A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE SUNNI AND THE SHIITE HADITH METHODOLOGIES

Abstract

UDK 28-42

The terms “ehli-sunnah we-l-jama‘ah” and “shia” were invented very early, in an early phase of the formation of Islamic community with reference to certain groups of Muslims. The practical use of this terminology was intensified in the period of the four Khalifas, when the distinction between Suni and Shia first appeared. This division grew deeper with time and is still present today. We may say that these are two groups of Muslims that are treading on two different paths towards the same destination. This article presents both the Sunni and the Shiite Hadith methodologies. Methodologies of collecting the hadith, recording of the Hadith during the period of the Messenger s.w.s. ,the period of the Sahabis and the period of the First followers (the Tabi’in) respectively. The analysis of methods of transferring the Tradition in Ehli Sunnah Islam and the Shiite Islam is also presented along with opinions of the first transmitters of the Hadith, Sahabis and the Tabi’in and the Messenger’s s.w.s. noble family, of which in understanding the place and the role lies the key factor of the difference between the Sunnis and the Shiite.