Introduction
In this series of important articles on “Theory of Revelations” we have reached at the end. The most important argument given in support of Hadith as revelations ( Non Recited Revelations (Secret/ Hidden), Wahi Khiffi (Ghair Matloo)) is that the Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that he has been given “Something like Quran”, so it’s has been deduced that this “Something like Quran”, is the Hadiths. Here this particular “Hadith” will be thoroughly analyzed to ascertain its authenticity and the contents. Please refresh your knowledge from the previous articles on this subject available at DJ, following links:
1. Theory of Revelations Part-1: https://defencejournal.com/2021/10/10/theory-of-revelations/
2. Theory of Revelations Part-2: https://defencejournal.com/2021/11/10/theory-of-revelations-part-2/
3. Theory of Revelations Part-3: https://defencejournal.com/2021/12/10/theory-of-revelations-part-3/
4. Theory of Revelations Part-4: https://defencejournal.com/2022/01/10/theory-of-revelation-part-4/
5. Theory of Revelations Part-5: https://defencejournal.com/2022/02/10/theory-of-revelation-part-5%ef%bf%bc/
6. Theory of Revelations Part-6: https://defencejournal.com/2022/03/10/theory-of-revelation-part-6-judaization-of-islam-israeliyat/
7. Theory of Revelations Part-7/ Complete: https://bit.ly/Revelations-Wahi
It is also argued that the Prophet (PBUH) was given “Hikmah” (Wisdom) & Sunnah apart from the Quran which is stored in Hadiths. Let’s briefly first look at this
Word “Hikmah/ Wisdom” in Quran does not mean Sunnah/ Hadith
The Qur’an explains itself, there are twenty six (26) occurrences of the word “Hikma”[1] in the Qur’an; it is obvious that it refers to the teachings of the Quran, or to general wisdom that all prophets–messengers or moral teachers were endowed with. The “Wisdom”[2] is found in the teachings of the Qur’an is 17:39[3] “This is part of the wisdom that your Lord reveals to you, where the word ‘wisdom’ refers to some thirteen ethical teachings enumerated in verses 22 to 38[4]. The wisdom is something with which all prophets, messengers or moral teachers were endowed are 3:81[5], which states that God has given all the prophets “the Book and wisdom,” and verse 31:12[6], states that God granted wisdom to Luqman[7] (wise man).
“He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding”. (Quran 2:269)[8]
There are verses that describe the Qur’an as Hakim, (17:39, 54:5 [9]) as further support for the idea that the wisdom God gave to Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) refers to the specific teachings of the Qur’an and not to some type of extra-Qur’anic revelation but could be referred to as an extra “knowledge or wisdom”. The wise leadership that Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated for his community was “consequent upon his acting strictly in accordance with the ethical teachings of the Qur’an.”
Sunnah
The words Sunnah and Hadith, as they are used in the Qur’an, there are two different Qur’anic uses of the former, the first is in reference to God’s system (Sunna) mentioned in 48:23[10], and the second in reference to “the example of the fate suffered by ancient communities,” mentioned in 8:38[11]. No verse refers to the (Sunnah) behavior of the Prophet (PBUH). All verses that mention obedience to the Messenger (PBUH) is taken as obeying his words and deeds, practices (Sunnah). However they need verification according to the criteria[12] laid down by Prophet (PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Explaining the Qur’an
Having addressed the issues of the Sunnah as a form of divine revelation and obedience to the Messenger, we takes up the issue of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explaining the Qur’an. As in the case of the Qur’anic usage of the word Hadith it has been dealt with earlier in detail. The Quran calls itself the “Best Hadith”((39:23),[13] hence not required to believe in any other Hadith.[14] Here the word “Hadith” encompasses all meanings of Hadiths, why exclude the Hadiths of Prophet (PBUH) at own accord? Whereas the Prophet (PBUH) himself verified this Quranic statement in his own words when he repeated that, “The Best Hadiths is the Book of Allah” (Sahih Muslim 2005, Nisai 1579, Maja 45, Mushkat 139, Muarif 1899)[15] The religious practices of prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage have been inherited from Prophet Abraham[16]،[17] (PBUH), which were restored in original form by the Prophet (PBUH). However yet the Qur’an makes mention of the main features of these practices[18] and that people learn to perform the prayer from parents and teachers, transferred from generation to generation through an unbroken chain. Learning Salah (prayer) from Hadith is reinventing the wheel. How early Muslims offered Salah during the first two centuries when there were no Hadith books?
Messenger “A Good Example”
When the Qur’an calls the Messenger “a good example” in 33:21, it means that his behavior must be imitated as closely as possible in all things and that this requires Hadith. To explain the meaning of “good example” (uswa masana) in 33:21, one may cite the fact that exactly the same words are used to describe Prophet Abraham (PBUH) and those who believed with him in Verse 60:4: “A good example has been set for you by Abraham and those with him. They said to their people, ‘We disown you and the idols you set up besides God. We reject you, and you will see from us nothing but enmity and opposition until you believe in God alone.’”[19] This verse explains that the good example refers to “one’s religious convictions, ideological position and struggle.” However the practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were observed and followed by his companions and transferred in Matwatir (continuous) chain from generation to generation by millions. Whereas Hadith is narrated by one or few individuals and recorded much later with possibility of human error. That’s the reason it is not included by Prophet (PBUH) in three basic sources of knowledge i.e. (i) Establish Command Verses of Quran (ii) Established proven Sunnah (iii) Just Obligations (Fraiz Adlah)[20], the rest is extra. Hadith does not stand anywhere, it’s an extra knowledge.
