Abstract: Hadith is ranked second in importance to the Qur’an. It is a practical
explanation of the Qur’an. However, there is need to verify the authenticity of
Ahadith transmitted through single channels. Classical hadith critics adopted
the science of ʿilal al-ḥadīth to detect hidden defects. While the science of
hidden defects (ʿilal al-ḥadīth) is among the most difficult disciplines of
hadith studies, recent advances in Artificial Inteligence have raised questions
about whether such tools can assist or replicate parts of classical analytical
methods. In
view of this, the paper selected a
defective hadith of Ḥajjāj ibn Arṭāʾah narrated by Al-Bayhaqi. The hadith narrates the recitation of a companion behind the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم during the Zuhr prayer.
ChatGPT was asked to verify the authenticity of the hadith and its findings
were recorded. To evaluate the performance of ChatGPT in detecting a defective
hadith (al-ḥadīth al-muʿallal), the findings were evaluated by comparing them
with the views of classical hadith critics. The paper shows where ChatGPT;s
findings align with classical hadith critics’ views, where they overlook subtle
defects and where they misquote classical hadith critics. The study concludes
that ChatGPT
can serve as a supportive academic tool in hadith
studies without replacing the role of human experts.
Keywords: ChatGPT, al-Hadith al-Muʿallal, Applied Study
DOI: 10.36349/zamijoh.2026.v04i02.010
author/Qaasim-Badmusi Saheed Biodun, Ph.D.
journal/Zamfara IJOH Vol. 4, Issue 2
