Definition
A ḥadīth narrated by such a large number of trustworthy people in every layer of the isnād that conspiracy to lie upon it is impossible. Yields certain knowledge (yaqīn) and is binding by consensus.
Pronunciation: mu-ta-WĀ-tir
Etymology & Root
From و-ت-ر (w-t-r), meaning 'to follow successively.' The mutawātir comes through successive overwhelming routes.
Scholarly Notes
Mutawātir is divided into lafẓī (the wording is identical) and ma‘nawī (the meaning is constant though wordings vary, as in the ḥadīths of seeing Allah, the punishment of the grave, or wiping over socks).
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Related Terms
More from Hadith Terminology
The generation that met the Companions.
The science of criticising and validating narrators.
A narration of the Prophet's ﷺ words, actions, or approvals.
A narrator of hadith.
Authentic — the highest grade of hadith.
The text/wording of the hadith.