You have already seen that I have written posts on the importance of Revelation (Wahy) and the Quran in human life. Continuing in this series, today I will attempt to write about the importance of Hadith in human life. These three topics are intricately connected, as they are the primary sources of all Islamic knowledge. The teachings, rules, religious beliefs, and practices in Islam are all based on these three sources. Therefore, the journey of understanding Islam will remain incomplete if we fail to grasp these concepts. So, let us embark on a new step in our journey of learning about Islam, with the name of Allah the Almighty.

As always I seek refuge in Allah Almighty from all kinds of harm and pray that He makes my work easy. I also pray that He considers this effort a means of salvation for us in this world and the hereafter. Whatever is good in my writing is entirely a blessing from Allah Almighty, and any faults are due to Satan (Devil) and my own lack of knowledge. JazakAllah. (Thank you).

The Importance Of Hadith In Human Life 

Introduction to Hadith

The literal meaning of the word “Hadith” (الحديث) is speech, word, or something new, as opposed to something old.

Definition of Hadith

Generally, the term “Hadith” refers to the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which were conveyed in the light of the knowledge received through Revelation. 

However, according to the Muhaddithin (Hadith scholars), the definition of Hadith is more comprehensive. It refers to any saying, action, approval, or description attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Furthermore, the words, actions, and approvals of the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet) and the Tabi’in (successors of the companions) are also referred to as Hadith.

Types of Hadith

There are many types of Hadith, which require extensive time and academic knowledge to discuss. Although I possess some knowledge on this subject, I believe that an in-depth discussion requires deeper understanding, which I currently lack. Moreover, understanding the types of Hadith is not particularly crucial for today’s topic on the importance of Hadith in human life.

However, I would like to remind you that today I will only attempt to highlight the significance of authentic Hadith proven to have come from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When I mention Hadith here, I am referring to the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his companions, and the Tabi’in. For the sake of today’s discussion, please remember that Hadiths attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) are known as Marfu’ Hadith. Those attributed to the companions are known as Mawquf Hadith, and those attributed to the Tabi’in are known as Maqtu’ Hadith.

Additionally, there is another type of Hadith known as fabricated Hadith, which is falsely attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Claiming something that the Prophet (peace be upon him) never said in his name is one of the gravest sins in Islam. I hope to discuss this topic in detail at a later time, Allah willing. For now, please understand that fabricated Hadith is also recognized in Islamic terminology, although it is never acceptable in Islamic Shariah. I mention this to clarify that when we discuss Hadith today, we are referring only to authentic Hadith, so there is no confusion about whether I might be referring to fabricated Hadith.

The Importance of Different Types of Hadith

In terms of importance, the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—Marfu’ Hadith—holds the highest significance, followed by the Hadith of his companions—Mawquf Hadith—and then the Hadith of the Tabi’in—Maqtu’ Hadith. Again, I want to remind you that the types and categories of Hadith are not limited to these few; there is much more to explore. Understanding these subjects in detail requires academic study.

Despite this, I have mentioned these points to help us understand that no one comprehended the message of Allah better than the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Likewise, no one understood the teachings of the Prophet better than his companions, and no one understood the teachings of the companions better than the Tabi’in. Therefore, when trying to comprehend Islamic teachings, we should rely on their knowledge and give importance to their words, as long as they do not contradict any clear aspect of Islam.

The Importance of Hadith in Islamic Life

The importance of Hadith in Islamic life cannot be overstated. Numerous commands of the Quran, countless instructions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the practices of his companions provide undeniable evidence that Hadith is the second most important source and foundation of Islamic life, with the Quran being the first. This is a point on which the entire Muslim Ummah has been united throughout history, from the time of the Sahabah to the present. The efforts to learn, compile, and explain Hadith, and to live life in accordance with it, have continued across all eras, leading to the creation of a vast repository of knowledge on Hadith. The sheer size of this knowledge base alone highlights the importance of Hadith.

Most importantly, without Hadith, it is impossible to fully practice Islam. Below are some points that illustrate just how crucial Hadith is in our lives:

Guidance from the Lives of Prophets and Their Companions: 

• We all know that the ultimate models for implementing and following divine guidance received through Revelation are the Prophets and their companions. Their lives serve as the primary examples for others to follow the commands of Revelation. In every community, people preserve and teach the life examples of their prophets and companions as the main sources of religious practice. Similarly, the life, sacrifices, patience, love for humanity, fear of Allah, unwavering commitment to truth, etc., of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cannot be known without Hadith. If someone tries to live their life without considering Hadith, they will inevitably disconnect themselves from the actual life of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and as a result, they may easily drift away from the Quran and Islam itself, leading to loss in both this world and the hereafter. Therefore, there is no alternative to Hadith for protection from such worldly and eternal losses.

