1. Course Overview
The preservation of the Sunnah rests on the biographical integrity of over 100,000 transmitters. This course introduces students to the canonical dictionaries of narrators (Tabaqat, Tahdhib, Mizan), the six levels of accreditation and censure, how conflicting evaluations are reconciled, and how fabrication was systematically uncovered.
2. Who Is This Course For?
Graduate students of Hadith, historians, and apologists demonstrating the historical authenticity of Islam.
3. Learning Outcomes
By completing this structured course, you will achieve:
4. Syllabus & Curriculum Breakdown
Structured one-on-one progression overseen directly by your assigned instructor:
Module 1: Origins & Ethics of Narrator Criticism
Why Jarh is an obligation of religion, not backbiting; pioneers of the science (Shu'bah, Yahya ibn Ma'in, Ahmad).
Module 2: Qualities Evaluated: Adalah (Integrity) & Dabt (Accuracy)
Piety, sanity, avoidance of major sins, memory retention, written manuscript preservation.
Module 3: The Levels of Praise & Censure (Maratib al-Jarh wat-Ta'dil)
From 'Thiqah Thiqah' and 'Hujjah' down to 'Matruk' (abandoned) and 'Kadh-dhab' (liar).
Module 4: Reconciling Conflicting Rulings & Practical Research
Rules when praise and criticism clash; hands-on biographical lookup drills in Tahdhib al-Tahdhib.
5. Classical Texts & Reference Works
Rooted in authentic classical scholarship, this course references the following authoritative sources:
- Tadrib al-Rawi (Al-Suyuti selections)
- Muqaddimat Tahdhib al-Kamal (Al-Mizzi)
6. Your Instructor
Molana Faizan Tahir
Alim from Jamia Imdadia Faisalabad, Post-Graduate Diploma (PDDU), and MPhil in Islamic Sciences from Riphah International University.
View Full Faculty Profile →7. Academic Details
Prerequisites
Usul al-Hadith (Nukhbat al-Fikar) and advanced Arabic.
Certificate of Completion
Advanced Certificate in Biographical Hadith Evaluation (Ilm al-Rijal).
Frequently Asked Questions
Ilm al-Rijal: Critical Biographical Evaluation of Narrators is taught exclusively as live 1-on-1 online classes, not group sessions. Every lesson is a private video session with your teacher, so the pace, explanations and corrections are tailored to your level and goals.
Ilm al-Rijal: Critical Biographical Evaluation of Narrators is taught by Molana Faizan Tahir, Scholar in Islamic Sciences & Academic Pedagogy at HF Nexus Academy. All our teachers are certified Islamic scholars trained in traditional institutions. When booking your free trial you can choose a male or female tutor preference, and our admissions team will confirm availability for this course.
Yes. Ilm al-Rijal: Critical Biographical Evaluation of Narrators lessons are scheduled in your local time, whether you live in North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, or the Arabian Gulf. Classes can be arranged on weekdays or weekends, in the morning or evening, to fit around work, school and family commitments.
Ilm al-Rijal: Critical Biographical Evaluation of Narrators typically takes 3 Months of consistent 1-on-1 study at the Advanced level. The curriculum is organized into 4 modules: Origins & Ethics of Narrator Criticism; Qualities Evaluated: Adalah (Integrity) & Dabt (Accuracy); The Levels of Praise & Censure (Maratib al-Jarh wat-Ta'dil); Reconciling Conflicting Rulings & Practical Research. Your teacher adjusts the pace to your weekly class frequency and progress.
Ilm al-Rijal: Critical Biographical Evaluation of Narrators is recommended for: Graduate students of Hadith, historians, and apologists demonstrating the historical authenticity of Islam. Prerequisites: Usul al-Hadith (Nukhbat al-Fikar) and advanced Arabic.
Yes. On completing Ilm al-Rijal: Critical Biographical Evaluation of Narrators, students are awarded: Advanced Certificate in Biographical Hadith Evaluation (Ilm al-Rijal). Awards are issued by HF Nexus Academy based on your teacher's assessment of your progress.
Yes. You can book a free 30-minute 1-on-1 trial class for Ilm al-Rijal: Critical Biographical Evaluation of Narrators with no payment details required. During the trial your teacher assesses your current level and goals and recommends a study plan; after that, our admissions team confirms your regular schedule so you can begin lessons.
Curriculum Pathways & Related Courses
This course is part of our structured Classical Islamic Sciences curriculum. You can also explore our step-by-step Curated Learning Paths or continue your studies with these related courses: