” Sahih Muslim ” One of the most valued collections within the Islamic heritage is Sahih Muslim, written by the illustrious scholar Imam Muslim Ibn Al-Hajjaj. This historical 7-volume work is one of the most authentic and highly regarded books of Hadith following the Qur’an. It is a foundation of Islamic learning, safeguarding the words, deeds, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with accuracy and sanctity.
This edition of Sahih Muslim, published in seven volumes, offers students of Islamic sciences, scholars, and the common Muslim access to a crucial source of guidance. This work provides readers with the spiritual, ethical, and legal wisdom of the Prophet ﷺ, validated through a stringent methodology.
About Imam Muslim Ibn Al-Hajjaj
Imam Muslim Ibn Al-Hajjaj (204–261 AH) was a renowned scholar of Hadith, born in Nishapur (modern-day Iran). He was a disciple of the illustrious Imam Al-Bukhari and traveled far and wide across Iraq, the Hijaz, and Egypt to collect Hadith from authentic narrators.
Feared for his piety, integrity, and good memory, Imam Muslim was among the first generations of Hadith collectors who set rigorous standards to guarantee the authenticity of the narrations. His work, largely Sahih Muslim, is still a masterpiece in both scholarship and organization.
The Significance of Sahih Muslim
Muslims widely regard Sahih Muslim as the second most authentic Hadith collection after Sahih Al-Bukhari. Together, they are known as the Sahihayn (The Two Sahihs). But even some scholars prefer parts of Sahih Muslim’s methodology and structure. What distinguishes Sahih Muslim is its scrupulous care for chains of narration (isnad) and the clarity of its classification.
Imam Muslim chose Hadith with uninterrupted chains of trustworthy narrators, without contradictions, and attested to by several sources. His intention was to provide a collection that not only kept Hadith intact but made them accessible and organized them thematically for better understanding.
What’s Included in the 7-Volume Set?
This 7-volume version of Sahih Muslim contains thousands of Hadith addressing all key areas of a Muslim’s life—from belief and worship to ethics, law, and social conduct. Each volume is organized thematically:
Volume 1, introduction, belief (iman), purification, and prayer. Volume 2, zakah, fasting, and Hajj. Volume 3, marriage, divorce, and family issues. Volume 4, commercial transactions and legal issues. Volume 5, judicial cases, inheritance, and jihad.
Volume 6, virtues of the Prophet ﷺ, character, and knowledge. Volume 7, end times, signs of the Hour, paradise, and hellfire. Each Hadith includes its chain of narration, demonstrating the academic diligence behind its inclusion.
Unique Features of Sahih Muslim
Some features make Sahih Muslim stand out from other collections of Hadith:
1. Strict Criteria for Authenticity
Imam Muslim selected Hadith only from narrators known for their accuracy, piety, and memory. He rejected narrations even with minimal doubt or inconsistency. His emphasis on narrations with uninterrupted chains (muttaṣil isnad) guaranteed trustworthiness.
2. Organized by Topics
Unlike some of the earlier Hadith collections, Sahih Muslim is well organized. Thematic organization facilitates easy access by scholars also students to Hadith concerning particular topics such as purification, fasting, or legal issues.
3. Several Chains for One Hadith
Imam Muslim frequently gives the same Hadith from several chains to establish authenticity also demonstrate how extensively it was transmitted. This comparative method also clarifies minor differences in wording without sacrificing meaning.
4. Elimination of Weak Narrations
Whereas other collections might contain weak (da’if) Hadith with commentary or classification, Sahih Muslim consists entirely of authentic (sahih) narrations, which places it in a revered position.
Why Every Muslim Ought to Learn Sahih Muslim
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the last Messenger, also his life is the practical manifestation of the Qur’an. Through learning Sahih Muslim, Muslims are in touch with the Sunnah—the lived experience of the Prophet ﷺ.
Here’s why Sahih Muslim is priceless:
Enhances Knowledge, Explores foundational knowledge on beliefs, prayer, fasting, business, also social relationships. Resilicates Faith, Unveils the Prophet’s mercy, justice, also spiritual insights. Clarifies Misconceptions, Many legal also social issues faced by Muslims today are addressed in authentic Hadith.
Revives the Sunnah, Applying Hadith in daily life allows Muslims to follow the prophetic way with sincerity. Whether one is a scholar, student, or layperson, these volumes are a lifelong resource for guidance also growth.
Comparisons with Sahih Al-Bukhari
While Sahih Al-Bukhari is regarded as the most authentic book after the Qur’an, Sahih Muslim also holds great esteem also is sometimes preferred for its structural approach. Imam Muslim’s methodology is more linear, with each Hadith presented with fewer breaks or subheadings, making it easier to read.
Furthermore, Imam Muslim’s application of multiple chains provides greater insight into a Hadith’s authenticity, which is of great help to Hadith students. Both books are complementary also a requirement for anyone desiring a total understanding of the Prophet’s sayings.
The Worth of This Edition
This 7-volume edition of Sahih Muslim features an attractive binding, clear printing, also makes the perfect addition to libraries, homes, or institutions. Many editions include Arabic text alongside English translation, footnotes for clarity, also chapter headings for easy reference. Readers value it not just as a collector’s item but also as a powerful tool for spiritual growth also academic study.
Final Thoughts
Imam Muslim Ibn Al-Hajjaj’s Sahih Muslim stands as a timeless gem that has shaped Islamic practice also thought for over a thousand years. This 7-volume collection is a precious tool for every Muslim home, mosque, or learning center.
It is not just a collection of accounts—it is a portal to the Prophet ﷺ’s world. Muslims gain a deeper understanding of their religion also live it with sincerity, intention, also confidence by reading also applying the teachings in these books.
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