A Review of Compilation and Authenticity of Hadith (Part One)
Abstract
The only thing that is evident among Muslims is that the Holy Qur’an is the basic law of humanity, while the hadiths and Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, are its practical and detailed regulations. The rulings and issues of the Qur’an cannot be understood and implemented without considering the Sunnah. Just as the preservation and survival of the Qur’an is guaranteed by Allah Almighty, the hadiths and Sunnah of the Prophet of Islam, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, will also be preserved accordingly. Therefore, the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is considered an integral part of the Qur’an. Just as faith in and practice of the Qur’an is necessary, belief in the Sunnah and adherence to it is equally important.
Unfortunately, some narrow-minded and short-sighted individuals only regard the Qur’an as proof and use it as a criterion for action, disregarding the Sunnah as evidence, either ideologically or practically. This discussion is presented to the readers as a compilation of hadiths and their authenticity—a modest effort that offers a brief but comprehensive discussion. May it serve as a spark for those who may have misunderstandings in this matter. It is hoped that dear readers will benefit from it.
Undoubtedly, the Holy Qur’an is the foundation of religion and Sharia, serving as its first and most authoritative document. The primary role of the Qur’an is to express fundamental principles and laws, while branching, detailing, and explaining them fall to the Hadith and Sunnah. Anyone with understanding knows that the Holy Qur’an was not revealed directly to the Ummah without the intermediary of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, for them to independently read, comprehend, and implement it. Rather, a chosen messenger was sent before its revelation to announce it to the world; he then received the Holy Qur’an so that people might understand its truths and meanings through him. This sacred divine book can only be comprehended in light of his guidance and instructions. As stated in the Holy Qur’an:
«وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ» Translation: “We have sent down to you the remembrance to explain to the people what has been sent down to them, and perhaps they will reflect.”
Through the same Qur’an, he conveyed the duties and responsibilities of the Prophet, peace be upon him, asserting multiple times that this individual teaches them the words and meanings of the Qur’an, elucidating its contents, secrets, and wisdom. As he stated:
«كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيْكُمْ رَسُولاً مِنْكُمْ يَتْلُوا عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيْكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمْ مَا لَمْ تَكُونُوا تَعْلَمُوْنَ» “Just as We sent a Messenger among you from your people, he recites Our verses to you, purifies you, teaches you wisdom, and instructs you in what you did not know.”
In another place, Allah (S.W.T) says:
«لَقَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ اذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُوا عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِه وَيُزَكِّيْهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإنْ كَانُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ» “Indeed, Allah has blessed the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, who recites to them the verses of Allah, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; indeed, they were clearly in error before this.”
Also, Allah Almighty has stated: «هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ في الأميينَ رَسُولاً مِنْهُمْ يَتْلُوا عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِنْ كَانُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ» Translation: “He Almighty is the one who raised a prophet from among the uneducated, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and knowledge; and indeed, they were in clear error before.”
In these three verses, two aspects are distinguished:
1. Recitation of verses.
2. Teaching the Book.
The concept of reciting verses is clear. However, what is meant by the teaching of the Book? If it signifies merely reading the verses of the Qur’an, it cannot be separate from the recitation. Yet, it has been mentioned as distinct and independent. Thus, it must mean explaining the verses, their meanings, contents, and rulings.
When it becomes clear from the Holy Qur’an that recitation and preaching the words of the Qur’an are part of the Prophet’s duties, then expressing the content and explaining its meanings are also integral to his mission. It is evident that just as the text of the Qur’an serves as proof, its prophetic explanations and interpretations are also valid proofs. Otherwise, requiring the Holy Prophet to teach the Book, making it part of his prophetic duties, would be futile and senseless.
In summary, according to the texts of the Qur’an, the Holy Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, is “the Messenger of Allah Almighty,” and he is also the teacher and interpreter of that message. Therefore, whoever believes in his mission and prophethood cannot deny that the Holy Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, recited and promoted the Qur’an’s text while also explaining it. Since the Holy Qur’an is the last book of Allah Almighty, and His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the last prophet with no further revelation to come, it is essential that the last heavenly book be preserved from the time of its revelation until the Day of Resurrection. For understanding its concepts and practical application, the oral and practical descriptions and explanations of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, must remain accessible in every age and time.
Summary of the Discussion:
1. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is “the interpreter and teacher of the Qur’an.”
2. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) preached the text of the Qur’an, he also explained and interpreted it.
3. The preservation of his narrations and explanations regarding the Qur’an is as essential as the preservation of the Qur’an itself.
