close his sitting with praising Allah the Most High, sending the Salah upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), and (any other) du’aa that is befitting at that time.

5. End the dictation with stories and anecdotes in order to liven the hearts and expel boredom.

Most famous collections about this subject:

1. “al-Jaami’ liAkhlaaq ar-Raawi”, “Adaab as-Saami’” by al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadi

2. “Jaami’ Bayyaan al-’Ilm wa Fadlihi” by Ibn ‘Abdil Barr

Translated by: Abu Awzaa’ee AbdusSalaam

الفقير الى الله