#History and Importance of Hadis – Islam Peace Of Heart

The Holy Prophet PBUH as the founder of Islam and the messenger of Allah’s revelation to mankind is the best interpreter of the book of Allah. His Hadis and Sunnah I.e., his sayings and actions are, after the Quran the most important sources of Islamic law. Hadis is generally translated into English as tradition.

The word Sunnah means literally a manner of acting, a rule of conduct, a mode of life. For Muslims specifically, it means a rule deduced from the sayings or conduct of the Prophet PBUH, Such sayings and conduct could take the form of:

1) Verbal teaching by the Prophet PBUH about important things which he used to repeat three times to the companions. Then he listened to them to make sure that they had learnt them correctly.

2) Teaching through practical demonstration like the way to perform ablution, to pray, perform pilgrimage and observe fast. For example, for prayers, the Prophet PBUH said, “Pray as you see me offering prayers.” (Agreed) For pilgrimage, he said: “Learn the rules of pilgrimage from me.” (Muslim) This is called Sunnah.

3) Teaching by the Holy Prophet through letters that he sent to various kings and rulers. These contained instructions about Zakat, taxes, form of worship etc.

4) Silent approval by the Prophet of the action or practice of someone else.

2) Teaching through practical demonstration like the way to perform ablution, to pray, perform pilgrimage and observe fast. For example, for prayers, the Prophet PBUH said, “Pray as you see me offering prayers.” (Agreed) For pilgrimage, he said: “Learn the rules of pilgrimage from me.” (Muslim) This is called Sunnah.

3) Teaching by the Holy Prophet through letters that he sent to various kings and rulers. These contained instructions about Zakat, taxes, form of worship etc.

4) Silent approval by the Prophet of the action or practice of someone else.

Hadis Qudsi and Hadis Nabawi

A Hadis that contains words that the Holy Prophet PBUH himself spoke is called Hadis Nabawi or a Prophetic Hadis.

A Hadis’ that contains words from Allah is called Hadis Qudsi for example:
   “Allah says, Fasting is for Me and I shall certainly compensate it.’ is called Hadis Qudsi.

Such ahadith do not form a part of the Quran, yet they are recognized as Sayings that the Holy Prophet PBUH related from Allah Himself. So a Hadis of this Kind is called Hadis Qudsi or Divine Hadis.