Sources of Wisdom and Authority 7 – Importance and Significance of Hadith and Sunnah

Importance and Significance of Hadith and Sunnah The Qur’an as the word of Allah is the most important guide for Muslims. However, should they need further help, Muhammad should be the one they turn to as the next best guide to how to live a good Muslim life.

Importance and Significance of Hadith and Sunnah The hadith and sunnah often help Muslims ‘flesh out’ the instructions given in the Qur’an. For example, the Qur’an tells Muslims to pray 5 times a day, facing towards Mecca, performing wudu (cleansing) first. However, the hadith and sunnah are needed in order to give Muslims further instruction on what to do/say during these prayers.

Your Task Work together (max 4) to think about other reasons why the hadith/sunnah/both are important or significant to Islam/Muslims. Think about implications on Muslim life.

Importance and Significance of Hadith and Sunnah Muhammad perfect example (seal). Helps Muslims to further understand the message of the Qur’an. Shari’ah law is made up the Qur’an and hadith, showing the importance. Qur’anic quotes explaining that Muslims should look to Muhammad as an example, what Allah wants them to do.

Importance and Significance of Hadith and Sunnah “One who disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed clearly on the wrong path” (Surah 33:36) “What the Messenger teaches you, take it; and what he forbids you, avoid it” (Surah 59:47)

Importance and Significance of Hadith and Sunnah Most Muslims accept that the hadith and sunnah should be used in conjunction (alongside) the Qur’an. The Qur’an takes precedence, but the three together complement each other and give Muslims a more rounded view of Islam and how to live a good Muslim life.

Video Clip Make notes as you watch the video clip.

Problems It is possible that some of the hadith/sunnah have become changed over the years due to the way they were passed on initially. In some cases, the hadith seems to contradict the teachings of the Qur’an – what should a Muslim do then? Qur’an = Hell is permanent (Surah 5:18) Hadith = It is possible to ‘escape’ from Hell

Problems The Qur’an has the final say as the unaltered word of Allah. The Qur’an is often more difficult to understand due to its divine nature and ‘higher’ Arabic. While the hadith and sunnah are very important, it is essential that Muslims do not use them to supersede the Qur’an (ultimate authority).

Progress Check Plenary What have you learnt this lesson? Facts – e.g Ideas/viewpoints Similarities/differences - diversity Key words/concepts Examples of how religion affects the world around us – e.g. culture What contribution to your learning did you make? Contributed to class discussion Worked in a pair/group Organised my time well Found out information for myself Answered thoroughly and thoughtfully Completed extension task Monitored my progress Peer/ self assessed work How did you learn it? Research work Discussion Questioning Pairs/ group work - collaborative Independent learning Using technology e.g video/ internet What do you need to do in order to make further progress? Do further research Background reading Develop my writing technique Contribute more in class Proof read my work Give examples to back up my ideas Make connections between different beliefs and faiths