Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 39 ADVANCEMENTS IN HADITH AUTHENTICATION METHODS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW MOHAMAD KHALID BAHRUDIN Dept of al-Quran and Hadith, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Email: mohamadkhalid@um.edu.my ISHAK SULIAMAN Dept of al-Quran and Hadith, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Email: ishakhs@um.edu.my MOHAMAD AZRIEN MOHAMED ADNAN Islamic Education Programme, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Email: mdazrien@um.edu.my Accepted on: 13-03-2025 Received on: 25-07-22 https://doi.org/10.57144/hi.v48i2.544 Abstract Since the commencement of hadith as one of the Islamic branches of knowledge, scholars had given a lot of attention on the authentication process of hadith corpus. This is to avoid the exploitation or dissemination of non-authentic hadiths that can divert the society from the true Islamic practices. Despite this, there has been limited research on the systematic review of hadith authentication methods, particularly regarding their development. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the topic. A total 152 literatures were identified from the initial searching process. The number was eventually reduced to 66 after screening and qualification evaluation process. This study found that the methods divided into two themes: information and communication technology (ICT) and conventional method. Under these themes, there are topics and sub- topics that further detailed the process of hadith authentication. The study identified several limitations such as the imbalance between methods of authentication, incomprehensive manipulation of data mailto:mohamadkhalid@um.edu.my mailto:ishakhs@um.edu.my mailto:mdazrien@um.edu.my https://doi.org/10.57144/hi.v48i2.544 40 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … set, and the absence of authentication methods developed for a specific group of people. The study also finds that the synthesis of classical and modern approaches reveals a growing sophistication in the tools and techniques employed to assess the authenticity of hadith corpus. Keywords: Hadith, Advancement, Authentication, Method, Systematic. 1. Introduction The term authentication refers to validation and verification of the authenticity of something. In Arabic, it is translated as “ithbÉt ÎihÉÍ” صحاح تاثبا , “al-muÎaddaqah” ہالمصدق , taÍaqquq” قتحق , “taÍqÊq”تحقیق, and “tauthÊq”توثیق. All these terms are clearly signalling towards a vetting process. In the realm of the hadith knowledge, it involves the process of verifying and validating hadith texts to identify transmission inaccuracies and determine their status, whether they are to be accepted (maqbËl) مقبول or rejected (mardËd) This is aligned with its definition according to scholars who .مردود suggested that authentication means the hadith classification into authentic or not authentic.1 Therefore, it is understood that through the authentication process, we can identify the condition of hadith and eventually be able to evaluate its acceptance of rejection. Failure in doing so will contribute to the usage and dissemination of unauthorised hadiths involving weak and bogus hadiths among the society and later exposing them to heresy and superstitious matters.2 However, with the proliferation and rapid development of various hadith authentication methods today, their effectiveness and suitability in authenticating hadith warrant discussion and critical examination. Are these methods applicable to all target groups, or should individuals focus solely on approaches that align with their specific needs and level of expertise in hadith studies? For instance, in the current ICT era, is the conventional authentication method still relevant, or should we transition to digital methods based on artificial intelligence for hadith authentication? In addition, the issue of comprehensive data coverage must be addressed, as some authentication methods do not encompass the entire hadith dataset but only cover a portion of its corpus. Finally, the issue of recent developments in authentication methods also requires resolution by addressing whether conventional and modern methods can be integrated to produce a more efficient and holistic approach. Hadith has not been exempted from the rapid advancements of AI technology, as discussions on its authentication through AI have begun to emerge. However, the debate over the suitability and accuracy of AI-based authentication remains a contentious issue that Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 41 demands resolution. Therefore, this review seeks to examine the extent to which academics have engaged with this intriguing development. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a systematic literature review to examine the development and advancement of hadith authentication methods, particularly within the academic sphere. Through this process, the limitations and gaps in previous studies can be identified, allowing for recommendations for further improvements. 2. Background and Literature Review There were several SLR conducted towards hadith authentication such as Luthfi et, al,.3 which had viewed the method and set of data used in the hadith authentication study. Saloot et. al, on the other hand, analysed classification and data mining related to hadith domain.4 The latest study was by Binbeshr et. al,5 who reviewed literature related to authentication method and hadith classification. Yet, these studies mostly were heavily inclined on the ICT based authentication rather on the conventional method. There were also overlapping ideas between authentication and classification, besides their studies were limited until year 2019. Thus, there is a need to conduct a more comprehensive and up-to-date review to fill the loops of those studies done. To gain a comprehensive review on the matter, the SLR technique was chosen. According to Okoli, Schabram6 and Booth et.al7, SLR is defined as a review technique that emphasises systematic implementation involving clear and precise procedures and methods, and has comprehensive scope in reviewing all related materials, apart from being able to be recreated by other researchers when using the same approaches. It is an efficient and quality process that requires breadth and depth, rigor and consistent, clarity and brevity, and effective synthesis and analysis.8 SLR analysis also reduce the possibility of biasness and ensure a comprehensive coverage on the selected research subject. Basically, there are three considerable principles when conducting systematic review which are clarity, validity, and auditability. The clarity of the structure in the systematic review makes it easier to follow and interpret as well as help reveal what the researcher has and has not done in the systematic review. Validity means it can be protected from any biasness in the selection of the research in the study. The systematic approach stresses that the selected literature should be based on its suitability and accuracy not due to its benefits of the findings or whether it is intrinsically interesting. While auditability means the transparency in which the 42 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … reader can see whether the conclusion of the study was obtained from the survey process, or it is just a fabricated findings to support initial conclusions.9 Based on its objectives, systematic review is conducted to answer the research questions that had initially been set up.10 This is different with the traditional review method which is designed specifically for summarization or visualisation of a topic.11 Through systematic literature, the study can be concluded, analysed, and synthesised to identify the limitations and gaps. Besides, it helps in evaluating the validity and quality of the study and eventually exposing its weaknesses, consistency, and contradictions.12 Theory and hypothesis can be tested for the development of a better new theory. Thus, this technique is selected in this study as opposed to other traditional literature reviews which are too broad and loose in term of it focus besides lacking of clear and strict method in its conduct.13 In addition, when compared to other disciplines, SLR technique has not yet been widely used among the Islamic Studies researchers especially in the field of hadith study. 3. Methodology The design of this study is qualitative in nature using descriptive method that aimed to identify, critically evaluating and integrating previous studies.14 According to Kitchenham and Charters an effective systematic review involves three main levels: Planning, Executions, and Report.15 Figure 1. Flowchart of survey stages 3.1. Review Protocol This review adapted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) as a guideline in developing review protocol.16 It explains the steps of the qualification Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 43 criteria, information sources, searching strategies, literature selection, literature quality evaluation and data extraction strategy. 3.2. Systematic Research Strategy There are three main processes in systematic research strategy are identification, screening, and eligibility.17 3.2.1. Identification Identification is a process of searching a synonymous word, related term and variation of the main keyword. It is aimed at giving more choices to the data platforms in searching related literature.18 In this study, the researcher had varied the keywords and developed a search string using main keyword, ‘hadith authentication method’ with the variation of method terms in Malay language such as ‘kaedah’, ‘teknik’, ‘manhaj’ and ‘cara’. While the term authentication has been varied to verification, validity, validation, review, takhrij, and criticism. The search using Arabic keywords were done through the terms ‘manhÉj tawthÊq ÍadÊth’ منہاج توثیق حدیث with variation of ‘uslËb, qÉ’idah اسلوب قاعدہ , taÍqÊq and taÎÍÊÍ تحقیق The plurals such as ‘manÉhij . تصحیح and asÉlÊbقواعد qawÉ’id , مناہج were also interspersed in the search. The term ‘hadith’ has been اسالیب varied with the term ‘hadis’ and ‘sunnah dan sunna’. To obtain more comprehensive results, we also included related terms such as ‘sanad matn‘ ,’سند متن ’, and ‘isnad-cum-matn’ in our search process. The search using backwards searching and forwards searching has also been conducted in this survey. The searching process was conducted in two main data platforms: Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). Both platforms were selected because of their advantages such as advance searching functions, being comprehensive in indexing publishers (more than 5000 publishers), strict articles quality control and put focus on multi- disciplinary fields.19 Google Scholar then was added as third platform because of its capability to act as supplementary database as suggested by Haddaway et. al.20 In addition, according to Shaffril et. al one of the advantages of Google Scholar is its ability to provide mass search outcomes due to the numbers of documents in its database (389 million documents).21 The searching process using these three main platforms managed to collect a total of 152 literatures. 3.2.2. Screening Based on the selection criteria, this study has screened 152 literatures. The acceptance and rejection criteria helped in identifying the literature that answers the research problems. It was almost an 44 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … impossible task for the researchers to analyse all those literatures related to hadith authentication method. Thus, several selection and rejection criteria were listed in order to filter and gather a suitable literature only. In ensuring a comprehensive coverage of literature, this study accepted both conventional and ICT authentication methods with four types of literatures were accepted: books, journal articles, proceedings and dissertations. This is to ensure the quality of the analysis. Grey literature such as reports were exempted from this review as they were regarded as having less quality compared to reviewed journal articles and proceedings.22Additionally, literature that was inaccessible or written in languages other than Malay, English, and Arabic was excluded from this review to prevent any potential misunderstandings. This screening process excluded 28 literatures that did not fit the above criteria. The remaining of 124 literatures underwent the next process which was the eligibility assessment. 3.2.3. Eligibility Assessment Eligibility assessment is the third process where the researcher assessed each literature manually to ensure they are aligned with the criteria. According to Shaffril this assessment was conducted by looking at the title and reading the abstract of the literature.23 This process eliminated 58 literatures due to several reasons such as irrelevant to the topic or inaccessible to abstract and their content. In the end, only 66 literatures were selected. 3.3. Quality Assessment In SLR, the evaluation of quality articles is crucial element. It can be conducted through two methods: qualitative or quantitative.24 In this review, the qualitative assessment method using best evidence synthesis was selected. By using this method, the researchers evaluated the quality of each literature that would be analysed. Quality assessment is based on the set of selection criteria in the screening process. Any literatures that fit the selection criteria will be selected while the others will be discarded. Petticrew and Roberts suggested evaluators to divide the literature quality into three levels, high, average, and low. Only those at the high and average levels are qualified to be analysed while those in low level need to be discarded. The selection of methodology in research was also used as the key measurement for the literature quality level in this study. This method of quality assessment could lead to high level of biasness, yet the difficulties of finding experts to assess the literature had made it the best option. This process was classified 50 literatures at high level, 16 in average, and none for the low level. Figure 2 below shows the process of the literature selection in this study. Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 45 Figure 2. Research literature selection flowchart 3.4. Data Analysis This review was conducted in the form of descriptive analysis using text narrative synthesis approach. Descriptive form is the common survey conducted and easily identified. It analysed the literature based on specific topic, concept and research questions.25 While text narrative synthesis approach requires each literature to be arranged in homogenic sub-group based on the collected data for their similarities and differences analysis.26 Context’s characteristics, quality and research findings also need to be reported according to a standardised format.27 4. Findings This study analysed 66 literatures related to hadith authentication method. Table 1 explains the topic, sub-topics and contexts of these literatures. Based on thematic analysis, two main authentication methods were identified; ICT and conventional method. Figure 3 above shows its divisions. Figure 3. The Taxonomy of Authentication Method 46 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … 4.1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) There were 15 literatures discussed under this theme. 11 of them were focused on the authentication itself while other 4 on the classification process. Research by Al-Faraby, S et.al , Abdelaal, H.M and Abdelaal, H.M, Youness H.A classified hadith using data mining and machine learning techniques. Al-Faraby used sets of data from the Malay Language translated hadith while the other 2 research had unclear context on the used set of data. Ghanem, M et.al classified hadith through Learning Vector Quantisation (LVQ) method by using a collection of 160 hadiths as their set of data. Using hybrid deep learning models that combine BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) with either BiLSTM (Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory) or BiGRU (Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit), Mulyana and Lhaksmana try to classify hadiths based on their authenticity (sahih, hasan, daif). Researchers applied BERT-BiLSTM and BERT-BiGRU models, with text preprocessing and dataset balancing. The results show that BERT-BiLSTM performed better, achieving high accuracy (96.3%). There are several researches that have authenticated hadith based on hadith narrators and their isnÉd such as Ghazizadeh, M et.al confirmed the level of hadith validity based on the characteristics of the narrator through fuzzy expert system. Studies by Azmi, A.M, Badia, N.B and Baraka, R.S et.al developed application and domain to build the hadith’s sanad ontology. A study by Siddiqui, M.A et.al introduced a system that extracted isnÉd automatically from a hadith through Named Entity Recognition and Classification and presented this sanad in the form of network. A study by Najeeb, M.M had innovated isnÉd processing system that autonomously issue judgement on the hadith. Analysing the similarities and alignment of the concepts between isnÉd assessment with the authentication of internet banking, study by Ibrahim, N.K et.al found that there were several compatibilities and relations between both. Thus, they suggested an authentication framework of sanad to be expanded further by researchers. From this six research, only study by Azmi and Badia had used a specific data set which was 90 hadith from ØaÍÊÍ al-BukhÉri and Muslim. Recently, study by Luthfi and Yusoh in 2024 introduced the Hadith Sanad Authentication Fuzzy Expert System (HAFES) to help verify hadith authenticity by analyzing the sanad (chain of narrators). Unlike existing systems, HAFES provides categorized authentication results using a fuzzy logic approach. The system achieved high accuracy in evaluating narrator reliability (92.72%) and missing narrators (98.16%), while the overall sanad status classification reached 72.2% accuracy. Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 47 Besides the authentication through narrators and sanad, there were several literatures under ICT theme which discussed the authentication method through specific system development such as a study by Kamsin, A et.al. Their study apparently was not only limited to hadith texts, but it involved the authentication of The Holy Qur’Én texts as well. A study by Eljazzar, M.M et.al and Kabir, M.N et.al on the other hand focused on the development of the website for authentication. Kabir’s study exploited ØaÍÊÍ al-BukhÉri and ØaÍÊÍ Muslim as data set. By looking at the vast usage of mobile telephone, Fadele, A.A et.al developed mobile authentication system for android and iOS. However, it was only capable to authenticate hadith in Malay language. By applying the authorship verification method, Elewa, A authenticated hadith through its linguistic approach. He was not alone in this matter when E Mohamed and R Sarwar applied the same method yet through machine learning automation approach. 4.2. Conventional Method Under the conventional method, there were 38 literatures which was divided into 5 different topics. 4.2.1. Assessment of the narrators and isnÉd Due to the evaluation of hadith which is strongly influenced by the state of the narrator and isnÉd, it is found that most authentication methods are under this topic. A large number of literatures were under this topic which discussed the methodology hadith scholars undertaken in evaluating hadith narrators. Study by Talib, H analysed the method of Yahya bin Sa’id al-Qaththan. Similarly, Ridhwan, I.S and ‘Audah, A.I on the method of Abdul Rahman bin Ibrahim al-Dimasyqi. Kutluay, I focusing on the method of Ahmad bin Hanbal and then Turhan, H.I on the method of Shu‘bah bin al-Hajjaj. The study by Jamilin, A.K.B and Yusoff, M.F did not only review the method Abu Hatim in evaluating hadith narrator, but also compared it with the method of the other hadiths critics. A study by Abdullah, however viewed the authentication process of the hadith narrators in different perspectives. He analysed the critical thinking elements in differentiating between facts, rhetorical bias, differentials, evaluations, and logical conclusion. According to him, these elements are crucial to determine the reliability of the narrators. Since the narrator’s evaluation most of the time were based on relative criticism, Turhan discussed the need of an explicit principle to measure the process of narrator evaluation. Among of the proposed principles is the tarjÊÍ ترجیح narrator which is not accepted unless the reason is stated. Finally, study by Kaya, M 48 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … discussed the reasons why the isnÉd اسناد evaluation is preferred compared to other methods in the hadith authentication. 4.2.2 Assessment of the Hadith’s Matn According to Khan28 and Ayub29 the hadith authentication through the study of matn has not being given equal priority by the conservative scholars as the isnÉd’s study. Furthermore, Brown stated that there is a consensus among the Western scholars that this method is limitedly applied by the hadith critics.30 In the article entitled The Authentication of Hadith: Redefining the Criteria, Khan listed 5 criteria that became the principle in assessing matn hadith which are Holy Qur’Én, authentic hadith, sound rationality, precise history facts, and moderation. Discussion on this topic was continued by Brown when he discussed several examples extensively of matn authentication by the scholars in the 3rd and 4th century of Hijr. He concluded that hadith scholars in the early era of Islam did not neglect matn authentication but hid them under the criticism of isnÉd. In another research by him, he discussed on the polemic towards the matn authentication among Islamic scholars and their school of thoughts. Abdurrahman argued that the hadith scholars had not yet clearly outlined the method of matn assessment. On that account, he introduced the procedure of assessing matn validity from two aspects, syaz (conflict with more valid matn) and ‘illah علہ(hidden flaws that weakening hadith). Both aspects however have their own specific rules that bound their application such as the existence of data comparison and concrete indication. The study by Ayub debated on the roles of matn assessment in hadith authentication. 4.2.3 Assessment on both sanad and matn Hadith authentication through the combined analysis of sanad and matn has increasingly garnered attention among contemporary scholars, particularly with the introduction of the concept of isnād-cum-matn analysis by Harald Motzki and G. Schoeler. Motzki’s theory of isnÉd-cum-matn refers to a method of hadith authentication that integrates the analysis of both the isnād (and the matn of the hadith.31 There are countless works discussed under this newly offered category. A study by Nagel, T examined the role of isnād-cum-matn analysis to uncover the accuracy of the biography and life history of the Hazrat Muhammad Rasulullah Khatam un Nabiyyun sallallahu ‘alaihi wa ‘ala Alihi wa Ashabihi wa Sallam. He, however, considered this method to be a futile effort in achieving the goal. Focusing on the matter of inheritance, Pavlovitch, P and Powers, D.S Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 49 questioned the authority of the narration “a bequest may not exceed one-third of the estate” to the Hazrat Muhammad Rasulullah Khatam un Nabiyyun sallallahu ‘alaihi wa ‘ala Alihi wa Ashabihi wa Sallam. In year 2021, Qureshi, B.A examines Motzki's use of this method in relation to the traditions of the Hazrat Muhammad Rasulullah Khatam un Nabiyyun sallallahu ‘alaihi wa ‘ala Alihi wa Ashabihi wa Sallam concerning ZakÉt al-FiÏr, while also highlighting some of the limitations in Motzki's application of the method. Following Qureshi works, Budiman, A et. al explored Motzki's theory of isnād-cum- matn analysis by examining the hadith related to usury (riba’). The author's theoretical analysis of the hadith on usury reveals that the Hazrat Muhammad Rasulullah Khatam un Nabiyyun sallallahu ‘alaihi wa ‘ala Alihi wa Ashabihi wa Sallam serves as a central link, while three companions; Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud, Abu Hurairah, and Bara' Ibn Hazib, act as partial links in the chain. Similarly, Fadhil, H.M and Imtyas, R explored the narration about loving Arabs amid some Muslim Arab cults. Recently, based on the premise that the isnād-cum-matn method has limitations, Muhammad, T and Nasir, S. discussed how to enhance it by using additional analytical methods, such as a prosopographic analysis of the isnād to trace the origins of the hadīth and a thematic examination of the motifs in the matn, rather than relying on the previously explored historiographic approaches. In more general discussions, Kurniawan, M. I. R., Mutammimah, B., et.al, Kizil, F and Syed, M talked about isnād-cum- matn analysis in the light of its main concept, challenges, limitations, potentials and benefits. Challenging single strands theory by Juynboll’s, Ayşe in his study under the title ‘Using Isnād-Cum-Matn Analysis to Verify The Authenticity of The Transmission Process of Single Strands: A Case Study of G. H. A. Juynboll.’ explores how integrating isnād-cum-matn analysis (ICMA) with the traditional method of mu‘ārada and rijāl evaluation can enhance the authenticity verification of hadith transmissions. By applying ICMA to single isnÉds, particularly for a hadith related to the permissibility of killing women and children in battles, the study challenges Juynboll’s view that single isnÉds are unreliable. It reveals additional isnÉds and textual variants not included by Juynboll and shows that these variants, when analyzed with rijāl data, support the authenticity of the hadith’s transmission process. The study argues that Juynboll’s dismissal of single isnÉds as fabrications is inaccurate for this hadith and shouldn’t be applied broadly. Lastly, Ismail, T.M.S.T et.al discussed the foundation and scope of the sanad and matn evaluation. They analysed the relationship between the two elements and came to a conclusion that there were 4 situations that would affect the authenticity of hadith; both sanad and matn authentic, both sanad and matn inauthentic, authentic sanad but inauthentic matn and authentic matn but 50 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … inauthentic sanad. In this matter, only the first situation, where both the sanad and matn are authentic, is considered valid and acceptable. 4.2.4 TakhrÊj Method By looking at the main topic of this study, it is undeniable that takhrÊj تخریج is one of the main methods in authenticating hadith. Therefore, this review managed to examine several studies that had directly discussed the takhrÊj method. Among was the study by Bahrudin and Sagala, A which examined general concept of takhrÊj including its methods, steps, levels and practical examples. While study by Dakir, J et.al debated on the importance and position of the takhrÊj method in the elicit process of laws and fatwÉ. 4.2.5 Scholar Authentication Method This review found 14 literatures discussing scholars’ methodology in hadith authentication. ‘Atiyah, M.M (t.th) discussed the authentication method of Ibn Daqiq al-‘Eid in his book al-Imam fi Ma‘rifat AÍÉdÊth al-AÍkÉm. Mahmud, A.M researched on the al-Tabari’s method in TahzÊb al- Athar. Kafi, A.B analysed the al-Bukhari’s taÎÍÊÍ method in his magnum opus al-JÉmi‘ al-ØaÍÊÍ. While Islam, M.A compared the authentication method of Abu Hanifah which represented ahl rÉ’yu with ahl ÍadÊth. Zulhilmi, M.N studied Ibn Solah’s method and harmonised it with contemporary scholar’s authentication theories. Tracing the works of al-ShÉfi‘Ê and Muslim, Abu-Alabbas, B analysed and compared the standard evaluation of hadith that were established by both. The study concluded that both al-ShÉfi‘Ê and Muslim had a similar standard evaluation albeit different framework and agenda. Chodir, F on the other hand, specifically studied al- ShÉfi‘Ê’s authentication method from his masterpiece al-RisÉlah. In his study, al-Misri, A.S tried to compare between al-Albani method of authentication with the prerequisite set up by al-Bukhari and Muslim in their ØaÍÊÍ. The study concluded that there are several inclusive and exclusive principles between them regarding hadith authentication. In two of his articles, Yusoff, M.F discussed on the methodology of hadith criticism of Ibn Hibban in his treatise ØaÍÊÍ Ibn ×ibbÉn and his approach towards authenticating sÊrah of the Prophet (Øal Allah-u-‘alaihe wa sallam). Although both studies involved the same scholar, it looked at different contexts of authentications. Besides that, Rahim, V.K.H, Zulfikar, E and Calgan, M.A explored al-Ghumari, al-Hakim and Ibn Kathir’s authentication method in their works in al-Mudawi li ‘Ilal al-JÉmi‘ al-SaghÊr wa SharÍ al-Munawi, Mustadrak ‘ala al-SaÍÊÍayn dan TafsÊr al-Qur’Én al-‘Azim respectively. The final review in this sub-topic is the study Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 51 by al-Tahrir, R (2021) who examined authentication methods of ahl uÎËl and comparing them with the methods of ahl ÍadÊth. He concluded that ahl uÎËl had an independent theories and methods in dealing with khabar aÍad which was based on textual certainty and establishment of practice of the text. On the contrary, ahl ÍadÊth applied the theory of al-i‘tibÉr, al-ta‘lÊl, al-shahid and al-mutabi‘ to authenticate any sanad or matn. Other than those 5 topics mentioned above, there were several studies which did not fit in any of those topics such as study by Usman, U, Kamali, M.H and Muhkhlisin which discussed on the authentication method in general. Study by Baru, R et.al established a guideline in authenticating false hadiths according to the standard outlined by Ibn Qayyim in his work Naqd al-ManqËl, while Zulkifli, M and Khudori, M analyzed kasyaf method which was practiced by some of the Sufi in validating the hadith. They concluded, that since the nature of kasyaf method was too relative and subjective, it does not carry a solid foundation to be considered as one of hadith authentication methods. Bil . Theme Topic Sub-topic Context Research 1. Information and Communicat ion Technology (ICT) Authenticati on Program Fuzzy system Narrator Characteristi c, KAFI volume 1, Hadith Sanad Authenticati on Fuzzy Expert System (HAFES) Ghazizadeh , M et.al (2008) Luthfi. E.T. & Yusoh, Z.I.M (2024) 2. Kamsin, A. et.al (2015) 3. Associativ e Classificati on Technique Najeeb, M.M (2014) Hybrid Deep Learning Models BERT (Bidirectiona l Encoder Representati ons from Transformer s), BiLSTM (Bidirectiona l Long Short-Term Memory), BiGRU Mulyana, M. H & Lhaksmana, K. M (2024) 52 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … (Bidirectiona l Gated Recurrent Unit). 4. Hadith Ontology Developme nt Domain Hadith Isnad Ontology Isnad/narrat or Baraka, R.S et.al (2014) 5. E-Narrator Applicatio n Chain of narrators, 90 hadiths from Sahih al- Bukhari and Muslim Azmi, A.M, (2010) 6. Badia, N.B (2010) 7. Isnad Extraction from Hadith Named Entity Recognitio n and Classificati on Isnad/narrat or Siddiqui, M.A et.al (2014) 8. Authenticati on of Linguistic Aspect Method Authorship Verificatio n Elewa, A (2019) 9. Machine learning automation E Mohamed, R Sarwar (2021) 10 . Web extension program ØaÍÊÍ al- Bukhari and Muslim database Kabir, M.N et.al (2018) Eljazzar, M.M et.al (2017) 11 . Mobile Authenticati on System Android and iOs Fadele, A.A et.al (2020) 12 . IsnÉd Similarity with banking authenticatio n concept Ibrahim, N.K et.al (2019) 13 . Classificati on Data mining and machine learning Abdelaal, H.M et.al (2019) 14 . LVQ (Learning Vector Quantizati on) Collection of 160 hadith Ghanem, M et.al (2016) 15 . Machine learning Translation of Malay language Hadith Al Faraby, S et.al (2018) Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 53 16 . Machine learning, based on reliability and memory strength of hadith narrator Abdelaal, H.H, Youness, H.A (2019) 17 . Conventiona l/ Traditional Assessment towards narrator/Isn ad Methodolo gy Abu Hatim Jamilin, A.K.B, Yusoff, M.F.B.M (2020) 18 . Abdul Rahman bin Ibrahim al- Dimasyqi Ismail Sa’id Ridhwan, Ahmad Idris ‘Audah (2007) 19 . Ahmad bin Hanbal Kutluay, I (2011) 20 . Yahya bin Said al- Qatthan Talib Hammad (2005) 21 . Shu’bah bin al-Hajjaj Turhan, H.I (2017) 22 . Applicatio n of Critical Thinking JarÍ wa Ta‘dÊl Abdullah, I (2012) 23 . Principle and regulations of narrator assessment Turhan, H.I (2018) 24 . Sanad prioritise from matn Kaya, M (2019) 25 . Matn Assessment Syaz and Illah Abdurrahm an (2013) 26 . Ayub Ayub (2018) 27 . Brown, J.A.C (2012) 28 . Brown, J.A.C (2008) 29 . Khan, I.A (2007) 30 . Sanad and Matn Assessment Isnad-cum- matn Nagel, T (2012) 54 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … analysis (ICMA) Pavlovitch, P and Powers, D.S (2014) Qureshi, B.A (2021), Budiman, A et. al (2022) Fadhil, H.M and Imtyas, R (2023) Muhammad , T and Nasir, S. (2024) Kurniawan, M. I. R. (2021) Mutammim ah, B., et.al, (2023) Kizil, F (2024) Syed, M (2024) Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 55 Ozgur, A.M (2024) Ismail, T.M.S.T et.al (2014) 31 . TakhrÊj Method A Sagala (2021) 32 . Laws and fatwÉ Dakir, J et.al (2012) 33 . Hadith AÍad Bahrudin Bahrudin (2009) 34 . Scholar Method Ibn Hibban ØaÍÊÍ Ibn ×ibbÉn Yusoff, M.F (2020) Ibn Solah Authenticati on of mutaqaddimÊ n Zulhilmi, M.N (2016) al-Shafei Scripture of al-RisÉlah Chodir, F (2020) 35 . Ibn Kathir TafsÊr al- Qur’Én al- Azim Calgan, M.A (2020) 36 . al-Shafei and Muslim Both narrator’s works Abu- Alabbas, B (2017) 37 . Ibn Hibban SÊrah Nabawiyah Yusoff, M.F (2019) 39 . Ahmad al- Ghumari Al-Mudawi li ‘Ilal al- Jami‘ al- Saghir wa shyarh al- Munawi VKH Rahim (2019) 38 . al-Hakim Mustadrak ‘ala al- Sahihayn Zulfikar, E (2020) 40 . Usul Experts (Usuliyyin) Rais al- Tahrir (2021) 41 . Ibn Daqiq al-‘Eid Al-ImÉm fi Ma‘rifat AÍÉdÊth al- AÍkÉm Maymuni Mughamma d ‘Atiyah (t.th) 42 . al-Albani Syarat al- ØaÍÊÍayn Anas Sulaiman al-Misri (2018) 43 . al-Tabari TahzÊb al- AÏhar Abdul Majid 56 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … Mahmud (2005) 44 . al-Bukhari Al-JÉmi‘ al- ØaÍÊÍ Abu Bakar Kafi (2007) 45 . Abu Hanifah Comparison with hadith expert method Islam, Mohamad Amin (2008) 46 . Guideline False Hadith Ibn Qayyim dalam Naqd al-Manqul Baru, R et.al (2017) 47 . Kasyf Method ØËfi Expert M Kudhori (2018) Zulkifli, M (2014) 48 . General Kamali, M.H (2014) 49 . Mukhlisin (2019) Usman, U (2009) Table 1. Theme, topic and sub-topic of hadith authentication method 5. Discussion This SLR explores 66 researches related to hadith authentication method. In terms of literature types, 54 of them were journal articles, 4 master dissertations, 6 conference proceedings and 2 were books. Figure 3 explains the taxonomy of these methods. In general, there are two themes related to authentication methods: conventional and ICT. Both are represented by several topics and sub- topics as per above. With respect to the publication year, fig. 4 shows a steady number of publications of hadith authentication methods from year 2005 to 2024. However, from year 2014 to 2024 this topic received more attention from scholars with significant increase in publication. Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 57 Figure 4. Distribution of publishing years This review identifies articles related to hadith authentication scattered in 48 different journals as can be seen in table 2. No Journal 1 IEEE Access 2 Al-Masaq 3 Journal of Physics 4 International Journal of Computer Application 5 Advances in Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering 6 International Journal on Islamic Applications in Computer Science and Technology 7 Malaysian Journal of Islamic Studies 8 International Journal of Islamic Application Computer Science Technology 9 International Journal of Computer Linguistic Research 10 Jurnal Pusaka 11 Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 12 Computers and Society 13 Digital Scholarship in the Humanities 14 International Journal of Engineering and Technology (UAE) 15 Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 16 Romanian Journal of Information Science and Technology 17 Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 18 Al-Bayan 19 Islamic Law and Society 20 Asian Social Science 21 Intellectual Discourse 2 0 3 3 2 2 1 4 1 7 1 2 4 6 8 6 5 2 2 8 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 7 2 0 0 8 2 0 0 9 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 3 2 0 1 4 2 0 1 5 2 0 1 6 2 0 1 7 2 0 1 8 2 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 2 2 0 2 3 2 0 2 4 58 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … 22 Energy Education Science and Technology 23 BILIMNAME 24 Global Journal al-Thaqafah 25 Ilahiyat Studies-A Journal on Islamic and Religious Studies 26 Journal Of Academic Research in Religious Sciences 27 International Journal of Information Technology 28 International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology 29 Digital Scholarship in the Humanities 30 American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences 31 International Journal of Advanced Studies in Computers, Science and Engineering 32 Ishlah: Jurnal Ilmu Ushuluddin, Adab Dan Dakwah 33 Jurnal Ilmu Dakwah 34 Hadis. Jurnal Alasma: Media Informasi Dan Komunikasi Ilmiah 35 Al-Ulum: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam 36 Indonesian Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Studies 37 IUG Journal of Islamic Studies 38 Jordanian Scientific Journal 39 Egyptian Journals 40 IJISH (International Journal of Islamic Studies and Humanities) 41 Hamdard Islamicus 42 Islamic History and Civilization 43 Arabica 44 Takwil: Journal of Quran and Hadith Studies 45 Al-Bukhari : Jurnal Ilmu Hadis 46 Ushuluna: Jurnal Ilmu Ushuluddin 47 Religia 48 International Journal of Innovative Computing, Information and Control Table 2. List of journals This systematic review concludes that the scholars' methods of authentication and isnad-cum-matn analysis dominate the studies, with 12 works specifically discussing these topics. This finding highlights the significant contributions of hadith scholars in authenticating the hadith corpus and underscores the importance of both sanad and matn analysis in validating hadith. In a way it gives signal to all