The History And Importance Of The Hadiths: Their Use In Legal Thinking, And Their Relationship With The Qur’an, Consensus (Ijma‘) And Analogy (Qiyas)Copy
Hadith in Legal Thinking – Quick Revision Cheat Sheet
| Source | Definition | Role in Legal Thinking | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qur’an | Word of Allah, final revelation | Primary source of law and guidance | Prohibits alcohol (5:90), commands prayer (2:43) |
| Hadith (Sunnah) | Sayings, actions, approvals of Prophet ﷺ | Explains, details, and applies Qur’an | Qur’an commands prayer, Hadith explains how to pray |
| Ijma‘ (Consensus) | Agreement of scholars | Develops rulings when Qur’an & Hadith are silent | Compilation of Qur’an under Caliphs |
| Qiyas (Analogy) | Extending ruling of known case to new case | Makes Islam adaptable to new issues | Prohibition of drugs by analogy with alcohol |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course
Relationship Between Qur’an & Hadith
| Relationship | Example |
|---|---|
| Hadith explains Qur’an | Qur’an orders Zakat, Hadith specifies nisab (amount) |
| Hadith clarifies general rulings | Qur’an commands Hajj, Hadith shows rituals |
| Hadith adds rulings not in Qur’an | Ban on eating donkey meat |
| Hadith strengthens Qur’an’s authority | Emphasises obedience to Allah & His Messenger |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course
Importance for Muslims
- Ensures completeness: Qur’an + Hadith together form a full code of life.
- Flexibility: Ijma‘ and Qiyas keep Islamic law relevant in modern times.
- Unity: Ijma‘ prevents divisions among scholars.
- Guidance: Hadith protects against misinterpretation of Qur’an.
- Adaptation: Qiyas solves new issues (e.g., finance, bioethics).
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Islamiyat Full Scale Course