Truthfulness, Honesty & Good Memory of Narrator’s
O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth,(Quran;49:6)[92]
The authenticity of contents, memory and truthfulness of all the narrators in the chain is important, it’s not appropriate to accept narration from people of doubtful character.
Prophet (PBUH) said: “May Allah keep him enjoying and rejoicing who heard something from me, remembered it and kept it well in his mind and then narrated it to others.” [Reported by al-Imam ash-Shafi‘i in al-Musnad (p. 240) and ar-Risala (p. 401 # 1102); and at-Tabarani in al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir, vol. 2, p. 126 # 1541.][93]
More at: https://bit.ly/Hadith-Basics[94]
Al-Hakim reports through Thabit ibn Qays, that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said to his Companions: “You (the Sahaba) are listening and receiving from me and people (at-tabi‘un i.e. the Successors) will listen and receive from you. Then people (the atba‘ at-tabi‘un) will listen and receive from those (the Successors) who listened and received from you. Then people (the fourth generation) will listen and receive from those (the atba‘ at-tabi‘un) who were the audience and recipient of the Successors, who had listened and received from you. [Related by al-Hakim in Ma‘rifa ‘Ulum al-Hadith, p. 60.]
Background & Context of Hadiths: “Something Like Quran”
Unless the background & context of such an important Hadith is known, it would be unwise to jump to the conclusions in haste, which may be counterproductive. Following two Hadiths give insight to the background and context of Hadiths under discussion:
Narrated Al-Irbad ibn Sariyah as-Sulami (RA) : We encamped in Khyber with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The chief of Khyber was a rebellious and wicked man. He came to the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah and said:
Muhammad! (PBUH) Is it lawful for you to slaughter our donkeys, eat our fruits, and beat our women? The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah became angry and said to ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn’ Awf: ‘Abd al-Rahman! Ride on your horse and announce that Paradise is not lawful for anyone except the believer, and gather all the people for prayer, then all the people have gathered. The Holy Prophet led them in prayer and then stood up and said:
Does any one of you, leaning on his chair, think that there is nothing forbidden (haraam) except what Allah has forbidden in this Qur’an? Beware! Listen, I have advised you of some things, commanded some things and forbade some things, those things are just as (important and necessary) as the things mentioned in the Qur’an or more , Allah has not allowed you to enter the houses of the People of the Book without permission, nor to kill their women nor to eat of their fruits unless they give you those things. Be what you have on them (i.e. Jizya, poll tax). [95]
This background clarifies that these were the normal orders and commands by Prophet (PBUH) being a political leader and military commander, to his people, to ensure the safety and security of conquered population from plundering (normal war practice of that era), granting them the human rights, safety and security as subject who had agreed to pay the poll tax (Jazyah). Quran gives the principles and guidelines on all matters but other minor details are given by the Prophet (PBUH) as a ruler, military commander and Prophet (PBUH). There is nothing to cancel or override the Quran as advocated by some.
Narrated Uqba bin Amir (RA)
We said to the Prophet, “You send us out and it happens that we have to stay with such people as do not entertain us. What do you think about it? He said to us, “If you stay with some people and they entertain you as they should for a guest, accept their hospitality, but If they don’t, take the right of the guest from them.” [96]
When the Prophet made peace with the disbelievers, it was also agreed that if Muslims come to your country, their banquet (food) is obligatory. This does not mean that the traveler compels the Muslims to be hospitable, it is another thing that hospitality and banquets are recommended.[97] This practice is not more in practice but hospitality is considered as recommended good practice.
Hence taking out of a group one isolated Ahaad Hadith with disputed authenticity and contents, without mentioning or considering the context and background to override the Quran, the book of Allah is illogical and absurd. It’s even against the Hadith verification criteria[98] found from Quran and sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) [99] some of the points already mentioned above but just to remind again:
When the Prophet made peace with the disbelievers, it was also agreed that if Muslims come to your country, their banquet (food) is obligatory. This does not mean that the traveler compels the Muslims to be hospitable, it is another thing that hospitality and banquets are recommended.[97] This practice is not more in practice but hospitality is considered as recommended good practice.
