Hadith and Sunnah Key questions What is the

Hadith and Sunnah Key questions What is the importance and authority of hadith in Islam?

What is hadith? A hadith ḥadīth, is one of various reports describing the words, actions, or habits of the Prophet Muhammad. A hadith is a narration of the Prophet’s speech , deed, or approval or disapproval-whether spoken or tacit- about something.

What do you think is the importance of Muhammad’s sayings for Muslims? How much authority they have over Muslim living?

Green pen --- Check in your notes…. (Flipped learning) The Nature & Status of Hadith • Next best guide to the Qur’an • Second source of behaviour for Muslims • Problem; there is no an authorised version of hadith----contradictions, Bukhari recognised this and made a collection of 600, 000 hadith, he reduced hadith with genuine chain of narration to 7000. • Muslims accept Bukhari’s collection as a genuine and guaranteed version because of its transmitters guarantee. The chain of narration must be unbroken for authenticity. • Majority accept hadith as the word of final Messenger, The Qur’an states, “And whatsoever the Messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever He forbiddeth, abstain from it” • Any hadith that contradict the Qur’an is not accepted as a true hadith • Sunna in the form of Hadith is complementary to the Holy Book itself. • Compulsory for Muslims to follow Prophet(pbuh) and his hadith • The Qur’an is Theory and the Sunna of Muhammad is the practical application of it. (Islam, V W Watton)

What is difference between Sunnah and Hadith? • Hadith can be inauthentic due to a broken chain of narration. • Sunnah is purely related to practical aspects of Islam and is Independent Source of Islam

What is the importance of hadith? • A collection of hadith, with accounts of his daily practice - The Sunnah, constitute the 2 nd major source of guidance for Muslims after the Qur’an. • Hadith are second only to the Qur’an in developing Islamic jurisprudence. • Hadith are important tools for understanding the Quran and commentaries written on it. • Some important elements of traditional Islam, such as the five (Salahs) prayers, are mentioned in hadith.

In groups • Look at the quotes from the Qur’an in the handout page 7 • Discuss • Explain the importance and authority of hadith in Islam.

Importance and authority of hadith 1. Revelation; (S 53 v 3 -4) “Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him”.

Importance and authority of hadith 2. Explanation: (S 16 v 44) (We sent them) with Clear Signs and Books of dark prophecies; and We have sent down unto thee (also) the Message; that thou may explain clearly to people what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.

Importance and authority of hadith 3. Laws: (S 4 v 59) O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.

Importance and authority of hadith 4. Moral Ideal: (S 33 v 21) Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful (perfect) role model for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of All

Importance and authority of hadith 5. Preservation of Islam: (S 15 v 9) We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).

• Revelation; (S 53 v 3 -4) • Explanation: (S 16 v 44) • Laws: (S 4 v 59) • Moral Ideal: (S 33 v 21) • Preservation of Islam: (S 15 v 9) • Next best guide

Homework Exam Questions Plan……. 1. Explore how the authority of Hadith is observed within Muslim life. [8] 2. Assess the status of Hadith as the next best source (guide)to the Qur’an. [12]