In which centuries were the Hadith texts gathered and written down?

The Hadith texts, which record the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, were primarily compiled and written down during the 8th and 9th centuries. This period was crucial as scholars began to systematically collect these oral traditions to preserve the teachings of Islam in a formalized written form.

During the 8th century, the growth of Islamic scholarship and the establishment of a more formal educational system encouraged the documentation of Hadith. Scholars, concerned with the authenticity and preservation of these narratives, compiled collections that would become foundational texts for Islamic teachings. By the 9th century, these developments continued as significant works like Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim were completed, solidifying the Hadith's role in Islamic theology and law.

This understanding of the historical context is essential, as it ties the compilation of Hadith to broader trends in Islamic culture and scholarship during those centuries. The focus on systematic collection during this specific timeframe distinguishes it from the other options, which reference periods that were either too early or too late for the major developments in Hadith compilation.