For the knowledge of non-Muslim readers it is necessary to mention that the method prevalent among the Muslims, by which narrations were related, is that beginning from the last narrator, step by step the name of every narrator is stated whilst moving upwards, until the narration reaches the Holy Prophetsa or comes to a halt at one of his companions. A narration which reaches the Holy Prophetsa is referred to as a Ḥadīth and a narration which ceases at one of his companions are referred to as an Athar. There are many forms of the two categories mentioned. Generally, the manner in which a narration was related was as follows: Person A related to me, and Person A heard from Person B, who narrates from Person C, and Person D informed Person C that in a gathering he heard the Holy Prophetsa make this statement in reference to that matter or that such an event occurred with relevance to the Holy Prophetsa before our eyes, etc. This is the most primitive of sketches; nonetheless, practically, narrations were presented on the basis of many methodologies. Scholars well-versed in the principles of Ḥadīth have discussed these various methods at length and have established their ranks. Regardless, however complex the form of a narration may be, this methodology is such as the merit and rank of every narration can be examined at every level. Furthermore, there exists such an attraction in this systematic methodology as not only does one receive wonderful representation of the gathering in which the Ḥadīth was narrated, but also receives the opportunity to view a lively illustration of the gathering of the Holy Prophetsa where this narration first originated.
It has been stated in the beginning that the Arabs were acquainted to some extent with the method of narration, in the Pre-Islāmic era. However, with Islām, it was transformed into a remarkably systematic science, for which various corroborative fields of study were also innovated. It is impossible to elaborate upon every aspect of this science; however, the brief outline presented below can be considered an overview.