what is hadith
When learning about Islam, one of the most common questions that arises is “What is Hadith? Difference Between Quran and Hadith.” Both the Quran and the Hadith hold immense significance in the lives of Muslims, yet they are not the same. The Quran is considered the direct word of Allah, while the Hadith represents the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). To understand Islam deeply, it is essential to explore what Hadith truly is and how it differs from the Quran.
In this article, we will explain what is Hadith, the difference between Quran and Hadith, their importance in Islam, and how both complement each other in guiding Muslims worldwide.
What is Hadith?
To understand the difference between Quran and Hadith, we must first answer: what is Hadith?
Hadith refers to the recorded sayings, actions, approvals, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). While the Quran provides divine guidance directly from Allah, the Hadith explains how those teachings were practically applied in daily life.
For example:
- The Quran instructs Muslims to pray, but it is the Hadith that explains how to perform the prayer step by step.
- The Quran commands believers to give charity, but Hadith clarifies the method, conditions, and rewards of giving.
Thus, Hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims, showing how the Prophet lived according to the Quran and how Muslims should follow his example.
What is the Quran?
Before we analyze the difference between Quran and Hadith, it’s important to understand what the Quran is.
The Quran is the holy book of Islam, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). Muslims believe the Quran to be the literal and unaltered word of Allah. It provides the ultimate guidance for humanity in all aspects of life—spiritual, moral, social, economic, and legal.
Key features of the Quran:
- It is in pure Arabic language.
- It is recited in daily prayers.
- It has remained unchanged for over 1,400 years.
- It contains divine laws, moral principles, and guidance for mankind.
Difference Between Quran and Hadith
Now let’s highlight the difference between Quran and Hadith in a clear way:
| Aspect | Quran | Hadith |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Word of Allah | Sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) |
| Authority | Divine, ultimate source of Islamic law | Secondary source, explaining and supporting Quran |
| Preservation | Unchanged since revelation | Collected, classified, and authenticated later |
| Role | Provides divine laws and guidance | Explains practical application of Quranic teachings |
| Recitation | Recited in prayers | Not recited in prayers, but studied and followed |
| Language | Classical Arabic, unchanged | Narrated and recorded by companions in Arabic |
This table makes the difference between Quran and Hadith clear: the Quran is the foundation, while Hadith is its explanation.
Importance of Hadith in Islam
After understanding what is Hadith and its difference from the Quran, it is crucial to realize why Hadith is so important in Islam.
- Explains the Quran:
The Quran gives commands, while the Hadith provides details. For example, the Quran tells Muslims to pray and fast, but Hadith explains how. - Provides a Practical Example:
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is considered the role model for all Muslims. His actions, recorded in Hadith, show the best way to live according to Allah’s guidance. - Second Source of Islamic Law:
Alongside the Quran, Hadith forms the basis of Shariah (Islamic law). Scholars use both to derive rulings on daily life issues. - Spiritual and Moral Guidance:
Hadith inspires Muslims with wisdom, kindness, patience, and the Prophet’s teachings on character and ethics.
Preservation of Hadith
To fully appreciate what is Hadith and the difference between Quran and Hadith, one must also understand how Hadith was preserved.
Unlike the Quran, which was compiled during the Prophet’s lifetime and preserved in written form, Hadith was collected by scholars after the Prophet’s passing. To truly understand what is Hadith, it is important to know that companions of the Prophet memorized his words and actions, passing them down to later generations for preservation and guidance.
Famous collections of Hadith include:
- Sahih al-Bukhari
- Sahih Muslim
- Sunan Abu Dawood
- Jami at-Tirmidhi
- Sunan an-Nasa’i
- Sunan Ibn Majah
Scholars classified Hadith into categories such as Sahih (authentic), Hasan (good), and Da’if (weak) to ensure reliability.
Quran and Hadith: Working Together
While we emphasize the difference between Quran and Hadith, it’s important to note that they are not in conflict but rather complement each other.
- The Quran is the divine constitution.
- The Hadith is the practical explanation.
Example:
- Quran commands fasting in Ramadan.
- Hadith explains rules about Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), Iftar (breaking fast), and exceptions (like for travelers).
Thus, both are necessary for Muslims to fully understand and practice their faith.
Misconceptions About Hadith
Some people misunderstand the difference between Quran and Hadith and assume that only the Quran is sufficient. While the Quran is complete and perfect, ignoring Hadith means ignoring the practical life of the Prophet, which Allah Himself commanded Muslims to follow. To clarify what is Hadith, it represents the sayings and actions of the Prophet that explain and complement the Quran, making it essential for practicing Islam correctly.
The Quran says:
“And obey Allah and obey the Messenger…” (Quran 4:59)
This verse shows that following Hadith is part of following Allah’s command.
Conclusion
To summarize, when we ask “What is Hadith? Difference Between Quran and Hadith”, the answer is clear:
- The Quran is the direct word of Allah, the supreme guidance for humanity.
- The Hadith is the record of Prophet Muhammad’s sayings, actions, and approvals, serving as a practical explanation of the Quran.
- Both are essential: the Quran as the foundation, and the Hadith as the detailed guide to living according to that foundation.
Understanding what is Hadith and the difference between Quran and Hadith helps Muslims strengthen their faith, gain clarity in practice, and connect deeply with the true spirit of Islam.
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