Introduction
The root cause of evil in our society like religious intolerance, extremism, social, moral, economic, political misconduct, polytheistic rituals and many other problems is due to the abandonment of the Qur’an.[1] Bad practices are spreading rapidly in our society without any check while many of the Ulema, (religious scholars) instead of playing their pivotal role against these evil practices, have become a part of the problem rather than the solution.
Social media has provided a good facility for everyone to express and promote their views, unfortunately this facility is being used to criticize and ridicule other Muslims. The limited knowledge, rather lack of knowledge of religion (Islam) has further aggravated the situation. There is a reason for further deterioration it appears that everyone is engaged in defending their own sect and ridiculing others and considering it to be a service to Islam. In this regard, hadiths are used indiscriminately, without context, research and classifications of authenticity.
There are seventy five (75) Hadith books containing around twenty-five thousand to forty thousand Hadiths, a large number with varying classifications which not everyone can comprehend easily. After the Qur’an, Sunnah is the most authentic and safe, due care is exercised in their use due to the possibility of being caught immediately and severe reactions by people. Sunnah and Hadith are not synonymous; they are different. A narrative of the words, deeds or tacit approvals of the Prophet (SWS) is called Hadith. It does not add anything to the content of Islam stated in the Qur’an and Sunnah, the two original sources of Islam. Ahadith (plural of Hadith) only explain and elucidate what is contained in these two sources and also describe the exemplary way in which the Prophet (Pbuh) followed Islam. The scholars of Hadith employ the term, khabr for Hadith. A khabr bears the possibility of being either right or wrong. In other words, the scholars of Hadith believe that a khabr may be true or it may be false. For this very reason, Ahadith are also called dhanni (presumptive or indefinite).[2]
The second issue related to problems is sectarianism which has caused a lot of damage to the Muslim Ummah which continues unabated. The basis of fitnah (disorder, corruption) and terrorism is sectarianism, the scholars can play an effective role in reducing this menace.
The misguided, mischievous people not only use naive Muslim youth to fuel for hatred, but they also use them as soldiers of terrorism by mixing their evil ideologies with religious texts to confuse and corrupt their minds intellectually. They create sectarianism in an imperceptible way by creating intellectual confusion. He gains economic, political, and other benefits by becoming the savior of the simple Muslim majority as their religious leader. The Muslim youth which is beyond their physical reach is mentally enslaved to propagate at social media to get financial help, public sympathy and support. Some are recruited for their terrorist activities under garb of Jihad.
How can scholars be excluded when the whole society is in a state of decay and turmoil? It is the duty of the Ulema-e-Haqq to play their positive role in elevating the religious, moral, social and economic progression of society and themselves. The Qur’an provides examples of Jewish and Christian scholars for our guidance and the lessons that their scholars developed tendencies to prefer their own opinion over the Book of God and the teachings of the prophets hence misguided and ruined their followers. The Jewish scholars preferred Talmud (writings of scholars) over Torah[3]. (The Divine Book) Muslims scholars adopted a similar path which was the apprehension of the Rightly Guided Caliphs when they forbade writing any other book besides Book of Allah (Quran). The selfish desires overtook and after first century of Islam, scholars over-ruled the Sunnah (practice) and direction of Rightly Guided Caliphs by writing other books (intentions are always claimed to be good but the blatant violation is mind boggling). Besides many apparent benefits, it also opened the floodgates of sectarianism and division of Muslim Ummah. This is the curse of Allah for violating the good practices and adopting forbidden practices.
It is the obligation of the government, the religious authorities (Ulema), the intellectuals and every Muslim to curb extremism and ignorance in a peaceful manner with the help of the Qur’an[4] and Sunnah (practices) of Prophet (Pbuh) and Rightly Guided Caliphs. It is well known that Quran commands[5] the Muslims to preach (Dawah) good practices and forbid evils.