hadith critic and researcher to attribute their works based on the foundation and principle laid down by the scholars. The second most dominant method is the authentication through isnÉd evaluation with 8 literatures. Even though the number of literatures collected in this study were quite high, relatively when compared to the other field of Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XLVIII, No.2 59 knowledge, the study on hadith authentication method is still limited in terms of quantity and quality as was found out by Hakak, S et. al and Binbeshr, F et. al.32 The alienated of term ‘authentication’ in the context of hadith assessment and verification might play a significant role in affecting the number of returned literatures during the searching process. It is worth noting that, in this study, authentication encompasses both ICT-based and classical methods, though their applications differ. Within the ICT framework, authentication refers to the process of verifying the validity of a hadith using information technology. In contrast, within the classical paradigm, it pertains to the traditional examination of sanad and matn to ascertain the authenticity of a hadith. This study also finds that conventional method has excelled the ICT method. This imbalance however contradicted with the current reality which leaned heavily on the digitalisation and computerisation. Other than that, in term of frequency, this review has also discovered that the study on hadith authentication through isnÉd examination has outshined matn analysis. In the hadith authentication process, trusted and complete data set has become a crucial requirement.33 Though there were several data sets used, they were not comprehensive enough when compared to the enormous hadith corpus. For example, al-Kutub al- Sittah as a data set in some of the studies is limited to ØaÍÊÍ al- BukhÉri and ØaÍÊÍ Muslim only, neglecting the other four remaining books. This review discovered the absence of study focusing on developing the authentication method for specific group of people such as students, book authors, editors of publishing companies and others. Both Zulkifli’s and Kudhori’s studies though were viewed as focusing more on the sufi’s hadith authentication method through kasyaf concept, are more towards the assessment and critics on the method not to develop an actual authentication module. Lastly, the study found that the authentication of hadith using Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications has yet to receive significant attention among academics, despite the global trend of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration across various fields. Most of the existing literature on hadith and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has thus far focused only on three main issues—comprehension, prospects, and ethics—without addressing authentication methods. 6. Conclusion The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) conducted on 66 studies related to hadith authentication method discovered that 49 60 Advancements in Hadith Authentication … research were related to conventional method and the remaining 17 were on information and communication technology (ICT) method. In the conventional method, the evaluation of isnÉd and hadith narrator is still the preferred method by most researchers. However, authentication method through matn assessment has begun to gain serious attention among researchers. Relatively, digital method of authenticating hadith is still new, quite complex, and is facing several challenges to develop. So far, most are focusing on the development of authentication program based on hadith isnÉd using machine learning approach. The hybrid approach with conventional methods is most likely the way forward in order to establish a comprehensive and efficient digital authentication method. Since there is no specific hadith authentication method for focus group being promoted, researchers are urged to develop a suitable and comprehensive hadith authentication module or guideline for critical groups such as Islamic speakers, preachers, book authors and editors, and students at all levels of studies. The broadness and complexity of hadith erudition emphasised the need towards them. This study concludes that contemporary researchers need to enliven the research activities related to hadith authentication method. The thrust of studies needs to be varied and at the same time ensuring the highest level of research quality. In summary, this systematic review highlights significant advancements in the field of hadith authentication, reflecting a dynamic interplay between traditional methodologies and contemporary technological innovations. The integration of classic and modern methods shows an increasing sophistication in the tools and techniques used to evaluate the authenticity of hadith corpus. Advances in digital technology, such as database management systems and machine learning algorithms, have enhanced the ability to analyse large volumes of hadith texts with greater precision and efficiency. In the context of the advancement of authentication methods, which is the focus of this review, this study is rather surprised by the absence of literature on hadith authentication through Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. We believe that research in this area is crucial to assess its suitability, justification, and accuracy in authenticating hadith. 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