Under the shadow of the above explanation we can conclude...

Under the shadow of the above explanation we can conclude that the expression of 'Derayatul-Hadith' has two meanings: 1) Acquaintance with what involves in understanding a Hadith. Derayah in this sense is the antonym to Rewayah (narration without reflection). Historically, Derayah was the only main science of knowing the Hadith. Acquaintance with different types of Hadith in terms of authentic, weak, etc. and the conditions for accreditation of a narrator.

In the recent years the scholars of the Hadith use the term 'al-Mostalahaat' rather than Derayah to refer to this science. For the main subject in this science is acquaintance with various Hadith terminologies. The main purpose of studying the science of al-Mostalahaat is to be able to distinguish between the acceptable and unacceptable Hadith. Difference between al-Mostalahaat and Rijal The science of Rijal is one of the very important sciences of Hadith.

It deals with studying the biography of each and every narrator to find out whether or not he is a reliable narrator. For instance, in that science we study about 'Abu-Baseer' to find out firstly who he was and then whether or not he is a reliable narrator. [^82] Thus, the science of Rijal deals with specific people, whereas the science of al-Mostalahaat teaches us the definition of an authentic or unauthentic narrations and narrators.

Main References The Shi'a scholars have compiled many useful books on the science of al-Mostalahaat (Derayatul-Hadith). The followings are the most famous ones: al-Re'ayah Fe 'Elme-Derayah: written by Ali Ibn Ahmad al-Ameli, known as al-Shahid al-Thani (martyred in 966 A.H(. al-Wajiza Fe Derayah, written by Muhammad Ibn Husain al-Ameli known as al-Sheikh al-Bahaei (died in 1031 A.H). al-Wajiza is a concise yet very useful reference.

Meqbasul-Hedayah Fe Elme-Derayah, written by Abdullah Mamaqani; known as al-Allamah Mamaqani (died in 1351 A.H(. Common Hadith Terminologies Sanad: The chain of transmitters of a Hadith is called Sanad of Hadith. Esnad: It means narrating a Hadith through a chain of transmitters.

For instance we say: Sheikh Sadooq in his Esnad narrated from Imam Baqir (a.s)… It means Sheikh Sadooq has narrated the Hadith through a specific chain of transmitters that he has either mentioned them before the Hadith or he has introduced them elsewhere. Matn: It means the body and the text of a Hadith which contains the words of Ma'soom. Sahaabi: Sahabi means companion and its plural is 'Ashaab' (companions).