Hence taking out of a group one isolated Ahaad Hadith with disputed authenticity and contents, without mentioning or considering the context and background to override the Quran, the book of Allah is illogical and absurd. It’s even against the Hadith verification criteria[98] found from Quran and sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) [99] some of the points already mentioned above but just to remind again:
1. Nobody, not even Prophet can change Quran (Quran;10:15)[100]
2. Allah’s Words never change.(Quran:10:64)[101]
3. The Messenger conveyed all what was revealed of this Book from the Lord. There is nothing that could alter His words (Quran;18;27[102], 6:19)
4. In which Hadith[103] other than the Quran will they believe? (Quran;77:50)
5. Who disbelieved in Quran, are doomed (Quran;90:19)[104]
Attempt – Hadith to Override Quran
When one raises the question to the proponents of Jewish theory of “Duality of Revelation” [Who use Arabic words such as Wahi Jilli/ Matloo (Recited (Manifest) & “Wahi Khiffi (Ghair Matloo)” (Non Recited (Hidden)] that; Did the Prophet (PBUH) say that he had received revelations other than Quran? They say yes, and quickly quote this Hadith:
Narrated Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib
The Prophet (PBUH) said: Beware! I have been given the Quran and “something like it”, yet the time is coming when a man replete on his couch will say: Keep to the Quran; what you find in it to be permissible treat as permissible, and what you find in it to be prohibited treat as prohibited. Beware! The domestic ass, beasts of prey with fangs, find belonging to confederate, unless its owner does not want it, are not permissible to you If anyone comes to some people, they must entertain him, but if they do not, he has a right to mulct them to an amount equivalent to his entertainment.[Abu Dawud 4604 also see 4605][105],[106]
This Hadiths straightaway abrogate Quran verses on Hallal and Haraam, it has already been mentioned earlier that, but must be narrated again that: The Prophet (PBUH) found some people arguing about the Qur’an and said: “People before you also perished for this reason that they rejected some parts of book of Allah through other parts, in fact Book of Allah has been revealed that its parts confirm each other. Hence you should not deny some parts of the Qur’an with others., narrate what you understand from it, and leave what you do not know for those who know it. (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 237)[107],(Ibn Majah:85[108])
If one part of the Quran cannot abrogate another part, how can Hadith abrogate the Quran? This Hadith does not stand on merit, however it is being analyzed from its contents to seal the issue once for all.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “He has been given “something like the Qur’an”, here “something” does not necessarily means Hadith, it has been assumed or interpreted by Hadith enthusiasts at their own accord because it serves their purpose. However, with a deeper look, we find another Hadith in which the Prophet has been given (special) “Knowledge”, the Quran is also a book of Knowledge from Allah. Hence it is safe to deduce that, the “Something Like” Quran is the “Knowledge”, not Revelation or Book of Hadith, because Prophet (PBUH) had prohibited[109] to write any book except Quran[110]. The policy adhered to by the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs[111], Companions[112] followed it till they passed away and in 2nd Century Hijrah Hadith Book writing was started in disobedience.
Prophet (PBUH) was well aware of Hadith fabrication and distortion in the oral transmission of Hadiths, so Quran and Prophet (PBUH) have laid down the Hadith criteria[113].[114], the salient points mentioned above in Principles, from Quran and Hadiths are reminded again:
1. Abu Hurairah narrated, that Prophet (PBUH) said: “You receive some conflicting Hadiths about me. Whatever is in agreement with the Book of Allah and my Sunnah will be from me, and those in contradiction with the Book and the Qur’an and my Sunnah will not be from me.” [Science of Narrations by Al-Khateeb al-Baghdadi, Hadith: 1303][115]
2. Hadith cannot Cancel/ Abrogate Quran verses, but Quran can abrogate Hadith. (Quran, 10:15[116], 18:27[117])[118], (Mishkat Hadith:189)
3. It was narrated that Salman Al-Fârisi said: “The Messenger of Allah was asked about ghee, cheese and wild donkeys. He said: ‘What is lawful is that which Allah has permitted, in His Book and what is unlawful is that which Allah has forbidden in His Book. What He remained silent about is what is pardoned.” (ibn-Maja 3367)[119],[120]
4. Hadith must be acceptable intellectually[121]
5. The chain of transmission of a hadith may be weak, but its conformity with the Qur’an removes its weakness. If other traditions are stronger in narrations, but the inconsistency in statements with the Qur’an weaken them[122].
Analysis
It has already been established that “something like Quran” was the “Knowledge” given to the Prophet (PBUH), the fact deliberately ignored by Muslim scholars for fulfillment of their desire to declare Hadiths as a kind of revelation (Wahi Khiffi/ non recited), so that Hadith books writing could be justified like Quran, the real revelation. Hence control the Quran through Hadiths (which are ) They also ignored the command of Prophet (PBUH), four Caliphs & Companions as if they were not all aware of this type of Wahi and then the Scholars of 2/3rd century became more knowledgeable than the Prophet (PBUH), four Caliphs and Companions. (Astaghfir Allah). Though it is sufficient to nullify their argument, however just for academic discussion the Hadiths on the subject are analyzed to further confirm the fallacy of Bidah[123] (innovation).
In a search for Hadiths containing the phrase: “Prophet was given something like Quran ”, or phrase with similar contents, twelve (12) Hadiths were found in a search. In eight (8) Hadiths this phrase (Prophet was given something like Quran) is missing while other contents are almost similar about Halal and Haraam food etc. [ Important Link/ references[124]،[125] ]
Narrator, “Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib Al Kindi”
Five (5) Hadiths are found in different books, narrated by “Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib Al-khilafah Kind”i [126] ( it excludes his one Hadiths repeated/ duplicated see #10) then out of five (5) in two (2) Hadiths he is quoting the phrase that, the Prophet (PBUH) ; “ has been given something like the Quran”. While in other three (3) Hadiths by him don’t include the phrase “He has been given something like the Quran” (strike through to avoid any confusion). Three Hadiths by the same narrator “Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib” are in fact two (2) because one Hadith is repeated/ duplicated in Mishkat.The Hadith withsimilar contents by same narrator can be counted as one Hadith quoted in different books. Even if one Hadith by the same narrator is quoted or written in 100 books it will not make 100 Hadiths but One only. (we leave it as such because we are not doing it here)
There are 8 other Hadiths [numbered as #4 to #11 below] on the same subject, but without “He has been given Something like the Quran”. This includes 3 Hadiths [#4,5,6] by the same narrator Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib without the phrase“ He has been given Something like the Quran”. as already mentioned in preceding para. Similar 5 Hadiths [#7,8,9,10,11] by other narrators. This makes the number of Hadiths without the phrase: “He has been given Something like the Quran”. as eight (8), the variety of different five narrators (5) add to its credibility on a comparative basis.
