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Rating: 
Summary: A failed work of disception
Review: A general note of caution to non Muslim readers who are sincerely looking for texts to learn more about Islam. This is not one of them. Apparently the publishers of this book were quick to cash in on the fad and did not srutinize the text for any scholarly merit that might deem it worth publishing. I pity the poor reader who would use this book has his or her basis to judge the religion as it is so filled with bigoted lies and disception pathetically hiding under the umbrella of intellectualism. For both the Muslim and non-Muslim the title of this book and its artistic cover appears to be authoritative. The unsuspecting reader, unfamiliar with Hadith and the strict process of authenticating it as outlined in the excellent review by a previous reviewer may start to believe the author in his attempt to discredit Islam. The author poses as an intellectual attempting to explain how Muslims think, a long tradition of orientalists in the West. Here he offers "help" for those wishing to really understand Islam. In his book as the previous reviewer has noted he mixes both the "strong hadith", those authenticated, with those of "weak hadith", those inconsistent with the Qu'ran, along with his own editorializing, creating to the unsuspecting reader a strong argument against the Prophet Muhammad (saw)and Islam. One knowledgeable about Islam would know that many hadith were offered up by disbelievers to slander the Prophet during his very own time. Islam has had it's opponents since its beginning so using any "hadith" as "proof" of falsehood of the religion is not only a weak argument it is a dishonest one and also nothing new. If you are an avid fan of hate radio and looking for another reason to justify your ignorance this book is for you. If you are serious student in religious comparitive studies or a sincere citizen looking to better understand other people don't bother as the book is a work of disception designed to confuse you. Instead get a copy of the Qu'ran and a book of authenticated Hadith, read them and compare them and then draw your own conclusions.
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Summary: Very Disappointed
Review: For anyone who is trying to gain a clear understanding of the hadith as I was, do not bother buying this book. I have not even been able to make it through the whole book; it's just that bad. The author bring his own presuppositions to the text, rather than presenting it in a factual matter. This is definitely not a book for anyone looking for an introduction to the Hadith.
Rating:
Summary: A failed work of disception
Review: I bought three different books for the Hadith and this one gives the most details and explanations.
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Summary: What is this?
Review: I recently purchased this book in order to gain a better understanding of my own religion. I noticed that the book was not written by a Muslim however I believed that this would not be an issue. This definately is an issue, trust me. Instead of making this book an unbiased analysis, the author is blatantly skeptical of Islam and tries to discredit it whenever he has the chance. He even goes so far as to point out what he believes are Islam's weaknesses and Hinduism's strengths. This book is entitled Understanding the Hadith, not A Comparison of Hinduism and Islam. Along with this , the style and writing is very repetitive and at times unclear. It was difficult for me but I finished reading the book and I now wonder why Ram Swarup even bothered to write it.
Rating: 
Summary: Recommended for dedicated students of Islamic studies
Review: Indian writer and philosopher Ram Swarup explores the meaning of Islam through the words of the Sahih Muslim in Understanding The Hadith, an authoritative collection of traditions about the life of Muhammad. The Hadith literature represents the Koran in action, but Swarup disputes claims that it's divinely inspired. An intriguing distillation of the many pieces which make up the Hadith, Understanding The Hadith is recommended for dedicated students of Islamic studies.
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Summary: A must read by all Americans
Review: This book points out the virtually non existent moral underpinnings of Islam as characterized in the person of Muhammad who all Muslims are to mimic. Muhammad's saying's and deeds are so abhorrent that one can easily allege that he is the exact opposite of Jesus Christ. This book implies that the Islamic bible called the "Koran was written after the fact" in order to justify Muhammad's actions.
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