The purpose of this research is to create awareness through the undeniable facts from history and sacred text. The mindset that has been established for centuries cannot be changed overnight but our duty is to reveal the truth and make endeavors intellectually. The guidance is in the hands of Allah alone. He provides guidance and whoever deliberately goes astray by his own choice, Allah leaves him in the wilderness of ignorance and path of destruction leading to hellfire. There is no compulsion in religion, no one has been appointed as the guardian of faith over others. Our duty is only to proclaim the truth from the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
God wishes to explain things to you and guide you to the ways of those who have gone before you and to turn to you in mercy. God is all knowing and all wise. He wishes to turn towards you in mercy, but those who follow their own passions want you to drift far away from the right path. God wishes to lighten your burdens, for, man has been created weak. (Quran;4:26-28)[6]
Those who follow these selfish desires of their passions refer to all kinds of people who put the customs and traditions of their forefathers over the guidance provided by Allah, through His Last Book (Quran), Practices of the Prophet (Pbuh), Rightly Guided Caliphs and Companions. There are all types of people whether they are Jews, Christians, hypocrites or other polytheists. God Almighty has revealed innumerable commands for the eradication of social evils which most people disliked to follow.
In this way, those ignorant people were obstructing the work of reform which was being carried out under the divine commandments at that time. On the other hand, there were the Jews who, over the centuries, had put a heavy shell of their self-made rules and regulations on the original divine law. There were numerous restrictions and unnecessary customs that they added to their religious Law (Shari’a). Most of the permissible (halal) things they had forbidden. There were many illusions and delusions that he had incorporated into the law of God.۔[7]
It was against the mindset and temperament of the scholars and the people that they could recognize the value of the straightforward Shari’ah that the Qur’an was presenting. They were agitated to hear the command and rules provided by the Qur’an. There would be numerous objections to each and every teaching. They demanded that either the Qur’an declare all the ijtihads of their jurists and all the superstitions and superstitions of their predecessors as divine law, otherwise it is not a divine book at all.
The Quran (4:26-28)[8] refers to the hypocrites and the orthodox Jews of Medina who were deeply disgusted with the reforms that were being carried out against centuries old prejudices and customs in civilization and society. Today Islam is also challenged by the kind of situation that needs to be remedied.
The Theme of Research/ Study
In Islam, Quran, the Book of Allah is the primary source of guidance, the Sunnah (practices) of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and practices of his four closest and righteous companions, Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Hazrat Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) and Hazrat Ali (RA) has a permanent priority over all other companions, jurists, scholars and people. By adhering to their policies and practices, the original Islam of the first century Hijrah, the pure perfected[9] religion of Islam can be revived, as declared by Allah Almighty on the Farewell Pilgrimage (10 Hijrah/ 631 C.E) (Quran;5:3). After reaching the heights of perfection, decline starts, which continues to this day.
It is our desire, prayer and endeavour to never give up “Perfected Deen Islam” and to strive for the revival of the “Perfected Deen Islam” of the first Islamic century.
The Qur’an[10] is the last book (written instructions) of guidance for mankind till eternity, which is complete, detailed, easy, safe and secure.
The Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is a practical model of implementation of Qur’an, which was physically, practically demonstrated (like offering prayer and other such matters). Sunnah is transmitted from generation to generation, through a large number of people, hence it cannot be fabricated like some Hadiths by individual reporters.
It must be clarified from the outset that this study/ research has nothing to do with the views of those who totally reject and deny the Hadith literature due to lack of authenticity and recording after centuries. Delivering the religious edict (fatwa) is the domain of experts (Ulema/ Muftees). The Quran declares the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) as a role model[11] for Muslim, hence his legacy, practice (Sunnah) cannot be ignored. The majority Muslims belief and practices are generally in line with the Quran and Sunnah. However The Quran provides much more for unity of Muslims and shun sectarianism:
And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided.(Quran 3:103)[12]
Following aspects are important for in-depth study and analysis:
1. Is the Qur’an just the last book of Allah, complete, detailed, protected or there other books of guidance as well?
2. Did the Quran mention or give any indication of other supplementary books?
3. The Prophet (Pbuh) commanded to follow the Sunnah (practices) of Rightly Guided Caliphs after him. What was their policy with regard to any other books or books besides the Quran?
