Definition
A ḥadīth meeting five conditions: (1) continuous chain, (2) every narrator is upright (‘adl), (3) every narrator is precise (ḍābiṭ), (4) free from irregularity (shudhūdh), and (5) free from hidden defect (‘illah). Acted upon as binding evidence in ‘aqīdah and rulings.
Pronunciation: ṣa-ḤĪḤ
Etymology & Root
From ص-ح-ح (ṣ-ḥ-ḥ), meaning 'sound, healthy, free from defect.'
Scholarly Notes
Ṣaḥīḥ is subdivided into ṣaḥīḥ li-dhātihi (sound by itself) and ṣaḥīḥ li-ghayrihi (a ḥasan elevated to ṣaḥīḥ by supporting chains). The Ṣaḥīḥs of al-Bukhārī and Muslim are the two most reliable books after the Qur'an.
Practical Application
Any matter of religion you act upon should be founded on at least authentic (ṣaḥīḥ or ḥasan) evidence — not weak or fabricated reports.
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Related Terms
More from Hadith Terminology
The science of criticising and validating narrators.
Mass-transmitted — beyond doubt.
A narration of the Prophet's ﷺ words, actions, or approvals.
A narrator of hadith.
Attributed to a Tābi‘ī only.
The generation that met the Companions.