Ishma

Ishma (Arabic: اشمة‎‎) in Arabic means, "the acceptance of the community", used particularly in validating Muslim hadith. Ishma is regional; what is considered accepted by the community varies across communities. It is determined by community leaders. For instance, the authority of Bukhari and Muslim, the two most respected transmitters of hadith, is reinforced by Ishma.

Related terms

• Al-rijal The personal qualities of the transmitter. Literally, "the men".
• Marifat al-rijal The process of wounding (jar h) or validating a transmitter's reputation. Literally, "to know the man/the transmitter". This process is more subjective than the science of isnad criticism.