Hadiths are the collection of sayings, actions, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that were transmitted by his companions and later generations of Muslims. Hadiths are considered an important source of Islamic guidance and knowledge, along with the Quran.

To understand Hadiths, it is important to approach them with a critical and analytical mindset, and to consider the context in which they were reported and the reliability of the sources that transmitted them. Islamic scholars have developed a system of Hadith sciences that are used to authenticate, interpret, and apply Hadiths in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Some of the key principles and methodologies used in understanding Hadiths include:

1. Isnad (Chain of Narrators): This involves tracing the chain of narrators back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to ensure that the Hadith is authentic.

2. Matn (Textual Analysis): This involves examining the text of the Hadith itself, including its language, meaning, and context.

3. Historical Context: This involves understanding the historical context in which the Hadith was reported and how it relates to the broader Islamic teachings and principles.

4. Comparison with other Hadiths and Islamic Sources: This involves comparing the Hadith with other Hadiths and Islamic sources to gain a better understanding of its meaning and implications.

By applying these methodologies and principles, Islamic scholars and experts are able to understand and interpret Hadiths in a way that is consistent with Islamic teachings and values.