Hence taking such an isolated Hadith with disputed authenticity and contents to override Quran, the book of Allah is illogical and absurd, even against the Hadith verification criteria[127] found through Quran & sayings of the Prophet (PBUH)[128].
Let’s now consider each Hadith one by one:
“Quran and something like it” 2 Hadiths
Hadith#1 : Abu Dawud 4604
Narrated Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib: The Prophet (PBUH) said: Beware! I have been given the Quran and something like it, yet the time is coming when a man replete on his couch will say: Keep to the Quran; what you find in it to be permissible treat as permissible, and what you find in it to be prohibited treat as prohibited. Beware! The domestic ass, beasts of prey with fangs, a find belonging to confederate (joined by an agreement or treaty), unless its owner does not want it, are not permissible to you If anyone comes to some people, they must entertain him, but if they do not, he has a right to mulct (extract money by fine or taxation) them to an amount equivalent to his entertainment.[ Abu Dawud 4604][129],[130], Repeated contents in Hadith#11 Mishkat Al Masabih 160]
According to scholars[131], the guest entertainment money has been abrogated, but how? What is the authority? If one part of Hadith has been abrogated, what about other contents, while they also conflict with the Quran?
Hadith#2 Masnad Ahmad 16548
Hadiths by Hazrat Muqaddam bin Mu’adikrab It is narrated on the authority of Muqaddam bin Mu’adikrab that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Remember! I have been given the Holy Quran and something else with it, O’ remember! Soon there will come a man who will sit on his throne and say that you should make the Holy Qur’an obligatory upon you, only what you find lawful in it, consider it lawful and what you find unlawful, consider it unlawful, remember! It is not lawful for you to eat the flesh of donkeys or any beast of prey, nor is it lawful for anything that has fallen on the property of a Dhimmi (protected minority under covenant), except that its owner does not need it, and whoever becomes a guest in a nation, He should be treated with hospitality, if they do not host him then they are allowed to do the same for him.
There is variation in hospitality of guests, instead of claiming cost of food, similar treatment is suggested , tit for tat.
1. Serving food to the guests is a very good deed in Islamic society. If the host does not entertain the guest then claiming money for lack of hospitality was practiced in the beginning of Islam but later it was not observed according to scholars[132]. The other opinion based on narration is that, it was part of peace covenant with some tribes to entertain the visiting Muslim guests, and this phrase is related with that (Allah knows the best)
2. Wild donkey is Halal, the domestic ass was made Haram, to save the Dhimmi’s loss in pillage after the fall of Khyber.[133] According to another story there was an increasing tendency among the people to slaughter domestic donkeys, which could create shortage of this animal, the cheap and popular source of transportation, hence it was forbidden (Allah knows the best).
3. The prohibitions seem to be as guests no longer get mulct from the host to an amount equivalent to his entertainment. (Allah knows the best)
1. This Hadith supersedes the Quran, which is against Quran and many other Hadiths. So either this Hadith was temporary, for that particular situation (Khyber) period or incorrectly recorded, the Prophet (PBUH) would not have said like this to contradict Quran.
2. The Quran cannot be wrong in its claim to be a Perfect, Complete and Protected book of guidance
3. This Hadith does not even meet the criteria through Quran & the Prophet (PBUH) for Hadith verification[134]. It is superfluous as shall be seen later.
There is not even a mention of the word “Hadith” in the original Arabic text, this is an addition in translation. How can such a doubtful single (ahaad) narration from one person with many varying contents can be used to override the Quran? It’s not Mutawatir Hadiths, does not fulfill the Hadith accuracy criteria set by Prophet (PBUH), that Hadith must be according to Quran, Sunnah and Intellect.
It has been narrated that if a person goes to a guest’s house, the host must be hospitable to him, if not, it is permissible for the host to receive hospitality payment from the host. The scholars have interpreted that it was justified in such a way that the guest was in such a predicament that if he did not take anything from the host, he was in danger of being killed. Or it will be said that the rule of justification was in the beginning of Islam but is now abrogated. How abrogated? In just one single Hadith there are three variations and an abrogation by scholars. This proves the low credibility level of this narration. Another Hadith by Salman Farsi negates this Hadiths, which says that Halal and Haraam is only what is given in the Quran. (Ibn Majah: 3367 also see 7356]
Variations in Hadiths by Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib Al Kindi
Following three (3) Hadiths [#3,4,5] by the same narrator Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib Al Kindi[135] are significant, they do not mention that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “He has been given Something like the Quran”
Hadiths by the same narrator quoted in different books do not add to the numbers, it remains One (1) Hadiths and should be counted as such. Hence we can say that it’s one Hadith.
So One narration by Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib Al Kindi includes phrase attributed to the Prophet (PBUH) : “He has been given Something like the Quran”. other Hadiths do not include: “He has been given Something like the Quran”
Both (all) cancel each other, anyone can use any Hadith supporting his conviction or point of view, this is cause of confusion.
