hadith

noun

ha·​dith hə-ˈdēth How to pronounce hadith (audio)
plural hadith or hadiths also ahadith ˌä-hə-ˈdēth How to pronounce hadith (audio)
often capitalized
1
: a narrative record of the sayings or customs of Muhammad and his companions
2
: the collective body of traditions relating to Muhammad and his companions

Examples of hadith in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Referenced frequently in Islamic tradition and hadith – records of something the Prophet Muhammad said, did or tacitly approved of – it is believed that while in Mecca, Muhammad originally oriented his community’s prayers toward Al-Aqsa. — Ken Chitwood, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2023 Recently, Islamic environmental activists have highlighted the numerous hadith – sayings of the Prophet Muhammad that provide guidance to followers of the faith – that emphasize that Muslims should avoid excess, respect resources and living things, and consume in moderation. — Noorzehra Zaidi, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Arabic ḥadīth, literally, speech, report

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hadith was in 1737

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Cite this Entry

“Hadith.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hadith. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hadith

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hadith

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