Types and Categories of Tadlīs: A Theoretical Analysis of Classical Works on Hadith Methodology.

Abstract

This study examines the concept of Tadlīs (concealment in transmission) in the science of Hadith and explores its types and levels as discussed in the classical literature of Hadith terminology. The importance of this topic lies in the confusion that often arises between Tadlīs and related concepts such as hidden transmission (al-mursal al-khafī) and the narration of a mudallis through ‘an‘anah, which may lead to incorrect judgments regarding narrators and Hadith authenticity.The research begins by defining Tadlīs linguistically and technically, followed by a discussion of the classifications proposed by Hadith scholars. It highlights the major categories that gained acceptance among the majority of scholars, namely Tadlīs al-Isnād (concealment in the chain of transmission) and Tadlīs al-Shuyūkh (concealment of the teacher’s identity). The study further analyzes the subtypes of Tadlīs al-Isnād, including Tadlīs al-Taswiyah, Tadlīs al-‘Atf, and Tadlīs al-Qaṭ‘, providing examples from Hadith literature and explaining their impact on the evaluation of narrations.In addition, the research discusses Tadlīs al-Shuyūkh, its motives, forms, and implications, including concealment through names, nicknames, places, and transmission permissions (ijāzah). It also reviews the opinions of Hadith scholars concerning the legal and methodological status of narrations transmitted by mudallis narrators. The study concludes that Tadlīs is one of the most intricate topics in Hadith sciences, requiring deep knowledge of narrators and transmission methods, and that understanding its types and levels is essential for accurately assessing Hadith chains and appreciating the precision of the Hadith scholars’ methodology.