Hadith#3: Tirmidhi:2664,
Does not have ” Something like Quran” Muqaddam ibn Mu’adikrab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah said: Beware! It is almost as if a man is reclining on his throne, adorned, and he says: There is only the Book of Allah between us and you. Whatever we find Halal (permissible) in it, we will consider it Halal, and whatever we find Haraam (forbidden) in it, we will consider it Haraam, remember! Undoubtedly, what the Prophet (PBUH) has declared Haraam is as Haraam as what Allah has forbidden. [Tirmidhi Hadith No. 2664]
Hadith#4 Ibn Majah:12
Sayyidina “Miqdam ibn Mad ikarib” (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Know that a man will receive a hadith from me while he is reclining on his couch and he will say, “Between us and you is Allah’s Book. What we find in it to be permissible, we will regard it as permissible and what we find in it to be disallowed, we will regard it to be disallowed, and that which Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) disallowed is like which Allah has disallowed.” [Ibn Majah:12, (Saheeh, Albani) Ahmed 1719, Tirmidhi: 2664[136], (Hasan, Ghareeb/Saheeh & Daeef Albani)]
Hadith#5: Sunan Ibn Majah 12: Does not have “Something like Quran”
It was narrated from Miqdam bin Ma’dikarib Al-Kindi that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Soon there will come a time that a man will be reclining on his pillow, and when one of my Ahadith is narrated, he will say: ‘The Book of Allah is (sufficient) between us and you. Whatever it states is permissible, we will take as permissible; and whatever it states is forbidden, we will take as forbidden.’ Verily, whatever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has forbidden is like that which Allah has forbidden.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 12][137]
Other Narrators:
Hadith# 6 Sunan Ibn Majah 13: Does not have “Something like Quran”
It was narrated from ‘Ubaidullâh bin Abu Râfi’ from his father, that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “I do not want to find anyone of you reclining on his pillow, and when news comes to him of something that I have commanded or forbidden, he says, ‘I do not know, whatever we find in the Book of Allah, we will follow.” (Sahih) [Sunan Ibn Majah 13][138]
Hadith# 7 Abu Dawud 4605
Narrated Abu Rafi (RA) : The Prophet (PBUH) said: Let me not find one of you reclining on his couch when he hears something regarding me which I have commanded or forbidden and saying: We do not know. What we found in Allah’s Book we have followed.( Abu Dawud 4605)[139]
Hadith#/ 8 Sunan Ibn Majah 21: Does not have “Something like Quran”
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“I do not want to hear any one of you who, upon hearing a Hadith narrated from me, says while reclining on his pillow: ‘Recite Qur’ân (to verify this Hadith).’ (Here the Prophet (PBUH) said:) Any excellent word that is said, it is I who have said it.” [How then can you reject what I have said? (Da’if) [Sunan Ibn Majah 21][140]
Hadith# 9 : Abu Dawud 4605
Narrated Abu Rafay; The Prophet (PBUH) said: Let me not find one of you reclining on his couch when he hears something regarding me which I have commanded or forbidden and saying: We do not know. What we found in Allah’s Book we have followed.(Abu Dawood;4605)[141]
This Hadith does not contain the phrase: I have been given the quran and something like it”
Hadith# 10 Abu Dawud 3050
Narrated Al-Irbad ibn Sariyah as-Sulami (RA) We encamped in Khyber with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The chief of Khyber was a rebellious and wicked man. He came to the Messenger of Allah and said: Muhammad! Is it lawful for you to slaughter our donkeys, eat our fruits, and beat our women?
The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah became angry and said to ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn’ Awf: ‘Abd al-Rahman! Ride on your horse and announce that:
Paradise is not lawful for anyone except the believer, and gather all the people for prayer, then all the people have gathered. The Holy Prophet led them in prayer and then stood up and said:
Does any one of you, leaning on his chair, think that there is nothing haraam except what Allah has forbidden in this Qur’an? Beware! Listen, I have advised you of some things, commanded some things and forbade some things, those things are just as (important and necessary) as the things mentioned in the Qur’an or more, Allah has not allowed you to enter the houses of the People of the Book without permission, nor to kill their women nor to eat of their fruits unless they give you those things. Be what you have on them (i.e. izya). [Abu Dawud 3050,][142]
This Hadith appears to be more logical, giving the background and context. It gives a general statement on day to day work. It is closer to the Hadith verification criteria[143] and may not be in conflict with the Quran on routine instructions and exemptions.
Hadith # 11- Repeated Mishkat Al Masabih 160
And Hazrat Muqaddam bin Mu’adikrab (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Beware! I have been given the Qur’an and with it, something like it, beware, (Repeated, its same as Hadith#1 : Abi Dawud 4604 in “Mishkat Al Masabih 160[144]”, which is the collection from different Hadith books)
Hadith#12 Repeated #6,7,8- Muarif Hadith: 1895
Narrated Abu Rafi (RA) : The Prophet (PBUH) said: Let me not find one of you reclining on his couch when he hears something regarding me which I have commanded or forbidden and saying: We do not know. What we found in Allah’s Book we have followed[145]
Hadith# 13 Repeated Mishkat Al Masabih 161
And it is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Arabad bin Saria that the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah stood up (for the sermon) and said, Have been, beware! By Allah! One of you may be sitting on his couch with a pillow thinking that Allah has only forbidden what is mentioned in the Quran, Beware! By Allah! Surely I have commanded, I have advised, and I have forbidden a few things which are like the Qur’an, but they are more. Surely Allah has not made it lawful for you to enter the houses of the People of the Book without permission. And it is not lawful for you to kill them, nor is it lawful for you to eat of their fruits when they have fulfilled their duty. (Abu Dawud) and in his chain of transmission is Ash’ath ibn Shu’bah al-Masisi who is mentioned is he trustworthy or not? [Mishkat Ul Masabeeh 161]
Deductions
1. There are a total thirteen(13) Hadiths found on this subject [given above][146]،[147]
2. Hadith #11,12,13 are repeated/ duplicated from primary/main Hadith books, hence excluded, the balance left is 10 Hadiths.
