Hadith as Source of Islamic law
Hadith is primary source of law among Muslims. It is considered 2nd to Quran. More importantly, hadith as source of Islamic Law is accepted by all sects of Islam. First of all we have to understand what hadith is.
Hadith
Word hadith/hadis is an Arabic word, which is derived from word hadis which means new thing, discussion or speech. Hadith is saying or doing of Holy Prophet (S). There are three common types of hadith these are:
Hadith-e-Qooli
These are saying of Holy Prophet (S). For example He prohibited Muslims from drinking alcohol.
Hadith-e-Faali
These are doing of Holy Prophet (S). For example : He the method He has adopted in offering prayers .
Hadith-e-Taqreri
These are something that is happening before Holy Prophet (S) and He remains silent on it. He neither has approved it nor He has prohibited it .
Now we shall consider what law is.
Components of Hadith
There are two main parts of hadith :
Maatin
Is main important part of hadis, which contains original text or wording of hadis .
Isnaad
It is that part of hadis which contains chain of narrators. With help of this authenticity or weakness of hadis is determined.
Compilation of Hadith
There are three periods of compilation of hadis :
- Period of Holy Prophet (S) and Companions (1-100 A.H)
- Period of Successors and Successors of Successors (101-200 A.H)
- Period after Successors and Successors of Successor (201-300 A.H)
First Period
Period of Holy Prophet (S) and Companions (1-100 A.H)
Some non believers argue that Arabs did not known reading and writing when Islam spread in them and hence no hadis are written during period of Holy Prophet (S). But it is not true although majority of Arabs did not know about writing and but some people are still educated at that time. Many things are written at time of Holy Prophet (S) like Sulaalah Nama Hudabia, Messaca Madina, letters to become Muslim to kings of different states.
Although it is true that Arabs did not like writing but on other side many companions use to wrote hadis and many Saahifa were came into existence. Among these Saahefa Abu Hurara, Saahefa-e-Ali, Saahefa-e-Ayesha, Saahefa-e-Sadica are good examples.
Second Period
Period of Successors and Successor of Successor (101-200 A.H) :
In second century after Higrat, hadis were properly being written down. Students of companions started writing books of hadis. Which includes books of the Imam Zhari of Madina, Imam Mahkol of Sham, and, Abu Hanifa wrote “Kitab-ul-Isaar”. In Madina Imam Malik wrote “Moota”, Imam Sufan wrote “Jamaa”.
Third period
Period after Successors and Successors of Successors (201-300 A.H) :
In third century after Higrat propagation in Islam is more than in previous period. Non Arabs also began to write Hadis of Holy Prophet (S), the writers of hadis are increased to a great extent. In this period fake hadis ( naauz-billah ) are begin to be reported. To test different hadis whether it is authentic or not, different principles were laid down. In this period different department were discovered like Ilam Isma-ur-Regal, Ilam Jrah-e-Tadial etc. In this also six most authentic book of hadis “ Sahah Sitta” were written, upon saith of hadis written in this book almost all Aliams were agreed. These books include :
- Sahih Bukhari
- Sahih Muslim
- Jaamy Termizi
- Sunan al Nisai
- Sunan abi Dawood
- Sunan abna Maja
These are most authentic books of hadis among sunni school of thought.
Law
Law in its common meanings means rules and regulations. It is something which determines rights and duties. Law tells us what to do and what not to do; it will ultimately lead in welfare of our society. Law aims to provide justice. It eye of law every person is equal whether rich or poor.
Hadith as Source of Law
Being Muslim we know that it is hadith after Quran which tells us what to do and w hat not to do. What is for welfare of us. Holy Prophet laid down what are rights and duties of a person, after beginning of revelation. All these things which hadith describes are now a modern law mostly followed in Muslim countries and also to some extent in non Muslim countries. In simple words we may say that almost all hadith is law.
Hadith is pratical example of Quran which is complete code of conduct. It covers almost all the aspects of life. It gives solution to problems in every field of life.
Why we follow hadith
To believe in hadith of Holy Prophet (S) is first and foremost essential requirement of being or becoming a Muslim. Not only we have to believe on it but also we have to follow them also. Because it is order of Allah Almighty whose explanation is as follow:
Follow Allah and His Prophet (S).
Another place in Quran Allah Almighty said whose explanation is as follow:
He, who follows Holy Prophet (S), follows Allah.
Another place in Quran Allah Almighty said whose explanation is as follow:
And life of Holy Prophet (S) is complete guidance for you.
Why we follow hadith as source of law in Pakistan
In Pakistan hadith is considered as source of law because Islam is its state religion and it is also written in preamble of constitution of 1973 of Pakistan that no law is made contrary to Islam. If in a case any such law is passed it is made null and void by Islami Nazariyati Council. Hadith is followes by all Muslims and all school of thoughts.
In general, the difference between Shi’a and Sunni collections is that Shia give preference to hadiths credited to the Prophet’s family and close associates (Ahl al-Bayt), while Sunnis do not consider family lineage in evaluating hadith and sunnah narrated by any of twelve thousand companions of Muhammad. It is valid in every age of life. Scope of hadith is very wide; it goes on increasing and will never end.
Author: Hamasul-Faraz is student of LLB in Islamia University of Bahawalpur.
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