The question of which book holds the highest level of authenticity after the Quran is a matter that has been discussed and debated among scholars for centuries. Many scholars and experts in Islamic studies have concluded that the most authentic books after the Quran are the Sahihayn, also known as the Two Sahihs. These two books are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Sahih al-Bukhari, compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari, is considered one of the most authoritative and reliable collections of Hadith. It contains over 7,000 Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) that have been carefully selected and classified.
Similarly, Sahih Muslim, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, is another highly regarded collection of Hadith. It contains over 12,000 Hadiths, which have been meticulously authenticated and organized.
The reason why these two books are considered the most authentic after the Quran is due to the rigorous methodology employed by their authors in selecting and verifying the Hadiths. Both Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim were renowned scholars who dedicated their lives to the study of Hadith and the preservation of the Prophetic traditions.
In order to determine the authenticity of a Hadith, these scholars employed stringent criteria. They would meticulously examine the chain of narrators (isnad) of each Hadith, ensuring that each narrator was reliable, trustworthy, and had a strong memory. They would also scrutinize the text (matn) of the Hadith, ensuring that it did not contradict established Islamic principles.
Furthermore, the Sahihayn have been subjected to extensive scrutiny and analysis by generations of scholars. They have been studied and commented upon by scholars from various schools of thought and have stood the test of time. Their acceptance and recognition by the scholarly community further validate their authenticity.
It is important to note that while the Sahihayn are considered the most authentic books after the Quran, there are other collections of Hadith that are also highly regarded and relied upon by scholars. These include books such as Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an-Nasa’i, and Sunan Ibn Majah, among others. These collections contain a wealth of Prophetic traditions and have also undergone meticulous scrutiny and authentication by their respective compilers.
The Sahihayn, namely Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, are widely regarded as the most authentic books after the Quran. Their meticulous methodology in selecting and verifying Hadiths, along with their acceptance and recognition by the scholarly community, have solidified their position as the most reliable sources of Prophetic traditions. However, it is important to note that other collections of Hadith also hold great value and are relied upon by scholars in understanding and practicing the teachings of Islam.