Studying the principles of hadith classification and terminology is a major component of hadith studies (ulum al-hadith).
Imam ibn Hajar al-Asqalani’s Nukhbatul Fikr is a primary text that is commonly used to introduce an individual to the Science of Hadith (Ulum al-Hadith) and the major terminology (Mustalah) associated with it. In effect it is a summary of the larger works preceding his time on how to understand the detailed rudiments to this nomenclature and its systematic application.
This introductory text covers the types of chains of transmission (asanid), types of acceptable narrations (maqbul) and the types of rejected narrations (mardud). Additionally, the course intends to add further material on how to consolidate knowledge after mastering the fundamentals. All of this will be delivered in a systematic manner with practical examples as and when needed over the sessions.