The scholars of hadith, in their attempt to safeguard and record traditions, traveled
to the remotest corners of the Islamic world. They had proved powerful memories,
hearts filled with great love for the hadith of the Mesenger of Allah
, and what could almost be called an obsession to
gather this knowledge and preserve it for later generations.
Indeed, they are known to have travelled along the breadth of Islamic lands, visiting
many cities along the way. They not only collected the traditions, but also critically
scrutinized their authorities with great integrity and truthfulness.
Muslims today are generally not aware of of the importance of the traditions of
the Messenger of Allah
, nor are they aware of the great service that the
Muhaddithun of early times rendered to the scrutiny, selection, and safeguarding
of ahadith.