Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/75

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THE TRADITIONS.

against it. The learned doctors say there are only five such traditions; but the exact number is disputed.

(2) Hadís-i-Mashhúr, a well-known tradition, is one which has been handed down by at least three distinct lines of narrators. It is called also Mustafíz, diffused. It is also used for a tradition which was at first recorded by one person, or a few individuals, and afterwards became a popular tradition.

(3) Hadís-i-ʾAzíz, a rare tradition, is one related by only two lines of narrators.

(4) Hadís-i-Gharíb, a poor tradition, is one related by only one line of narrators.

Khabar-i-Wáhid, a single saying, is a term also used for a tradition related by one person and handed down by one line of narrators.. It is a disputed point whether a Khabar-i-Wáhid can form the basis of Muslim doctrine.

Hadís-i-Mursal (lit. "a tradition let loose"), is a tradition which any collector of traditions, such as Bokhári and others, records with the assertion, "the Apostle of God said."

Riwáyat, is a Hadís which commences with the words "it is related," without the authority being given.