Page "Hadith" Paragraph 4

In Islamic terminology, the term hadith refers to reports of statements or actions of Muhammad, or of his tacit approval or criticism of something said or done in his presence.

Classical hadith specialist Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani says that the intended meaning of hadith in religious tradition is something attributed to Muhammad but that is not found in the Quran.

Other associated words possess similar meanings including: khabar ( news, information ) often refers to reports about Muhammad, but sometimes refers to traditions about his companions and their successors from the following generation ; conversely, athar ( trace, vestige ) usually refers to traditions about the companions and successors, though sometimes connotes traditions about Muhammad.

The word sunnah ( custom ) is also used in reference to a normative custom of Muhammad or the early Muslim community.