6.9 Significance of Hadith in Islamic Thought and Action

2026 📋 Syllabus Objectives

  1. Candidates should study the significance of Hadith in thought and action in Islam.

📖 Main Content

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1. What Is the Role of Hadith in Islam?

The Hadith refers to the recorded sayings, actions, and silent approvals of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Together with the Holy Quran, the Hadith forms the foundation of Islamic life. Without the Hadith, Muslims would not know how to practise what the Quran commands.

2. The Quran and Hadith Work Together

The Holy Quran gives Muslims the commands of Allah SWT, but it does not always give the full details of how to carry them out. This is where the Hadith becomes absolutely essential.

Example — Salat (Prayer):

  • The Holy Quran commands Muslims to "keep up prayer," but it does not describe:

    • How many times to pray each day
    • How many units (rak'ahs) each prayer has
    • The exact words to recite
    • The physical movements involved

  • It was Prophet Muhammad PBUH who demonstrated all of these details through his own actions and words. His practice became the model for every Muslim to follow.

Example — Zakat (Obligatory Charity):

  • The Holy Quran instructs Muslims to "pay Zakat," but it does not explain:

    • How much wealth must a person have before Zakat becomes due
    • What the exact amount to be paid is
    • Who should receive Zakat
    • How it should be collected and distributed

  • All of these details were provided by Prophet Muhammad PBUH through his Sunnah (his way of living and teaching).

Key Lesson: The Quran sets the command; the Hadith shows us how to fulfil that command in real life.

3. Obedience to Prophet Muhammad PBUH Is Commanded by Allah SWT

Allah SWT did not only command Muslims to follow the Quran — He also commanded them to obey Prophet Muhammad PBUH directly. This means following the Hadith is not optional; it is a religious duty for every Muslim.

Obeying Prophet Muhammad PBUH is therefore part of obeying Allah SWT Himself.

4. The Sunnah Covers Every Area of Life

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad PBUH is a complete and comprehensive guide. It covers all aspects of a Muslim's life, not just worship. Consider how Prophet Muhammad PBUH served as a guide in multiple roles:

Area of LifeWhat Prophet Muhammad PBUH Demonstrated
WorshipHow to pray, fast, give Zakat, and perform Hajj
GovernanceHe founded and administered an Islamic state
LeadershipHe led armies and made important decisions
Family LifeHe married, raised a family, and showed how to treat loved ones with kindness and justice
Character & ConductHe showed honesty, patience, mercy, and justice in every situation

Everything Prophet Muhammad PBUH did in these areas became part of the Shariah (Islamic law) — the complete system of guidance that Muslims are required to follow.

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