4. Should Muslim follow the religious scholars blindly like Jews and Christians as mentioned in the Quran (9:31)[13]?
5. The facts should be brought out for the knowledge of everyone, so that scholars can play their positive, constructive role in restoring Islam to the original, simple, perfect religion of the first century Hijra, rather than defending the errors of past history.
Research theme is not
1. This study is Not about the significance of Hadith and its benefits.
2. This study is Not about the nature of Hadith to be revelation or not.
3. This study is Not about Hadith authenticity accuracy or errors.
4. This study is Not about Hadiths writing immediately or in the third century.
5. This study is Not about the personal character of compilers of Hadith books to be pious, noble, good or ambitious. The matter is with Allah who is aware of matters of heart and intentions.
6. This study is Not to out rightly reject Hadith literature as some groups do. Any statement or action attributed to The Prophet (pbuh), irrespective of its authenticity or classification is to be respected and analyzed in the light of Quran. “Oral” transmission of Hadiths and “writing, compiling Hadith Books” are not synonymous.
7. This study is Not about implications if the Hadith books had not been compiled.
8. This study is Not intended to break Muslim consensus and unity or to promote any sectarian group which is practice of polytheists (Quran 30:31-32). Rather it is to promote unity and harmony through Quran, the Only unanimous book of Muslim consensus.
9. This study in Not normal, its unique aims to gradually revive the first century Islam while remaining within the majority community of Muslim Ummah. Status quo should not be abruptly disrupted.
10. This study is Not conclusive, it remains subject to debate and discussions till consensus emerges.
Some of the themes mentioned above are separate themes, which are neither part of this study, nor have been discussed in detail except partially wherever it was found to be inevitable.
1. This study aims to explore, whether in Islam there is One, Last Book of guidance, the Holy Quran or Books.
2. The study is primarily based upon undisputed unanimously agreed sources The Holy Quran and undisputed historic realities of continuous (matwatar)[14] Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet (Pbuh), four Rightly Guided Caliphs and companions related with this topic. The other material is quoted just as additional references which support the continuous (matwatar) historic practices.
The main subject, the theme, is difficult for the people to comprehend because what has been taught and told for twelve centuries, deeply engraved in the minds, considered to be a part of faith and practice, is being questioned, through solid evidence and arguments from Qur’an and Sunnah of the closest companions, the Rightly Guided Caliphs [the special title and honor bestowed by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] and through reference to the hadiths. Hence it is very difficult to accept so easily. One wonders if he has been deceived?
In such a situation one may immediately go into a state of denial and defensiveness, without understanding the theme or under the influence of preconceived ideas, the hard facts and arguments. suppressed through emotions (nafas).
It is therefore important to describe the theme:
“The Last Book or Books? Return to the Qur’an and Sunnah”
1. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded Muslims to adhere to the Sunnah of the Companions.[15] Those pious companions, Umar and Abu Bakr Siddique arranged the compilation of Quran in the form of Book by collecting fragments and memorization of companions. Zaid bin Thabit, the scribe of revelations was head of committee. Arrangements were, therefore, made to collect and gather all the written pieces of the Qur’an left by the Holy Prophet, and those in the possession of his Companions. Then with the cooperation of those Companions who had committed the whole or any part of the Qur’an to memory word by word, all the written pieces were compared with each other for verification. Zaid would not take down anything in his manuscript unless all the three sources tallied with copy. This authenticated copy of the whole Qur’an was kept in the house of Hafsa, Omar’s daughter, and one of the wives of the Holy prophet and it was proclaimed that anyone, who desired, might make a copy of it or compare it with the copy already possessed.[16] Later the third Caliph Usman (R.A) again under committee chaired by Zaid bin Thabit rechecked the manuscript thoroughly and issued official copies. The effort is matchless in accuracy and authenticity in the entire history of world religions. Can an individual effort by people after two centuries be equated with this effort?
