ISTIFHAM
Vol 4 No 1 (2026)

The Significance of Sanad ‘Ālī in Ninth-Century Hijri Hadith Transmission: An Analysis of Ibn Ḥajar Al-’Asqalani’s Thought

Ridho, Muhammad Syaikhur (Unknown)
Mubarok, Fajar Syarif (Unknown)
Wahilmi, Indika Ilwan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 May 2026

Abstract

Scholars of hadith from the Salaf period generally preferred hadiths with a minimal number of narrators in the isnad, known as 'ālī hadiths. This preference was partly due to the reduction of potential distortion in transmission associated with fewer narrators. It is evident that the 'ālī isnad was regarded as significant by hadith scholars during the early period. However, the importance of the 'ālī isnad following the codification of hadith has not been sufficiently examined. This study aims to ascertain whether the 'ālī isnad retained any significance after the period of hadith codification, with particular attention to the ninth century. Focusing on the work of Ibn Hajar al-Ahādīth al-‘Ashrah al-‘Ushāriyyah, this research endeavors to demonstrate the high status attributed to the chain of narration within that text, as asserted by the author. By tracing contemporary reports (tābi’ and shāhid) related to the hadiths included by Ibn Hajar, it is possible to reconstruct the attitudes of scholars in the ninth century towards high chains (‘ālī). Consequently, this study aims to reveal the perception of high chains during that period, both theoretically and practically. Furthermore, the research indicates that the transmission of hadiths persisted even when not all were documented in written sources, in contrast to practices observed in earlier periods

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Journal Info

Abbrev

istifham

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

ISTIFHAM is a leading peer-reviewed and open-access journal, which publishes scholarly works of researchers and scholars from around the world, and specializes in Islamic Studies. ISTIFHAM focuses on publishing high-quality scientific articles that emphasize contemporary issues in the fields of ...