3. Out of 10 , Two (2) Hadiths#1&2 by Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib have the phrase “He has been given something like the Quran”, while other 3 Hadith#3,4,5 narrated by him, do not have this phrase “He has been given something like the Quran” Making narrations by the same narrator questionable/ dubious.
4. Same narrator Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib the result [3-2=1]. More Hadiths by this narrator do not have phrase “He has been given something like the Quran” [148] but these Hadiths are not mentioned or quoted? Though they stand higher in Hadith Verification Principle compared to his first 2 Hadiths.
5. Out of 10 Hadiths, 2 have the phrase: “He has been given something like the Quran” but 8 Hadiths do not have a Phrase “He has been given something like the Quran” Hence the result;[ 10-2=8]. Eight (8) Hadiths do not mention: “He has been given something like the Quran”
6. However, instead of majority (8) Hadiths, minority (2) Hadiths are popular, frequently quoted because they serve the plans to undermine & control Quran, rendering it ineffective, like Jews did with Torah through Talmud. This is Judaization of Islam. It has been narrated that:[149]
“And the Messenger will say, “O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who had disabled and made this Qur’an of no account (MAHJUR).”(Quran:25:30)[150] (MAHJUR = They had immobilized it like villagers who bind a cow by tying her front foot to her horn)
7. It is against the Hadith verification criteria[151] found from Quran and the Prophet (PBUH) that; Hadith should not be against Quran, Sunnah and intellect. The Ahaad (single) narration by Al-Miqdam ibn Madikarib’s narration are not Mutawatir Hadith, even his other narrations do not have the important phrase, “He has been given something like the Quran” nullifying his narration.
8. Quran, Sunnah & Hadith forbids abrogation of verses of Quran, hence the Hadiths under discussion does not qualify to be accepted as valid.
9. The interpretation: “Something like the Quran” is a reference to “Sunnah” is also erroneous. The Quran is the book, Sunnah is practice, hence Sunnah is not a book or like a book. How “Something like” a book is applied to something which is different from a book? (“chalk and cheese” both are white but not similar).
10. Prophet (PBUH) was given “Knowledge” but he did not want his sayings (qol) to be written as a book, same was practiced by four Caliphs and Companions (Sahaba), till all died at the end of a century. Hence not justification to write books of Hadiths.
11. The terminology of Hadith Khuffi/ Ghair Matloo (non recited revelations) is a much later 2nd/ 3rd century invention, Bida[152] (under the influence of Israeliyat (Judaization of Islam). To justify this Bida to undermine the Quran such efforts can only be misleading as evident from the above discussion.
12. The Prophet (PBUH) had prohibited writing anything except the Quran, so no other book existed like the Quran in 1st century. Writing of private notes of Hadiths was allowed to some companions with weak memory, their notebooks (sahifah) were incomplete, mostly deleted after memorization but some kept them as a souvenir. Sahifah other than Quran could cause; Strife (fitna), Misguidance (ḍalāla), and Innovation (bidʿa) by Abdullah bin Masood, the companions and among top four scholars of early Islam.[153]
13. The character of the Prophet (PBUH) was the Quran[154], how can he himself negate or undermine the Quran for something which he himself forbade to make a book? There are so many Hadiths mentioned earlier giving top priority to the Quran, and moreover the Quran itself emphasizes sticking to the Quran.
14. Hence it is illogical and absurd to use such a doubtful narration as a justification to equate Hadith books with Quran, even override Commands in Quran, knowing well that making Hadith books were banned[155] by the Prophet (PBUH) [156] and Rightly Guided Caliphs[157], their Sunnah followed by companions and followers for a long time. Prophet (PBUH) advocated memorization of Hadiths.
15. Judaization of Islam ,which was strictly prohibited by Prophet (PBUH) lead to misguidance.
Conclusion
This effort was not at all required if guidance by the Quran, the Prophet (PBUH), Four Caliphs, Companions (Sahaba) was respected and adhered to by Islamic Scholars of later times. The deviation has tried to undermine the Quran and the right way. A simple and easy Deen Islam has been made complex like Judaism by Muslims scholars of 2nd century and later in their quest to probe in every hook and corner to prove that Islam is more complex & superior to Judaism & Christianity. The other possibility that the Jewish and Christian scholars who accepted Islam brought their traditions along with them and infused them to Islamic traditions advertently or inadvertently. However whatever the reason this was unwarranted because Islam came to reform the real Islam (followed by earlier communities), the deen of Allah from Adam till eternity was, corrupted by Jews and Christians hence Allah sent the Last Messenger and the Last Book (Quran):
Allah named you “Muslims” before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. (Quran;22:78)[158]
The only religion in the sight of Allah is ISLAM (surrender, submission), all the people of old, who accepted the religion of God were MUSLIM (surrendered to God). All the revealed religions were on ISLAM (obedience, submission to God), differed in the law. In the terminology of Quran Muslim (plural; Muslimeen) means total submission and surrender to the commandment of God in pure monotheism. This is the reason that Quran introduces Abraham (Pbuh) as a MUSLIM, who had bowed to the will of God:
Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah[159]]. And he was not of the polytheists. (Quran;3:67)
Accordingly all the followers of revealed religions like Judaism and Christianity were Muslim till their denial of Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) , the last Prophet of God for humanity. The present books of Bible despite many changes, still contain commandments to be Muslims (surrender to the will of God):
1. “Submit yourselves, then, to God (Muslim) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”[James 4:7]
2. “I delight to do Your will (Muslim), O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” [Psalm 40:8].
