In Islam, there are two fundamental sources of knowledge: the Qur’an and the Hadith.
The Quran is the speech of God, where within it is Divine guidance for humanity. It is the Holy Book that lays down the meaning of life, and how to attain the pleasure of Allah (SWT), in this life and the hereafter.
However, it is impossible to understand the Qur’an without reference to Hadith, the collection of traditions containing the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). And it is from his example that we can fully comprehend the Quran and its beautiful message.
How Hadith is Connected to the Quran
If Qur’an is the Divine message, then the Hadith is the explanation of it by the Messenger (PBUH). The Qur’an makes it clear that the Prophet (PBUH) has been entrusted with the most important task of explaining and illustrating its Divine teaching. This is a point mentioned in many verses in the Qur’an, such as in Surah An-Nahl, which states:
“[We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.” (An-Nahl 16:44)
Much of Islam would remain abstract concepts without Hadith. We would never know how to pray, fast, pay zakah, or make pilgrimage without the illustration found in Hadith, as these acts of worship remain abstract descriptions in the Qur’an.
The Qur’an also orders us to emulate his noble actions, as it is said in this verse of Surah Al-Ahzab:
“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” (Al-Ahzab 33:21)
In hadith, Qatadah also reported that Aisha (RA), one of the wives of the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Verily, the character of the Prophet of Allah was the Quran.”
Therefore, it is important we pay attention to hadith and follow the Sunnah (the daily practice) of our Prophet (PBUH). As he, in his entire being, exemplified the Qur’anic ideals.
Ways Hadith Clarifies the Teachings of the Qur’an
Hadith provides us with several examples of how we can follow the best of examples, the Prophet (PBUH), and achieve paradise. While this includes helping us to remain pure-hearted and be steadfast in our good deeds, several ahadith (plural of hadith) also helps us better understand how to run and operate in a fair and just society in accordance with Islam.
One of the major duties of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was to be the judge in conflicts and deliver them in complete accordance with the revelations decreed in the Quran. Allah (SWT) says as much in this verse of the Quran:
“O, believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Should you disagree on anything, then refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the best and fairest resolution” (An-Nisa, 4:59)
In turn, we can also understand social issues by reading hadith. Both Quran and ahadith provide different rules for the poor and influential. Hadith also supplements the rulings given in the Quran regarding government interference in religion, disagreement between two fellow Muslim beings, cruelty, injustice, references to the education system, and moral corruption.
Hadith also assists us in creating good relations. This includes allowing us to fulfil our duty to our family members, companions and neighbours. They have rights over us we need to uphold, as do we over them. An example of one such hadith would be one on family, as reported by Aisha (RA), who said:
“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best of you are the best to their families, and I am the best to my family. When your companion dies, then do not abuse him.” (Al-Albani)
Overall, a Muslim should always look for guidance and ahadith are the ultimate source of knowledge after the Quran. As it is through understanding, observing and applying the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in our lives that we can be further guided towards the righteous path.
Do We Implement All Hadith into Our Lives?
While hadith explains, clarifies, and removes ambiguities about the Qur’an, we must make sure to only follow those that are certified by scholars as being authentic. This includes ignoring ahadith that are contrary to the well-established principles of the Qur’an, as the Qur’an, by virtue of being the word of God, has no error.
Among the works of hadith in our history, Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are regarded as the most authentic and authoritative books. So much so that their authority in Islam is only succeeded by the Quran.
You can attain the full collection of hadith from Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from Islamic bookstores like Darussalam and begin your journey towards emulating the best of examples in Islam.
Click here to view:
Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim