Revealing the Sect of the Alleged Narrator in Determining the Reason for the Fabrication of a Hadith: Sample of The Kitâb al-Mawzû'ât

Muhaddiths have developed and applied various methods to uncover the fabricated nature of a hadith. Essentially, these methods focus on the examination and criticism of the isnad by presenting the text against valid sources such as scripture, historical events, reason, etc. The principles developed to establish a hadith's fabrication raise the question: Can certain indicators be formed while determining the reasons for fabrication? When examining the literature on fabricated hadiths with this question in mind, it is noteworthy that this literature provides structures that may identify indicators useful in establishing a hadith's reasons for fabrication. This study is conducted with the assumption that understanding the relationship between fabricated hadiths and sectarian affiliation can offer details regarding their reasons for fabrication. Within this framework, it focuses on analyzing the connection between an accused narrator's sect and their reported hadiths. Thus, it aims to reveal what can be inferred about a narrator's sect-based ties concerning their report's reasons for being fabricated. In this respect, by following concrete examples of how social and political pressures influence hadith creation, this study seeks to contribute to existing literature. It is also envisaged that historical analyses that will help to understand the social structure of the period can contribute to the understanding of today's sectarian conflicts. The qualitative research method follows through Ibn al-Jawzi's (d. 597/1201) work Kitab al-Mawzu'at. This book has been selected as a sample because it allows readers to easily track excerpts from earlier works on jarh-ta dil, particularly those focused on weak narrators (du afa). It was constructed using earlier writings by scholars like Makdisi (d. 507/1113) and Juzakani (d. 543/1148), who contributed significantly to mawzu'at literature; thus serving as a foundational resource for later authors addressing fabricated narrations. The narrations are recorded according to topics with proper isnad references as well. In his book, Ibn al-Jawzi generally follows a method where he provides explanations after each narration; these explanations typically address why specific reports should be considered false while also offering indications concerning reasons for their fabrication, which stand out within his discussions. In this context, questions are raised regarding how Ibn al-Jawzi establishes the relationship between a narrator's sect and their reports, what he states regarding the reasons for fabrication, and whether his explanations are adequate for readers. To this end, 1847 narrations from Kitab al-Mawzu'at were thoroughly examined, and those that could provide data for research were collected separately in another document. A total of 43 fabricated hadiths were identified where the author attempts to associate the creation of the text with sectarian affiliation by mentioning the narrator's sect. Subsequently, these hadiths were categorized and analyzed based on Ibn al-Jawzi's explanations regarding both the narrator and the text. The findings indicate that in Kitab al-Mawzu'at, narrators associated with Shi a, Murji'a, Kharijites, Qadarites, and Karramiyya have been identified. Except for Kharijites, it was observed that there is a clear connection between other sect members concerning hadith fabrication. This connection also provides room for identifying reasons behind such fabrications. The author's explanations or implications regarding fabrication can be particularly observed in narrations linked to Shi i narrators. The findings suggest that a known sectarian affiliation often indicates that a narrator fabricates hadiths intending to support their own sect's beliefs.