Basis in Islam

‘So take what the messenger gives you, and refrain from what he prohibits you’ (Al Hashr, 59:7).

‘Obey Allah and obey the Prophet’ (Surah At-Taghabun, 64:12)

‘We have merely revealed this book to you so that you may explain to them where they are differing over (and so it stands out) as a guidance and mercy for a people who believe.’ (Surah Al-Nahl, 16:64)

“I have left you with two matters which will never lead you astray, as long as you hold to them: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of his Prophet.”

• Hadith of Mu'adth ibn Jabal

Examples of Rulings derived from Hadiths

• Method of establishing prayers,
• Explaining circumstances under which hands of a thief can be cut.

‘And eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of dawn.’

• The Prophet (pbuh) interpreted the verse by saying that the white thread refers to day and the black thread refers to the night,
• Zakat is mentioned in the Qur’an but the way in which it should be given is detailed by the Hadiths;
• Laws of Inheritence:
  • 1/6 of inheritance given to grandmother is not specifically mentioned in the Qur’an, but is explained by Hadith;
  • ‘A Muslim may not inherit from a non-Muslim and a non-Muslim may not inherit from a Muslim’.

What is the role of Hadiths as a source of guidance in the lives of Muslims?

• What the Prophet (pbuh) said, did and what he approved of is second in importance to the Qur’an;

• God has Himself told Muslims in the Qur’an

  ‘Obey Allah and obey the Prophet’ [64:12];

• Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘I leave with you two things. If you hold fast to them both you will never be misguided: the Book of Allah and my sunna.’

• Hadiths are important to explain the teachings of the Qur’an;

  • Details of hajj, zakat, fasting are all given to Muslims from the hadith and sunna of the Prophet (pbuh);

• The Prophet (pbuh) laid down principles (shariah) regarding every aspect of life: buying, selling, contracts, inheritance which are all part of his sunna;

• In the Farewell Address he clearly stated: ‘He who is present here shall carry this message to the one who is absent.’