English translation with explanatory notes and introduction; xxxi, 1535p., Index, 25 cm. (First pub. in 1990)
CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION
Abu Dawud's most important fundamental work on Hadith. The Sunan contains 4800 traditions selected from a mass of 50,000. It is one of six important and authentic collections (Saha-i-Sitta) of the Prophetic traditions. Abu Dawud, following the practice of his time travelled far and wide to collect Hadith and visited Hijaz, Iraq, Khurashan, Egypt, Syria, Nishapur, Merv and Isfahan for the purpose. His proficiency in Hadith is accepted. His Sunan, naturally, is replete with legal traditions; it also indicates his point of view on various questions and his acuman in ijtihad.