2. Among the companions, when Hazrat Umar (RA) became Caliph, the issue of Hadith writing came up. He decided after much deliberation that, because the first ummahs (Jews, Christians) were destroyed by bringing other books against the Book of Allah, hence in Islam there is no other book but the Book of Allah.[17] This policy was supported by the other Rightly Guided Caliphs, (Mahad-deen) and the Companions as a whole. It is a historic fact that NO Hadith book was compiled and published during first century Hijrah, strictly adhering to the policies of the Caliph. Existence of private notes for memorization cannot be ruled out. Only oral narration was adhered to, which was the norm. The famous books of Hadith have been written in the third century Hijrah, in violation of policy and command of Rightly Guided Caliphs. It does not need any discussion or proof, an undeniable history fact not fiction.
3. The “Righteous Caliphs, the Muhaddithin” were not only political rulers but also religious leaders. This is a special honor for the Rightly Guided Caliphs, who made important religious decisions that are being followed. After the first century, when it became customary to compile Hadiths in the form of books, what was feared by Hazrat Umar and Ali happened two centuries later; a simple and easy religion, Islam, turned into a complex religion, ignoring the last book of Allah, indulging in “Qeel o Qaal” (unnecessary discussions- It was said that was said), this was the fear expressed by Hazrat Ali (RA) when he also justified the decision of Hazrat Umar (RA)[18].
4. No one can change the Qur’an, even if there is a difference of opinion, there is an easy solution, there are the “verses which are precise (muhkmaat) they are the foundation of the Book (Umm al-Kitab)” (Qur’an 3: 7)[19]. This rule was not applied to the Hadith literature, now out of million, there are more than twenty five thousand hadiths of different classification in 75 books, besides many sects. The followers of sects reject Hadiths quoted by opponents as weak, and engage in unnecessary interpretations and discussions. This is the way of the Jews andChristians[20], Muslims went against the teachings of Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Sunnah of the Righteous Caliphs, because the personal interests of some religious leaders may be involved, they shall always oppose any effort to return to the Islam of first century Hujra through reforms.
5. There are other groups like “Ahl-e-Quran” [People of Quran] holding another extreme position, to only follow Quran, while Quran does talk about obedience to the Prophet (Pbuh) being a role model. This aspect cannot be ignored while looking for the true practices and ways of Prophet (Pbuh).
6. Study of the Quran and observing continuous practices (Sunnah) of the Prophet (Pbuh) clear the haze and we can get clear guidance. This study has been undertaken to debate and discuss the issue with open mind so that Muslims can practice the original perfected Islam of first century.
7. It may be kept in view that:
a. The principles of religion (usool-e-deen) and the promotion of religion (froogh-deen) are not being touched (although this is the work of the scholars).
b. The six basic fundamentals of faith[21] and five pillars[22] of Islam are not being discussed, they are part of faith.
c. No reticulation of any sect or unnecessary promotion.
d. There is no ground for a new sect, sectarianism[23] is forbidden in the Qur’an only Islam and Muslim[24].
e. This is just an intellectual exercise, to ponder over the Qur’an and find the ways to restore the original status of the Qur’an.
f. Follow the way Islam is being practiced in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah.
g. Be tolerant and patient with others and use religious material positively instead of creating hatred or promoting sectarianism.
h. Continuous (matwater)[25],[26] Hadiths are the most authentic, there is scholarly consensus that their denier is a disbeliever.
i. The Hadiths attributed to the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), even if they are inauthentic, weak, they must be respected and Analyzed in the light of Quran. It is a great treasure of knowledge about the Seerah of the Prophet (pbuh), companions and history.
Quran introduces Quran
1. God revealed Quran[27] and will protect it (Quran;15:9)
2. Free from any ambiguity (Quran;18:1-2)
3. “This book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the Muslims” (Quran;16:89)
4. Neglected nothing in the Book” (Quran; 6:38)
5. Verses of established meaning, further explained in detail (Quran;11:1)
6. Falsehood cannot approach it (Quran;41:42)
7. Book in truth and [also] the balance.(Quran;42:17)
8. Nobody, not even Prophet can change Quran (Quran;10:15)
9. Messenger conveyed all what was revealed of this Book from Lord. There is nothing that could alter His words (Quran; 18;27, 6:19)
10. Allah’s Words never change. (10:64)
11. Delivered the messages of the Lord (72:28, 5:67)
12. Book with the truth, verifying old Scriptures and a guardian over it (Quran;5:48)
13. The most beautiful Message in a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. (Quran;39:23)
14. Healing and mercy to the believers, and it adds only to the perdition of the unjust. (Quran;17:82)
15. Book of God, without any doubt, guidance for those who fear God (Quran;2:2)
16. Bring mankind out of darkness into the light (Quran;14:1)
17. The Criterion to judge right and wrong (Quran;25:1)
18. Book with truth, to judge between people in that in which they differed (Quran;2:213)
19. In clear Arabic, easy to understand (Quran;12:2)
20. Study the Quran, as it should be studied (Quran;2:121)
21. Ponder over its verses, and that those endowed with understanding may be mindful. (Quran;38:29)
22. Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up? (Quran;47:24)
23. Those concealing revelations of Quran are cursed by Allah (Quran;2:159)
24. Who conceal in the scripture, for a cheap material gain, incur painful retribution.(Quran;2:174)
25. In which Hadith other than the Quran will they believe? (Quran;77:50)
26. In what Hadith (discourse) after this (Quran) will they then believe? (Quran;7:185)
27. These are the revelations of God which We recite to you for a genuine purpose. In what Hadith (statements) other than God’s and His revelations will they then believe? (Quran;45;6)
28. Let them produce a Hadith (discourse) like it if they are true in their claim. (Quran;52:34)
Deniers and Rejecters
1. Woe unto every fabricating impostor, the one who hears GOD’s revelations but ignores arrogantly, Grievous punishment awaits (Quran;45:7-8)
2. Those who dispute Ayas have turned away from the right path (Quran;40:69)
3. Those who deny the revelations, will suffer a dreadful doom. (Quran;45:11)
4. Who disbelieved in Quran, are doomed (Quran;90:19)
5. And none but the Zalimun (polytheists, wrongdoers) deny Ayat (Quran;29:49)
6. And be not like those who said, We hear, and they did not obey (Quran;8:21)
Quran – Important Verses
1. And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided. (3:103)[28]
2. This is the Book there is no doubt in it. It is a guide for those who are mindful of God, (2:2)[29]
3. Will they not, then, ponder over this Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts? (47:24)[30]
4. The Messenger will say, “Lord, my people did indeed discard the Quran,” (25:30)
5. So that he who was to perish might perish after clear evidence of the truth, and he who was to live might live in clear evidence of the truth. Surely, God is all hearing and all-knowing. (8:42)[31]
6. We have bestowed the Book on those of Our servants whom We have chosen. Some wrong their own souls, some keep half-way [between right and wrong] some, by God’s leave, excel others in good deeds. This is a great bounty of God: (35:32)
7. Do not mix truth with falsehood, or hide the truth when you know it. (2:42)
8. Who, then, is more unjust than he who lies about God and rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is not Hell an abode for those who deny the truth? (39:32)9.
9. “Produce your proof, if you should be truthful.” (2:111)[32]
10. O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people. (5:67)[33]
11. Then We will surely question those to whom [a message] was sent, and We will surely question the messengers. (7:6)[34]
12. And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be successful. (3:104)
13. You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah. If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient. (3:110)[35]
14. [This is a declaration of] disassociation, from Allah and His Messenger, to those with whom you had made a treaty among the polytheists. (9:1)[36]
15. They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah, and [also] the Messiah, the son of Mary. And they were not commanded except to worship one God there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him. (9:31)
16. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty. (5:2)[37]
17. There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. (33:21)[38]
18. He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah but those who turn away We have not sent you over them as a guardian. (4:80)[39]
19. O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn from him while you hear [his order]. (20) And do not be like those who say, “We have heard,” while they do not hear. (21) Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason. (8:22)[40]
20. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits He will put him into the Fire to abide eternally therein, and he will have a humiliating punishment. (4:14)[41]
21. What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge? (36) Or do you have a scripture in which you learn (37) That indeed for you is whatever you choose? (68:38)[42]
Quran on Hadith
Quran calls itself Hadith and repeatedly rejects belief in any other Hadith except Quran. Most of the translators have translated the word “Hadith” as statement, discourse, message etc. Surprisingly the word “Hadith” was in use as “statement of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh)” during his lifetime while Quran was being revealed and continues to be used as such since last 1400 years. Everyone understands the meanings of Hadith, it has been added as a word in some European languages[43]. It not need to be translated in Urdu or English. The literal translation of Hadith is “statement/story/Hadith”[44] A non Arabic reader would never know that the Quran is talking against Hadith, once he reads the translation as “statement, discourse, message etc”. Even the commentaries avoid discussing this important aspect! Is it deliberate distortion or concealment?
