Abstract

The transmission of ḥadīth has been a subject of intense debate, particularly regarding the authenticity of early compilations. Musnad al-Ḥumaydī is a ḥadīth collection that has not received significant scholarly attention despite its potential to shed light on early ḥadīth transmission. This study critically examines Musnad al-Ḥumaydī by analyzing its structure, sources, and methodology, focusing on its relationship with Sufyān b. ʿUyayna, the primary transmitter of its ḥadīth. By applying isnād analysis and source criticism, this research challenges the assumption that early ḥadīth compilations were unreliable or retrospectively constructed. Al-Ḥumaydī did not simply collect narrations. The study demonstrates that Musnad al-Ḥumaydī reflects a structured and systematic approach to ḥadīth preservation, offering valuable insights into early Islamic scholarship, legal traditions, and the role of Madanī isnād. The findings contribute to the ongoing reassessment of ḥadīth authenticity and provide a more nuanced understanding of how the Sunnah was transmitted and documented in the early centuries of Islam.

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

Arab & Islamic Civilizations Department

Degree Name

MA in Arabic Studies

Graduation Date

Spring 5-27-2025

Submission Date

5-15-2025

First Advisor

Mohamed Serag

Second Advisor

Ahmed Khan

Committee Member 1

Ahmed Khan

Committee Member 2

Garret Davidson

Extent

187 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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Available for download on Monday, May 25, 2026

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