3. “Praise the LORD! Happy is the person who honors the LORD, who takes pleasure in obeying his commands (Muslims).”[Psalm 112:1]
4. Islam (“Surrender and obedience to the Will of God”) in Bible: Psalms:148:8,103:20, Jeremiah 31:33, 1 John 2:1-29، 2:17، Matthew 12:50، 26:42، 6:10، John 5:30، 4:34 ، Acts 21:14، Romans 12:2، Hebrews 10:7.
There are many groups and sects within Muslims who keep on criticizing each other for practicing Bida[160] (new practices, deviations) in minor (froo) religious practices. While the Ulema (Religious Scholars/ elite) have introduced fundamental new things like Recited (Manifest) & Non Recited (Hidden) Revelations [Wahi Jili (Matloo) & Wahi Khafi (Ghair Matloo)]. These additional concepts confront and undermine the Quran like Jews have undermined Torah with Talmud.
They should know, what Jesus Christ (A.S) said to Jewish religious elite (Scribes and Pharisees). They were supposed to know God and help others to know God and follow His ways. Instead, the Jewish religious leaders made additions to God’s book (Torah), making it a cumbersome and onerous burden. And they did not follow God with a pure heart. Their religion was not true worship of God; rather, it was rooted in a prideful heart. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount[161] emphasizes the true intent of the Law (Torah) over the letter of the Law. The scribes and Pharisees emphasized the letter, completely missing its spirit.
Jesus Christ (pbuh) said:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees (religious elite), you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. [Bible, Gospel Matthew 23:24-29][162]
Any effort to follow the Jews and Christian doctrines and practices is negation of Islamic spirit. Now Quran is the only perfect Revelation of Allah, which is not secret or hidden, its open and well known, recorded, preserved, memorized and written from the very first day till Prophet (PBUH) left this world.
Quran being the supreme source of guidance, need not be restricted, tied or chained with Hadiths or anything else, only then humanity can fully benefit from the word of God. Any mixture with human work even on the name of holy Prophet (PBUH) is nothing but an effort to undermine Quran as mentioned by Quran:
“And the Messenger will say, “O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who had disabled and made this Qur’an of no account (Mahjur[163] ).”(Quran:25:30)
Concluded.
References: https://bit.ly/Revelations-Wahi
[92] https://quran.wwpa.com/page/verse-49-6
[93] https://www.minhajuk.org/index.php/about-us/187-the-founder-shaykh-ul-islam/394
[94] علم الحديث کے سنہری اصول : https://bit.ly/Hadith-Basics
[95] https://sunnah.com/abudawud/20/123, [Abu Dawud 3050]
[96] (Al-Bukhari:2461), http://www.equranlibrary.com/hadith/bukhari/1737/2461,
[97] https://isubqo.com/hadith/ur/sunan-abu-dawood/book/27/10, https://forum.mohaddis.com/threads/38661[98]https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yg6vkVo6rkae5rbmpLXzIYbN2I1o_KyBNCb3AuM-4iU/edit#heading=h.q2pdkr3l3vca
[99] . علم الحديث کے سنہری اصول : https://bit.ly/Hadith-Basics
[100] https://quran.wwpa.com/page/verse-10-15
[101] https://quran.wwpa.com/page/verse-10-64
[102] https://quran.wwpa.com/page/verse-18-27
[103] https://wp.me/scyQCZ-hadithq
[104] https://quran.wwpa.com/page/verse-90-19
[105] تخریج دارالدعوہ تفرد بہ أبو داود، (تحفة الأشراف: ١١٥٧٠)، وقد أخرجہ: سنن الترمذی/العلم ١٠ (٢٦٦٤)، سنن ابن ماجہ/المقدمة ٢ (١٢)، مسند احمد (٤/١٣٠) (صحیح )
[106] http://www.equranlibrary.com/hadith/abudawood/1620/4604, USC-MSA web (English) Reference: Book 41 , Number 4587] http://qaalarasulallah.com/hadithView.php?ID=2460,
[107] (مشکوٰۃ المصابیح، حدیث نمبر: 237)، (رواہ احمد (۲/ ۱۸۵ ح ۶۷۴۱۹) و ابن ماجہ (۸۵)۔
[108] http://www.equranlibrary.com/hadith/ibnemajah/1621/85
