Definition
The unbroken sequence of trustworthy narrators by which a ḥadīth is transmitted, going back to the Prophet ﷺ. The isnād is examined narrator by narrator to determine the ḥadīth's grade.
Pronunciation: is-NĀD
Etymology & Root
From س-ن-د (s-n-d), meaning 'to lean upon, to support.' The isnād is the support upon which the matn rests.
Scholarly Notes
Imām Ibn al-Mubārak said: 'The isnād is part of the religion — were it not for the isnād, anyone could say whatever he wished.' Imām Muḥammad b. Sīrīn said: 'They did not used to ask about the isnād — but when the fitnah occurred, they said: Name your men to us.'
Common Misconceptions
Some assume any chain ending at the Prophet ﷺ is sufficient. In reality, every link must be evaluated for connection, uprightness, and precision.
Practical Application
Use trusted ḥadīth references that include the chain or its grading — beware of social media quotes with no source.
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Related Terms
More from Hadith Terminology
A narrator of hadith.
The generation that met the Companions.
The science of criticising and validating narrators.
A Companion of the Prophet ﷺ.
A Tābi‘ī narrates directly from the Prophet ﷺ — skipping the Companion.
Authentic — the highest grade of hadith.