What is Hadith?
Hadith literally means any statement or conversion. But Hadith is an important part of Islam that refers to the sayings, doings and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). It includes everything that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) did or said. It even consists of the doings done in front of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), and he didn’t disapprove or condemn them.
Importance of Hadith
Hadith comprises the daily practices of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) that have been passed through various narrators. Hadith, along with the Quran Kareem and Sunnah, are life guidelines. Muslims can acquire information regarding the Islamic principles and code of conduct through Hadith. The life of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is an example, and he is a true role model that the Muslims must follow to attain success in life and the afterlife. Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) into this world so that people could follow in his footsteps and acquire prosperity. In Quran, Allah says, “And we have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy on the world.”
Hadith, A Reflection of Quran Kareem
Hadith is a reflection of Quran Kareem that strengthens the words of Allah available in Al-Quran. Hadith adds the descriptions and details on the sayings of Al-Quran. For instance, in Quran, Allah forbids to testify against wrongdoings and false accusations. Allah says, “And turn your face towards the lies.” On the other side of the coin, the Prophet pointed out three major sins that hurt both of your parents: mushrik to Allah and testing against false accusations. Hence, Hadith and Quran are the two sides of the same coin. Any Hadith that is going against the sayings of the Quran is wrong and should not be considered because Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was the beloved Prophet of Allah and the messenger, and he can never say or do anything against Al-Quran.
Components of Hadith
Enlisted are the basic components of Hadith.
- Isnad: Isnad refers to the sequence of the reporters who reported the Hadith. The Hadith is passed from one narrator to the other, and Isnad is the chain of the reporters through which the particular Hadith spread.
- Taraf: Taraf is the introductory word of the Hadith. It includes the actions, the doings of Allah’s beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H).
- Matin: Matin is the body of the Hadith. It is the actual content, sayings, speeches, conversations of Allah’s last Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).
Categories of Hadith as per the Reference
Following are the four major categories of Hadith.
- Hadith Qudsi: Hadith Qudsi is the divine Hadith and is Allah’s words. Allah directly narrated these words to his Prophet, and then (P.B.U.H) conveyed those same sayings to his followers.
- Hadith Marfu: Hadith Marfu is the Hadith that is directly heard from the mouth of Allah’s Prophet (P.B.U.H). These are the exact words of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) that he narrated to his followers.
- Hadith Mauquf: Hadith Mauquf refers to the orders and commands given by Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to his companions. And then these companions passed this piece of information to others.
- Hadith Maqtu: Hadith Maqtu is the Hadith category narrated by the Holy Prophet’s companions. Its origin cannot be traced back to Prophet (P.B.U.H) but to one of his followers who narrated this Hadith in their own words.
Categories of Hadith as Per the Authenticity
Enlisted are the categories of Hadith as per their authenticity.
- Hasan: Hasan literally means Good. These are the Hadith whose reporters are honest and have good character, but their memory is weak.
- Sahih: Sahih literally refers to the Sound. These are the Hadith whose trustworthy and reliable narrators have a sharp memory.
- Daif: Daif literally means Weak. These are the Hadith ranked below Hasan because of the incomplete chain of narrators.
- Maudu: Maudu means fabricated. These are the Hadith which are not acceptable at any cost because they are against the sayings and doings of Allah and Quran Kareem.
Wrapping up
Wrapping up, the aforementioned categories are some of the types of Hadith. Apart from this, Hadith has many more categories based on Isnad, Matan, number of reporters, and links of Isnad. Hadith has great importance, and by following it, one can become closer to Allah. Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) led an exemplary life, and by following Hadith, one can attain happiness and internal peace.