Definition
Reports transmitted by fewer than the threshold of mutawātir — including ṣaḥīḥ, ḥasan, and ḍa‘īf categories. If authentic, they yield strong probability and are binding evidence — used by the Salaf in both ‘aqīdah and rulings without distinction.
Pronunciation: KHA-bar al-WĀ-ḥid
Scholarly Notes
Some later groups (Mu‘tazila, modernists) rejected aḥād in ‘aqīdah. Ahl us-Sunnah unanimously accept authentic aḥād in creed — Imām ash-Shāfi‘ī's ar-Risālah and al-Khaṭīb al-Baghdādī's Kifāyah are foundational on this.
Common Misconceptions
The claim that 'aḥād cannot be used in ‘aqīdah' is a Mu‘tazilī inheritance unknown to the Salaf, who established beliefs about the Mahdī, the Dajjāl, the descent of ‘Īsā, and many other matters via authentic aḥād.
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Related Terms
More from Hadith Terminology
Good — second grade of authentic hadith.
Attributed directly to the Prophet ﷺ.
A narration of the Prophet's ﷺ words, actions, or approvals.
The chain of narrators of a hadith.
Attributed to a Companion only.
Weak — does not meet the conditions of authenticity.