Menilai Relevansi Sejarah Tadwīn Hadis dengan Studi Hadis Kontemporer di Era Modern

Abstract

This study examines a reflection on the classical methodology of tadwīn (codification) of hadith and its relevance in addressing the challenges of religious information dissemination in the digital era. During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), hadith were not formally codified because the Prophet himself functioned as the primary authority for guidance, while the main focus of the Muslim community was the preservation of the Qur’an. After the Prophet’s death, greater caution in the transmission of hadith emerged through practices such as verification, the requirement of witnesses, and restrictions on narration, which eventually led to systematic codification during the caliphate of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. This research employs a qualitative method with historical and descriptive-analytical approaches, drawing upon classical and contemporary literature on the history and methodology of hadith. The findings indicate that the tradition of caution and criticism in hadith transmission constitutes a methodological foundation that remains relevant in responding to the challenges of the digital era, particularly the spread of religious hoaxes. While the digitalization of hadith facilitates access to hadith sources, without adequate literacy in sanad and matn criticism such accessibility risks generating distorted understandings. Therefore, information criticism in the digital age can be understood as a continuation of the classical tradition of ʿulūm al-ḥadīth, which emphasizes verification, scholarly responsibility, and ethical awareness in preserving the authenticity of the Prophet’s hadith.