Understanding and Following the Quran: 

• Without relying on Hadith, it is impossible to fully comprehend or follow the Quran. This is because it is only through Hadith that we learn about the life, honesty, integrity, and Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Without Hadith, we would not know how he received, taught, and compiled the Quran. Furthermore, while the Quran contains all essential teachings, many of these are presented as principles or basic instructions, which are impossible to implement without further explanation. For instance, the Quran commands us to perform Salah (prayer) in numerous verses, but it does not detail how to perform Salah, how many units (Rak’ahs) to pray, what to recite in each unit, or how to perform the bowing and prostration. It is only through Hadith that we learn how to perform Salah as prescribed by the Quran. Similarly, most other commands in the Quran require Hadith for their proper implementation, further demonstrating the indispensable role of Hadith in Islamic life.

Resolving Apparent Contradictions in the Quran: 

• In some instances, the Quran presents commands that seem contradictory, such as the mention of wine and gambling as both permissible and forbidden, or the command to fight against disbelievers in some places and to avoid conflict in others. Understanding which command applies and when requires the context provided by Hadith. The Hadith helps us to discern the proper application and importance of different commands and prohibitions, ensuring that we follow the Quranic guidance correctly.

Wisdom Beyond the Quran: 

• The Quran tells us that Allah bestowed both the Quran and wisdom (Hikmah) upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The repeated mention of these separately indicates that beyond the Quran, Allah also granted additional knowledge and teachings to the Prophet, which he shared with humanity. This wisdom, encompassing teachings beyond the Quran, is preserved in the Hadith. Therefore, it is through the Hadith that we can access this wisdom and align our lives accordingly. The Quran also commands us to obey and follow the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the only way to follow him is through the guidance provided in the Hadith.

Obedience to the Prophet: 

• The Quran commands us to obey the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which means following his commands and avoiding what he forbade. Furthermore, the Quran instructs us to emulate the Prophet’s actions exactly, and this cannot be achieved without relying on Hadith. While the Quran contains many instructions, it does not detail the actions and life practices of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Therefore, to follow the Quran’s commands and attain Allah’s love and forgiveness, we must follow the Prophet’s example as described in the Hadith.

Hadith: Key to Following the Prophet

• We know Allah Says in the Holy Quran: لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِيْ رَسُوْلِ اللّٰهِ اُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُوا اللّٰهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْاٰخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللّٰهَ كَثِيْرًا ؕ   There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah – for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely.(Al-Ahzab 33:21). We know that Allah the Almighty has placed the best example for us in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). From our personal lives to our family lives, social lives, and even national lives, we are instructed to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, not all of these aspects are detailed in the Holy Quran. From this, we understand that to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as instructed by the Quran, we must rely on Hadith. We know that during his long prophetic life, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) imparted countless teachings to his companions, providing detailed guidance on various aspects of life. It is through Hadith that we come to know of these teachings and instructions.

Moreover, we see the practical application of the teachings of the Holy Quran in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is essential for us to succeed in both this world and the hereafter. We must acknowledge that to truly understand Islam and the Holy Quran, it is imperative to follow the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). And the detailed instructions on how to follow him are found in the Hadith. Thus, the importance of Hadith in our lives is immense.

Final thoughts 

As Muslims, we firmly believe that Islam is a complete way of life. An integral part of this completeness is the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which Allah the Almighty used by His grace to perfect Islam. Hadith is the living explanation of the Holy Quran, helping us to understand Islam and the Quran more comprehensively and easily. By now, you must have realized how crucial Hadith is in human life.

With this, I will conclude today’s post. I do not know how well I have been able to convey the importance of Hadith in human life to you. I have tried to present the matter to you in the simplest way possible. You will judge how successful I have been. If my efforts have benefited you even in the slightest, please remember me in your prayers. And if there are any mistakes, please let me know and view them with a forgiving eye. May Allah grant us all the ability to understand the importance of Hadith in our lives and to live accordingly. With this prayer, I conclude today’s post. Jazakallah Khair (Thank you).