1. In which Hadith other than the Quran will they believe? (Quran;77:50)[45]
2. In what Hadith after this (Quran) will they then believe? (Quran;7:185)
3. These are the revelations of God which We recite to you for a genuine purpose. In what Hadith other than God’s and His revelations will they then believe? (Quran;45;6)
4. Let them produce a Hadith like it if they are true in their claim. (Quran;52:34)
Quran also says:
5. Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.(Quran;12:2)
6. Free from any ambiguity (Quran;18:1-2)
7. Verses of established meaning further explained in detail (Quran;11:1)
8. “This book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the Muslims”(Quran;16:89)
9. Falsehood cannot approach it (Quran;41:42)
10. Nobody, not even Prophet can change Quran (Quran;10:15)
11. Allah’s Words never change. (10:64)
12. The Criterion to judge right and wrong (Quran;25:1)
13. Book with truth, to judge between people in that in which they differed (Quran;2:213)
14. Those concealing revelations of Quran are cursed by Allah (Quran;2:159)
15. Who conceal in the scripture, for a cheap material gain, incur painful retribution.(Quran;2:174)
About Deniers and Rejecters of Quran:
16. Those who deny the revelations will suffer a dreadful doom. (Quran;45:11)
17. Woe unto every fabricating impostor, the one who hears GOD’s revelations but ignores arrogantly, Grievous punishment awaits (Quran;45:7-8)
18. Those who dispute Ayas have turned away from the right path (Quran;40:69)
19. Who disbelieved in Quran are doomed (Quran;90:19)
20. And none but the Zalimun (polytheists, wrongdoers) deny Ayat (Quran;29:49)
21. And be not like those who said, We hear, and they did not obey (Quran;8:21)
Hadith on Hadith
The Prophet (Pbuh) was a role model for the Muslims. His statements and practices have to be in conformity with the Quran, not in conflict. Following are some Hadiths which conform to the verses from the Quran quoted above.
1. Abu Said al-Khudri said, Ishaq ibn Isa told me that Abdul Rahman ibn Zaid told us that his father said about Ata ibn Yasar who said that Abu Hurairah said: We were sitting down writing what we heard from the prophet. He entered the room and asked us: What are you writing? We said: We are writing what we hear from you. He said: Another book next to the book of Allah? We said: It is what we hear from you. He said: Then write the book of Allah, uphold the book of Allah, no other books but the book of Allah, uphold the book of Allah. Abu Hurairah said: So we collected all that we wrote and burnt it. Then we asked the prophet: Can we talk about you? He said: Yes you can and feel no shame of it, and whoever lies about me deliberately his seat in hell will be secured. Abu Hurairah said: Can we talk about Bani Israel? He said: Yes you can and feel no shame of it [Musnad Ahmad, Hadith Number 10611]
2. Abu Sa’id Khudri reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Do not take down anything from me, and he who took down anything from me except the Qur’an, he should efface that and narrate from me, for there is no harm in it and he who attributed any falsehood to me and Hammam said: I think he also said: “deliberately” he should in fact find his abode in the Hell-Fire.[Sahih Muslim Book 042, Hadith Number 7147][46]
3. Narrated Zayd ibn Thabit: Al-Muttalib ibn Abdullah ibn Hantab said: Zayd ibn Thabit entered upon Mu’awiyah and asked him about a tradition. He ordered a man to write it. Zayd said: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) ordered us not to write any of his traditions. So he erased it. [Sunan Abu-Dawud Book 25, Hadith Number 3640]
4. Ismail told us that Hammam ibn Yahya narrated from Zaid ibn Aslam who narrated from Yasar who stated that Abi Saeed said: The messenger of Allah said, “Do not write anything I say but the Quran and whoever writes anything but the Quran should delete it.” [Musnad Ahmad, Hadith Number 10713]
5. Shu’aib told us that Hammam said that Zaid ibn Aslam narrated from Ibn Yassar who stated that Abi Saeed said: The messenger of Allah said, “Do not write anything I say except the Quran and whoever writes anything but the Quran should delete it.” [Musnad Ahmad, Hadith Number 10715]
