Question:
After reading viewpoints on the difference between the Sunnah and the Hadith, I have come to the agreement that yes, as per the DEFINITION is concerned, these two are different. The first and the foremost difference is that, Sunnah is one of the original source of Islam, whereas, Hadith is a secondary source, derived from the Sunnah. AM I correct?
Also, the other point that is apparent from these view points is that, a LOT of emphasis is given to the DEFINITION of Sunnah and Hadith, when the resulting concept is the same as the consensus of the general Muslim population, i.e.,
- Hadith might be true and false.
- Hadith might include the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) also (if it is true and the subject matter can be identified to be driven from the Quran).
- Hadith might also include other stuff, that is NOT part of the Sunnah, example that the Prophet (PBUH) did not like to eat onions, etc, which do not have any basis in the divine directives of the Quran.
So, again, if MOST of the Muslims agree to this affect, then why this emphasis on the mere difference between the DEFINITION of the Sunnah and the Hadith?
I hope I have made my self clear.
Thanks,
Answer:
Before answering your specific question, I would like to clarify a few points:
Firstly, you write:
Sunnah is one of the original source of Islam, whereas, Hadith is a secondary source, derived from the Sunnah.
This point is not correct. Hadith is not derived from the Sunnah. Hadith is independent of Sunnah. Hadith, in fact, may, among other things include the narration of any incident that took place during the life of, action that was performed by, saying, dialogue or comment of, and permission granted by the Prophet (pbuh). In other words, Hadith is actually the historical account of the life, times, teachings etc. of the Prophet (pbuh).
Sunnah, on the other hand, are the practical religious teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) which were introduced and promulgated by the Prophet (pbuh) as an essential part of the corpus of Islam.
Thus, seen from a different perspective, the basic corpus of Islam remains absolutely complete without Hadith, while without Sunnah, even the basic corpus of Islam is rendered incomplete.
Secondly, you write:
Hadith might include the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) also (if it is true and the subject matter can be identified to be driven from the Quran).
It is true that Hadith, among other things, may refer to a Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) as well. However, it should be remembered that 1) Hadith is not the only source of information regarding the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh); and 2) Sunnah is not always derived from the Qur’an. A Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) can be completely independent of the Qur’an, as, for instance, the Sunnah of circumcision (Khatna) of the male child is not even indirectly based on the Qur’an.
You ask:
So, again, if MOST of the Muslims agree to this affect, then why this emphasis on the mere difference between the DEFINITION of the Sunnah and the Hadith?
The idea that ‘Most of the Muslims agree to this affect’ is not very accurate. Muslims differ widely on the definition of Sunnah. This is precisely the reason why the issue needs to be thoroughly discussed and a precise opinion formed regarding the issue.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
UIUK team
January 27, 2003
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