Hadith are second only to the Qur’an in their importance in the Islamic tradition. The present book offers a comprehensive analysis of virtually all aspects of hadith. Both Sunni and Shi‘i hadith are discussed with respect to the Qur’an, including the role of hadith in Qur’anic exegesis. The hadith are also discussed with regards to various subjects, such as theology, ethics, philosophy, mysticism, and history. Both traditional and Western approaches to the question of the authoritativeness of hadith are examined. This books is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Ḥawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya, History and Historiography, Muslim Organisations, Political Parties, Qur’anic Exegeses and Education in the Islamic Civilisation.