al-Afkar, Journal For Islamic Studies
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026)

Deconstructing the Common Link Theory: Analysis and Critique in Hadith Studies

Nadia Khairiyah (Unknown)
Luqmanul Hakim (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Apr 2026

Abstract

The study of the authenticity of hadith has been a topic of interest including to orientalists. Some of them doubted the authenticity of the traditions on the grounds that the isnad emerged late and many traditions had only one route of transmission hence their historical validity was questionable. In addition, they disagree with the methods of sanad and matan criticism used by hadith scholars in determining the validity of a tradition. The main objective of this study is to understand the approach they use in scientifically analyzing hadith. The method used is to see how the orientalists developed their theories to distinguish between authentic and fabricated traditions. One such theory is the common link theory. This theory was first introduced by Joseph Schacht and further developed by G.H.A. Juynboll. Common link refers to the transmitter who is considered responsible for the transmission of a hadith. However, this theory has been criticized by other orientalists such as Azami, Nabia Abbott, and Sezgin. Juynboll was even considered to be imaginative in developing this theory. In response, he attempted to strengthen his argument by explaining the working principles and logical basis of the theory and comparing it with conventional methods in hadith studies to determine which method is more feasible.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Afkar_Journal

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is published by Association of Secondment Lecturers (Asosiasi Dosen DPK) UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung Indonesia. Focus of al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is on publishing original empirical research articles and theoretical reviews of Islamic Studies, ...