AUTHORITY-OF-HADITH.

Authority of Hadith” is likely a detailed examination of the role and significance of Hadith (the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH) in Islamic thought, law, and daily practice. The book would delve into the historical, theological, and legal foundations that establish Hadith as a critical source of guidance for Muslims, second only to the Qur’an.

The book might begin by explaining the relationship between the Qur’an and Hadith, outlining how the Qur’an serves as the primary source of divine revelation, while the Hadith offers a practical interpretation and application of the Qur’an’s teachings. It would emphasize that while the Qur’an provides general principles, the Hadith offers detailed instructions on various aspects of life, including worship, morality, social relations, and governance.

A significant portion of the book would likely be dedicated to exploring the methodology of Hadith authentication. It would cover the rigorous process developed by early Islamic scholars to verify the authenticity of Hadith, known as Ilm al-Hadith (the science of Hadith). This process involves studying the isnad (chain of transmission) and matn (content of the narration) to ensure that the Hadith is both credible and consistent with Islamic teachings. The book would explain the various classifications of Hadith, such as Sahih (authentic), Hasan (good), and Da’if (weak), and how these classifications impact their usage in Islamic law (fiqh).

In discussing the authority of Hadith, the book would likely highlight its central role in shaping Islamic jurisprudence. It would argue that without the Hadith, many aspects of Islamic practice, such as the details of prayer, fasting, zakat, and Hajj, would be incomplete or unclear. The book would present examples of how Islamic scholars across the various schools of thought have relied on Hadith to derive legal rulings, and it would address common debates surrounding the interpretation and application of Hadith in different contexts.