What exactly is a hadith? It’s a saying of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم). The Science of Hadith defines a hadeeth as “whatever is attributed to the Prophet, in terms of sayings, actions, approvals, and physical and character descriptions.” [1]
Ahadith are an important part of Islam. They complement and the Qur’an, and provide us with numerous benefits and different types of information, including:
- Laws not directly stated in the Qur’an (eg. prohibition of visiting fortune-tellers)
- Details of things mentioned in the Qur’an (eg. how to make wudoo)
- A look into the lifetime of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم)
- Tafseer (explaination) of the Quran (eg. the story of the People of the Ditch)
Some people deny ahadith, and say “we don’t need no hadiths! We can just use Qur’an!” In response, refer them to this verse:
Translation: O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad) and render not vain your deeds. [Surah Muhammad, 47:33]
Or, if it suits your da’wa a bit better, ask them: “how do you know how to pray?” It’s not in the Qur’an–only a few details here and there. The same goes for wudoo! (Further details are available here.)
While ahadith can be classified in many ways, it’s essential that all Muslims understand the following five:
- Saheeh (linguistically, “sound”): those ahadith that are certified authentic.
- Hassan (linguistically, “good”): those ahadith that are lower in status then saheeh. They are usually da’eef hadith that are upgraded to Hassan due to authentic backing.
- Da’eef (linguististically, “weak”) those ahadith that are likely not true and are generally not used in certain topics, such as ‘aqeedah. They can still be used in other fields, such as akhlaaq.
- Mawdoo‘: Fabricated ahadith that are definitely not true–someone invented them and attributed them falsely to the Prophet.
- Qudsi: (linguistically, “pure”): Hadith where the Prophet narrates or paraphrases something from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
That includes a brief introduction to ahadith. Please post any questions/clarifications in the comments area. Jazakumullahu khayran!
[1] Hamid, Abdool. “Mustalahul-Hadeeth”: the Science of Hadeeth Methodology. Toronto: The Islaamic Institute of Toronto. 2.
[...] for him to attend the circles of the scholars, and in those circles, he excelled in the science of hadith. He traveled to distant villages in search of the most authentic sayings of Rasulullah (صلي [...]
[...] I notice that with ahadith relating to adaab (etiquettes, manners), the incentive mentioned in a hadith is mostly Jannah. In this case, it’s the highest part of Jannah!! It’s almost as if good adaab [...]
[...] heard this hadeeth before, hundreds of times–Hadith Jibreel. “He came to teach you your religion.” Scholars [...]
[...] one hadith, the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: “After my death, you will see [...]
[...] of the Qur’an the same as what Allah meant; but the words themselves are also from Allah. (Unlike Hadith Qudsi, where the meaning is from Allah, and the words are from the Prophet (صلى الله [...]
Nazia Joosub
[...] heard this hadeeth before, hundreds of times–Hadith Jibreel. “He came to teach you your religion.” [...]
[...] not wear it in the hereafter.” [Bukhari and Muslim] This falls under obeying, as from this hadith, we find that silk is prohibited for men, although it was not mentioned in the [...]
As salam u alaykum
This is a good site which gives a lot of correct information about hadith But it would be more better if there would be a detailed study of hadeeths
@mohsin khan, wa’alikum as-salaam! Insha’Allah you can find a great series on the study of sciences of hadith here: http://islamlecture.com/mustalah.htm
[...] kind treatment towards parents, Qiyam, praying at masjid, etc. and it states all the authentic ahadith only for the specific [...]
[...] his brother what he loves for himself. [Bukhari, 2/12] Subhanallah, how many marriages could this hadith alone save? It counters every kind of negative treatment and encourages every kind of good [...]
[...] from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling. Remember also those Ahadith when Rasulullah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) would kiss his wife before leaving for Salah, [...]
mashallaha you are doing a great job