The Aqsaam (categories/divisions) of the Sunnah in respect to the Ruwaat (narrators) “As-Sanad” (The chain)
The Sunnah is divided into three categories in respect to the Sanad (chain): Al-Mutawaatir, Al-Mash’hoor and Khabar Al-Aahaad.
1 – Al-Mutawaatir:
Al-Mutawaatir linguistically means: Consecutiveness, one after another with a gap (of time) between.
Al-Mutawaatir in accordance to the Istilaah (terminological definition): That which was related in the three eras (or generations) by a large number making it impossible for them to collude upon a lie.
The three eras (generations) are: The era of the Sahaabah, the era of the Taabi’een and the era of the Taabi’ At-Taabi’een.
The Sunnah Al-Mutawaatirah is Qat’iy Ath-Thuboot (definite in transmission) in respect to it coming from the Nabi (saw) and therefore it is obligatory to work or act with it in respect to what it came with whether this was Ahkaam or Aqaa’id (beliefs).
An example of the Sunnah Al-Qawliyah Al-Mutawaatirah is his Qawl (saw):
“Whoever lies about me intentionally then let him occupy his seat (place) in hellfire” (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim).
An example of the Sunnah Al-Fi’liyah Al-Mutawaatirah are like those related to the performance of the five prayers.