Abu Dawud is most important fundamental work of Hadith. The Sunan contains 4800 traditions selected from a mass of 50,000. It is one of six Important and authentic collections (Saha-i-Sitta) of the Prophetic traditions. Dawud, following the practice of his time travelled far and wide to collect Hadith and visited Hijaz, Iraq, Khurashan, Egypt, Syria, Nishapur, Merv and Isfahan for the purpose. His proficiency in Hadith is accepted. His Sunan naturally, is replete with legal traditions; it also indicates his point of view on various questions and his acumen in ijtihad.

One of the six most authentic collections of the Ahadith (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sahih al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Abu Dawud, and Sahih al-Nisa'i) It has 4800 Hadith (selected from a mass of 50,000) divided into many different subjects.