6. Yazid told us that Hammam ibn Yahya narrated from Zaid ibn Aslam who narrated from Yassar who said that Abi Saeed stated: The messenger of Allah said, “Do not write anything I say except the Quran and whoever writes anything but the Quran should delete it.” [Musnad Ahmad, Hadith Number 10781]
7. Abu Ubayda told us that Hammam ibn Yahya narrated from Zaid ibn Aslam who narrated from Yassar who stated that Abi Saeed said: The messenger of Allah said, “Do not write anything I say except the Quran and whoever writes anything [besides it] should delete it.” [ Musnad Ahmad, Hadith Number 10966]
8. Affan told us that Hammam told us that Zaid ibn Aslam narrated from Ibn Yassar who stated that Abi Saeed said: The messenger of Allah said do not write anything I say but the Quran and whoever writes anything but the Quran should delete it. [Musnad Ahmad, Hadith Number 11160]
However some Hadiths can also be found which provide some justification for Hadith writing to a person or persons.[47] Quran is the Furqan, final criteria to judge right from wrong (Quran;25:1). So when we refer to the Quranic verses against Hadith, the permissibility of Hadith writing to an individual does not get support from the Quran. The Prophet (pbuh) is also reported to have said that Hadith which contradict the Quran and Sunnah are not from him[48], he is also reported to have said that, if you hear a Hadith which your heart does not accept, it is far away from me (Masnad Ahmad 3/497, Saheeh Albani)[49]. [50] Hence the Hadiths about ban on writing get support from the Quran, while others not supported by the Quran are to be ignored.
It is not very uncommon in Hadith books to find some Hadiths with conflicting[51] contents and contradictions.[52] The experts use various techniques to reconcile but one group may insist on Hadiths supporting their point of view while rejecting the Hadith referred by the opponent. This is the cause of conflict, division, disunity and sectarianism. If the reference source has contradictions, how can it be trusted as a whole, even if there are genuine narrations. There is only one Book which claims:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” (Quran 2:2)
What stops you from listening to God?
Hazrat Umar’s (R.A) ban on Hadith Writing [53]
“Abu-Dhahabi reports: The Caliph Abu-Bakr compiled a work, in which there were 500 traditions of the Prophet, and handed it over to his daughter ‘Aishah. The next morning, he took it back from her and destroyed it, saying: “I wrote what I understood it is possible however that there should be certain things in it which did not correspond textually with what the Prophet had uttered.”
As to Umar, we learn on the authority of Ma’mar ibn Rashid, that during his caliphate, Umar once consulted the companions of the Prophet on the subject of codifying the Hadith. Everybody seconded the idea. Yet Umar continued to hesitate and pray to God for a whole month for guidance and enlightenment. Ultimately, he decided not to undertake the task, and said: “Former peoples neglected the Divine Books and concentrated only on the conduct of the prophets I do not want to set up the possibility of confusion between the Divine Qur’an and the Prophet’s Hadith [Dr. Mohammad Hamidullah]
“Umar ibn al-Khattab once tried to deal with the problem of committing the Hadith to writing. The companions of the Prophet whom he consulted, encouraged him, but he was not quite sure whether he should proceed. One day, moved by God’s inspiration, he made up his mind and announced: “I wanted to have the traditions of the Prophet written down, but I fear that the Book of God might be encroached upon. Hence I shall not permit this to happen.” He, therefore, changed his mind and instructed the Muslims throughout the provinces: “Whoever has a document bearing a prophetic tradition, shall destroy it.” The Hadith, therefore, continued to be transmitted orally and was not collected and written down until the period of al-Mamun.” [Muhammad Husayn Haykal][54]
To be continued….
