Kuteb

Kuteb refers to a collection of influential hadith compilations within Sunni Islam. The term is an abbreviation derived from the titles of the six most authoritative books of hadith. These are considered foundational texts for Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and ethics. The six books are Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan an-Nasa'i, Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami' at-Tirmidhi, and Sunan Ibn Majah.

These compilations were meticulously gathered by their respective authors, who are known as the Muhaddithin (hadith scholars). They painstakingly collected sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, tracing each hadith back through a chain of narrators to the Prophet himself. The authenticity of these chains of narration was a primary concern for the compilers, leading to rigorous methods of authentication.

Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are considered the most authentic collections, often referred to as the "Two Sahihs." The other four collections, while still highly respected, are categorized as Sunan, indicating that they include not only authenticated hadith but also those that might be considered less rigorously verified, though still useful for legal reasoning. The Kuteb serve as a vital source of guidance for Muslims, providing insights into the Prophet Muhammad's life and teachings, and are extensively studied and referenced by scholars and laypeople alike.