The Noble Hadith is a key source of Islamic guidance after the Quran. It includes the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), offering practical insights into worship, ethics, and daily life.
By clarifying Quranic teachings, the Noble Hadith helps Muslims understand the Prophet’s Sunnah and live according to his example.
What is the definition of hadith?
In Islamic terminology, Hadith (in Arabic: حديث) is a narration about the sayings, actions, and approvals or disapprovals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
These narrations go back to the Prophet Muhammad and form part of the Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and moral guidance. It is the second most important source of Islamic law and guidance after the Qur’an.
The Origin and History of Hadith Science
The Noble Hadith is central to Islam, second only to the Quran in authority. Hadith science began during the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life, when his companions memorized and shared his sayings and actions.
To preserve the Sunnah, scholars later compiled Hadith into verified collections. Major works include the six books of Hadith, such as Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, along with the four Sunan.
These scholars also classified types of Hadith and developed methods to assess authenticity. Many Hadiths about learning Qur’an and a Hadith on the importance of Quran Arabic show how Hadith supports Quranic understanding, making both essential for Islamic life.
Also read about : Prophets Family Tree In Islam
Types of noble hadith
Hadiths are divided into types according to their authenticity, mode of transmission, and content. The main types are :
Sahih (Authentic): A Hadith which possesses a chain of narration that is unbroken and composed of reporters who are all reliable, and which does not clash with established Islamic principles. The two most renowned collections of Sahih Hadith are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
- Hasan (Good): A Hadith that does not attain to the rank of Sahih but is nonetheless reliable. It has minor flaws in the chain of narration but is still acceptable.
- Da’if (Weak): A Hadith with either defects in its chain of transmission or content, which could not be relied upon to derive Islamic rulings.
- Maudu’ (Fabricated): A Hadith that is purely fabricated and not from the Prophet. These are not accepted in Islamic tradition.
- Mawquf: That narration which is related by a Companion but attributed to himself and not to the Prophet.
- Marfu’: That narration which is attributed directly to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
What are the sources of Hadith?
- Primary Sources: These are the direct collections compiled by various scholars. This consists of both the text, that is matn, and the chain of narrators known as sanad. Among these, some of the very important primary sources include:
- Sahih al-Bukhari: Most authentic collection compiled by Imam Bukhari.
- Sahih Muslim: Another highly authentic collection compiled by Imam Muslim.
- Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan an-Nasa’i, Jami` at-Tirmidhi, and Sunan Ibn Majah: Collections of Hadith that include narrations relating to law, ethics, and general guidance.
- Secondary Sources: These are books that comment on the primary collections, put them into context, or summarize the Hadiths. For example, Al-Muwatta’ by Imam Malik, and various works by scholars who classified Hadith based on authenticity or thematic content.
Why is it important to study and learn the Noble Hadith?
- Studying the Noble Hadith is very important for a number of reasons: Understanding Islamic Practices: The Hadith explains the rituals of worship, such as prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj).
- Ethics and Morality: The Hadith has guided on ethical and moral issues, enabling Muslims to live a righteous life.
- Legal Rulings: Most of the Islamic law has been taken from the Hadith, explaining the principles outlined in the Qur’an.
- Spiritual Growth: Learning the Hadith will enable a Muslim to follow more closely the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is a means of spiritual purification.
Join Eilaf Institute: Unlock the Wisdom of the Qur’an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic
Are you ready to deepen your understanding of the Qur’an, explore the rich heritage of Islamic studies, and master the Arabic language?
Eilaf Institute offers comprehensive courses designed for learners of all levels, providing a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills.