Relationship Between the Quran and Hadith
Introduction
What is the Quran
What is the Hadith (Sunnah)
Why Study Their Relationship?
Studying their relationship reveals how Islam is complete and practically applicable. While the Qur’an lays down general principles, the Hadith gives the details needed for daily life and legal rulings.
The Qur’an as the First Source of Islamic Law and Relationship Between the Quran and Hadith
Its Nature and Authority
The Qur’an is divinely protected (Al-Hijr 15:9) and is the first and final authority. Every Muslim must believe in and adhere to its teachings without doubt.
Broad, Foundational Commandments
The Qur’an commands actions like establishing prayer (ṣalāh), paying zakāt, and forbidding evil without always specifying methods or conditions — leaving room for elaboration through Hadith.
The Hadith as the Second Source
Role in Detailing and Explaining Qur’anic Injunctions
Hadith explains the practical aspects of Qur’anic commands. For example, the Qur’an orders prayer, but Hadith details the number of rak’ahs, postures, and timings.
Authority and Classification
Not all narrations are equally authentic:
Ṣaḥīḥ: Sound
Ḥasan: Good
Ḍa‘īf: Weak
Mawḍū‘: Fabricated
Scholars carefully assess Hadith to ensure Islamic law rests on authentic foundations.
Examples of How Qur’an and Hadith Work Together
Ṣalāh (Prayer)
Qur’anic Command: “Establish prayer.” (Al-Baqarah 2:43)
Hadith Details:
Times of five daily prayers
Number of rak’ahs
Proper recitation (“No prayer is valid without Fatiha” – Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
Ṣawm (Fasting)
Quranic Command: “Fast during the month of Ramadan (Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Hadith Details:
Suhūr (pre-dawn meal) recommendation
Iftār (breaking fast) timing
Exemptions for travelers and sick
Zakāt (Almsgiving)
Qur’anic Command: “And establish prayer and give zakāt.” (Al-Baqarah 2:43)
Hadith Details:
Nisāb levels (e.g., 87.5g of gold)
Rates (2.5% of saved wealth)
Specific rules for agricultural produce and livestock
Hudud (Penal Laws) & Riba (Usury)
Qur’anic Prescriptions:
Cutting the hand of a thief (Al-Mā’idah 5:38)
Forbidding ribā (interest) (Al-Baqarah 2:275)
Hadith Details:
Minimum theft amount for cutting hand
Barter rules defining unlawful ribā (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Ḥajj (Pilgrimage)
Qur’anic Duty: “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to Allah for those who can afford it.” (Āl-‘Imrān 3:97)
Hadith Explanation:
Talbiyah chant
Sequence of rites (Tawaf, Sa’i, etc.)
From Scripture to Jurisprudence: Ijmā‘ and Qiyās
How Consensus (Ijmā‘) Draws on Qur’an & Sunnah
Ijmā‘ (scholarly consensus) relies on the understanding and interpretation of the Qur’an and Hadith when forming collective rulings.
Analogical Reasoning (Qiyās) Based on Their Principles
Qiyās (analogy) derives new rulings by linking them logically to principles found in Qur’an and Hadith, ensuring Islam remains relevant across changing times.
Conclusion
Synergy Between Qur’an’s Brevity and Hadith’s Detail
The Qur’an provides universal laws, while the Hadith offers detailed applications. Together, they form a perfect, harmonious legal system.
Impact on the Full Structure of Sharī‘ah and Its Application Today
Every law, from basic worship to complex legal rulings, flows from the combined authority of the Qur’an and Hadith, shaping the full body of Sharī‘ah and ensuring guidance for all times.
