Question

What is the difference between Sanad and Isnad?

Am I right in assuming that Sanad refers to the names of people mentioned in the chain, whereas Isnad refers to mentioning/writing the full chain along with how the rawi received ijazah such as Haddathana or Akhabarana?

Answer

Yes you are correct.

Basically, Sanad refers to the chain itself, and Isnad is the act of relating the chain.

Further, the word Isnad is also used as a synonym for sanad at times.

(Sharh Nukhbah, pg. 41 and 106)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar