This course provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the six primary hadith compilations, known as the Sahih Sittah (The Six Sahih) or the Kutub al-Sittah (The Six Books). Students will focus on the famous collections of Imams Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi.
It is said that Imam Bukhari prayed two raka’at (units of prayer) before deciding on a Chapter heading for his hadith, such importance did he place on the attribution. Alternatively, Imam Muslim chose not include any Chapter headings in his Sahih collection whatsoever. Those headings that we see in modern editions of the text were in fact added by Imam Nawawi – 4 Centuries after the completion of the book. The significance of these differences as well as crucial information regarding the ‘conditions’ of each author will be taught in this second part of the Bustan al-Muhaddithin series.
Upon successful completion, students should be able to:
- Understand the spiritual aspects of assisting the dying person and the journey of the soul
- Understand the practical matters relating to pre-burial preparation, including washing, shrouding and issuance of death certificates
- Confidently recall the Islamic law pertaining to the Janazah prayer and burial rites
- Appreciate the post-burial aspects of the Islamic tradition
- Understand the rulings of grieving and condolence
