A Review of the Compilation and Authenticity of Hadith (Part 12)
Another Proof from the Quran for the Authenticity of Hadith and Sunnah
Here we would like to mention another proof from the Quran for the authenticity of Hadith. Those who mistakenly claim that the only religious proof is the Holy Quran and that there is no other means to establish religious rulings and issues, and that the Messenger’s duty is solely to convey the Quran, have not reflected deeply. If they think like someone sincerely seeking the truth and guidance in the Holy Quran, they will recognize many examples where acts of religion are mentioned in the Quran through stories or events. These acts were performed at the time of the revelation of the Quran, even though they are not explicitly stated within it. Thus, we must accept that these rulings were conveyed through the Sunnah.
Here we will mention only two or three examples:
1. In Surah Al-Tawbah, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was commanded not to offer funeral prayers for the hypocrites in these words:
«وَلَا تُصَل عَلَى أحد مِنْهُمْ مَاتَ أَبَدًا» This means: “Never pray for any of them who dies.”
It is clear from this verse that before its revelation, funeral prayers had already been made obligatory, and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to offer them. However, no verse in the Quran explicitly commands the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Muslims to offer funeral prayers; therefore, it must be accepted that the command to offer funeral prayers was given through the Sunnah.
2. Also, in Surah Jumu’ah, it states:
«وَإِذَا رَأَوْا تِجَارَةً أَوْ لَهْوًۭا أَنفَضُّوا إِلَيْهَا وَتَرَكُوكَ قَائِمًۭا» “And when they see a caravan or a game, they disperse towards it and leave you standing (in the Khutbah).”
This verse mentions the Friday prayer Khutbah while telling a story and complaint. We find it unlikely that those who deny Hadith would also deny the Friday Khutbah, which has been passed down through the Ummah until now as a religious ruling and practice delivered by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). However, there is no verse in the Holy Quran that explicitly orders the delivery of the Khutbah. Therefore, it must be said that this order was given through the Sunnah.
3. Additionally, no Muslim can deny the call to prayer (Azan), which has been proclaimed before prayer since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The call to prayer is implicitly mentioned in the Holy Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Ma’idah, it is stated: «وَإِذَا نَادَيْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلَوٰةِ اتَّخَذُوهَا هُزُوًۭا وَلَعِبًۭا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا يَعْقِلُونَ» “And when you call to prayer, they take it in jest and play, for they are a people who do not understand.”
In Surah Jumu’ah, the call to prayer is also implicitly mentioned: «إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَوٰةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ» “When the call to prayer is given on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trading.”
It is clear from these verses that during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the call to prayer was established as a religious and social practice among Muslims before the revelation of these verses, yet there is no verse that explicitly establishes its ruling and legitimacy. Thus, it must be stated that the legitimacy of the call to prayer has been established through the Sunnah.
