A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Hadith – Traditions
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IMAM MUSLIM (204-261)
Imam Muslim ibn al Hajjaj of Nishapuri belonged to the Qushayri
tribe of Arabia. His tribe played an important part in Islamic
history. Many people from his clan were the Prophet’s
companions.
After the Muslim conquests, many Arab families migrated and
settled in the newly conquered provinces. Many members of his
tribe held important posts, e.g. Kulthum b. Iyaz was governor of
Africa. His forefathers occupied important positions during the
time of the four Caliphs. Imam Muslim too inherited a large fortune
from his father, who was also a well known traditionist of his time.
Imam Muslim was gifted with great intelligence and a sharp
memory. First of all, he studied Arabic literature and other sciences
taught in his times. Later on he developed a keen interest in the
study of hadith. He began by learning hadith from the great
scholars, including Imam Bukhari, who were at that time in
Nishapur. This town enjoyed a central place at that time.
Afterwards he undertook long journeys to collect traditions from
other scholars of repute. He went to most of the important centres
of learning in Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria and Egypt, where he
attended the lectures of most of the important traditionists of his
time, including Ishaq ibn Rahwayh and Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal.
After finishing his studies, he came back to Nishapur and devoted
his life to the service of Hadith. He died in 261/874 on account of
having consumed too many dates. One day he was so engrossed in
