Islam, as a complete way of life, is built upon two primary sources: the Qur’an and the Hadith. While the Qur’an is the divine word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Hadith consists of the sayings, actions, approvals, and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ. Together, these two sources provide Muslims with guidance in all aspects of life. To understand Islam in its true spirit, one cannot rely on the Qur’an alone without the illuminating explanations and practical demonstrations found in the Hadith.
Qur’an and Hadith: Complementary Sources
The Qur’an lays down the foundation of faith, worship, morality, and law. However, many verses are concise and require elaboration. This is where Hadith plays a crucial role. The Prophet ﷺ was sent not only to deliver the message but also to explain it. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And We have sent down to you the Reminder that you may explain to the people what has been sent down to them.” (Qur’an 16:44)
This verse highlights that the Prophet ﷺ is the living example of the Qur’an. His Hadith clarifies the meanings, contexts, and applications of Qur’anic teachings, ensuring that the message is understood and practiced correctly.
Explaining Acts of Worship
The Qur’an commands Muslims to establish prayer, give zakat, fast in Ramadan, and perform Hajj. Yet, it does not provide detailed instructions on how to carry them out. For example, the Qur’an instructs: “Establish the prayer” (Qur’an 2:43), but it does not describe the number of units (rak‘at) or the order of actions. It is through the Hadith that Muslims learn the exact method of prayer, fasting rules, zakat calculations, and rituals of Hajj. Without Hadith, these fundamental pillars of Islam would remain incomplete.
Guidance in Daily Life
The Hadith also extends beyond acts of worship into daily manners, ethics, and social dealings. The Prophet ﷺ taught Muslims how to greet one another, eat with manners, treat neighbors kindly, and conduct business fairly. His teachings offer practical solutions for issues of justice, family life, and community harmony. For instance, the Hadith emphasizes honesty in trade, mercy in leadership, and kindness towards women and children—principles that ensure a balanced and just society.
Source of Islamic Law
Hadith is also a cornerstone of Shari‘ah (Islamic law). Jurists and scholars derive rulings by combining Qur’anic guidance with Hadith evidence. Issues such as marriage, inheritance, punishment, and contracts often rely on Hadith for detailed application. This makes Hadith essential for building a comprehensive Islamic legal framework.
Preserving the Sunnah
The Hadith preserves the Sunnah—the way of the Prophet ﷺ—which is the practical demonstration of Islam. His lifestyle, compassion, patience, and devotion serve as a timeless model for Muslims. As Aisha (RA) famously said when asked about the Prophet’s character: “His character was the Qur’an.” (Musnad Ahmad) This shows that his Hadith reflects the Qur’anic spirit in practice.
Protection Against Misinterpretation
Without Hadith, people might misinterpret the Qur’an according to personal opinions or cultural influences. The Prophet’s explanations safeguard Muslims from misunderstanding divine guidance. For example, the Qur’an prohibits riba (interest), but the Hadith clarifies what types of transactions fall under this prohibition. In this way, Hadith ensures correct understanding and prevents deviation.
Conclusion
The Hadith is indispensable in understanding Islam. It explains the Qur’an, provides details of worship, guides daily conduct, and forms the basis of Islamic law. Above all, it preserves the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the best role model for humanity. Ignoring the Hadith would mean losing the practical framework of Islam. Therefore, every Muslim should value, study, and implement Hadith in their lives to live in harmony with the Qur’an and the Sunnah.