What is meant by Sahihain?

The term “Sahihain” (صحیحین) is an important concept in Islamic scholarship, especially in the study of Hadith. The word Sahihain is a dual form in Arabic, meaning “the two authentic ones.” Specifically, it refers to the two most authentic and highly respected books of Hadith:

1. 
   

   Sahih al-Bukhari

   
   


2. 
   

   Sahih Muslim

   
   

These two compilations are considered the most reliable sources of Hadith after the Holy Quran. They contain narrations of the sayings, actions, approvals, and lifestyle of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Their high level of authenticity is due to the strict criteria used by their compilers, Imam Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, who dedicated their lives to verifying the chain of narrators (Isnaad) and the accuracy of the text (Matn).

Sahih al-Bukhari is regarded as the most authentic book of Hadith. Imam Bukhari reviewed thousands of narrations and included only those that met the strictest standards. Similarly, Sahih Muslim, though slightly less strict in conditions, is also considered extremely reliable and second only to Bukhari.

Because of this unmatched level of authenticity, Islamic scholars often refer to these two books together as “Sahihain.” When scholars say that a Hadith is narrated in Sahihain, it means that both Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim have included it — a mark of the highest reliability and acceptance.

Understanding Sahihain is essential for students of Islamic Studies, as many exam questions, competitive tests, and interviews frequently include topics on Hadith literature. The term emphasizes the significance and trust placed in these two collections within Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and historical study.

Thus, Sahihain refers to "Bukhari and Muslim."