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Ḥadīth compilations went through a complex evolution from ṣaḥīfa, juz‘,risāla, sunan, musannaf, jāmiʿ, musnad, muʿjam, mustadrak and mustakhraj, each reflecting choices and different methodologies of their compilers/collectors. To illustrate this evolution, this paper looks at the journey of one particular ḥadīth, narrated by Umm Salama, Mother of the Believers, tracing its 131 different versions found in Sunnī collections, from the oldest one, collected by Affān b. Muslim (d. 219AH/834AD) to the last one collected by al-Haythamī (d. 807AH/1405AD), covering almost six centuries. The different versions of the narration reveal seven distinct story lines or plots. Though the variations differ considerably in details, certain characteristics remain, namely a fairly constant frame story and a relatively variable enclosed content, with the main characters staying the same and some new characters being added. Furthermore, there are some noticeable common themes regarding the additions or omissions from the main body of the narration, the matn. This study attempts to answer several question: why are there so many different versions of a narration by one person? Do these differences reflect the choices of the compilers/editors as well as their interference with the material? What do these differences reflect? Was the hadith manipulated to reflect sectarian ideologies, political developments, and theological frameworks or are the differences merely dramatic tools used for the benefit of the different audiences? Do compilers/editors of hadith collections have certain personal agendas?
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