[109] https://wp.me/scyQCZ-forbid
[110] Hadith Writing Ban: https://bit.ly/3uQJrcq
[111] https://wp.me/pcyQCZ-4t
[112] https://wp.me/scyQCZ-ban06
[113] . علم الحديث کے سنہری اصول : https://bit.ly/Hadith-Basics
[115] [الرئيسية الكفاية في علم الرواية للخطيب البغدادي الكفاية في علم الرواية للخطيب البغدادي باب الكلام في أحكام الأداء وشرائطه، حديث رقم 1303]
[(١)سنن الدارقطني: كِتَابٌ فِي الأَقْضِيَةِ وَالأَحْكَامِ وَغَيْرِ ذَلِكَ، كتاب عمر رضي الله عنه إلى أبي موسى الأشعري،٣٩٢٦(٤٤٢٧)؛#الكفاية في علم الرواية للخطيب:التَّوَثُّقُ فِي اسْتِفْتَاءِ الْجَمَاعَةِ، ٣١١(٥٠٠٤)؛#ذم الكلام وأهله لعبد الله الأنصاري:الْبَابُ التَّاسِعُ، بَابٌ : ذِكْرُ إِعْلَامِ الْمُصْطَفَى صَلَّى اللَّهُ …٥٨٩(٦٠٦)؛#الأباطيل والمناكير والمشاهير للجورقاني: كِتَابُ الْفِتَنِ، بَابُ : الرُّجُوعِ إِلَى الْكِتَابِ وَالسُّنَّةِ٢٧٧(٢٩٠)]
[116] https://trueorators.com/quran-tafseer/10/15
[117] https://trueorators.com/quran-tafseer/18/27
[118] https://quran1book.blogspot.com/2021/11/Fundamental-Hadiths.html
[119] (ibn-Maja 3367) http://www.equranlibrary.com/hadith/ibnemajah/1956/3367
[120] تخریج دارالدعوہ: سنن الترمذی/اللباس ٦ (١٧٢٦)، (تحفة الأشراف: ٤٤٩٦) (حسن) (شاہد کی بناء پر یہ حدیث حسن ہے، تراجع الألبانی: رقم٤٢٨)
[121] [Masnad Ahmed: 22505]
[122] http://www.equranlibrary.com/tafseer/tafheemulquran/22/1
[123] https://wp.me/scyQCZ-bidah
[124] https://bit.ly/WahiGhairMatlo, http://salaamone.com/wahi-matlu-ghairmatlu-hadith/
[125] http://salaamforum.blogspot.com/2016/11/hadith-writing.htm
[126] [الْمِقْدَامِ بْنِ مَعْدِي كَرِبَ الْكِنْدِيِّ ]
[128] . علم الحديث کے سنہری اصول : https://bit.ly/Hadith-Basics
[129] تخریج دارالدعوہ: تفرد بہ أبو داود، (تحفة الأشراف: ١١٥٧٠)، وقد أخرجہ: سنن الترمذی/العلم ١٠ (٢٦٦٤)، سنن ابن ماجہ/المقدمة ٢ (١٢)، مسند احمد (٤/١٣٠) (صحیح ) USC-MSA web (English) Reference: Book 41 , Number 4587
[130] http://qaalarasulallah.com/hadithView.php?ID=2460
[131] http://www.equranlibrary.com/hadith/mishkaat/1908/160
[132] http://www.equranlibrary.com/hadith/mishkaat/1908/160
[133] https://sunnah.com/abudawud/20/123, [Abu Dawud 3050]
[134] علم الحديث کے سنہری اصول : https://bit.ly/Hadith-Basics, https://wp.me/scyQCZ-criteria
[135] [ الْمِقْدَامِ بْنِ مَعْدِي كَرِبَ الْكِنْدِيِّ ]
[136] https://islamicurdubooks.com/hadith/hadith-.php?hadith_number=2664&bookid=6&tarqeem=1
[137] تخریج الحدیث: «سنن الترمذی/العلم 10 (2664)، (تحفة الأشراف: 11553)، وقد أخرجہ: سنن ابی داود/السنة 6 (4604)، مسند احمد (4/132)، سنن الدارمی/المقدمة 49، (606) (صحیح)»
[138] تخریج الحدیث: «سنن ابی داود/السنة 6 (4605)، سنن الترمذی/العلم 10 (2663)، (تحفة الأشراف: 12019)، وقد أخرجہ: مسند احمد (3/367) (صحیح)» https://islamicurdubooks.com/hadith/hadith-.php?tarqeem=1&bookid=4&hadith_number=13
[139] تخریج الحدیث: «سنن الترمذی/العلم 10 (2661)، سنن ابن ماجہ/المقدمة 2 (13)، (تحفة الأشراف: 12019)، وقد أخرجہ: مسند احمد (6/8) (صحیح)» https://islamicurdubooks.com/hadith/hadith-.php?tarqeem=1&bookid=3&hadith_number=4605
[140] تخریج الحدیث: «تفرد بہ ابن ماجہ، (تحفة الأشراف: 14336) (ضعیف جدًا) (سند میں عبد اللہ بن سعید المقبری متروک روای ہیں)»
[141] https://sunnah.com/abudawud:4605
[142] https://sunnah.com/abudawud/20/123, تخریج دارالدعوہ: تفرد بہ أبو داود، (تحفة الأشراف: ٩٨٨٦) (ضعیف) (اس کے راوی اشعث لین الحدیث ہیں )
[143] علم الحديث کے سنہری اصول : https://bit.ly/Hadith-Basics , https://wp.me/scyQCZ-criteri
[144] http://www.equranlibrary.com/hadith/mishkaat/1908/160
[145] معارف الحدیث, حدیث نمبر: 1895, (مسنداحمد سنن ابی داود جامع ترمذی سنن ابن ماجہ دلائل النبوہ بیہقی)
[146] http://salaamone.com/wahi-matlu-ghairmatlu-hadith/
[147] http://salaamforum.blogspot.com/2016/11/hadith-writing.html
[148] https://wp.me/pcyQCZ-3W
[149] https://quran1book.blogspot.com/2021/09/Quran-Neglected.html
[150] Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Translation: https://www.islamawakened.com/quran/25/30/default.htm
[152] https://wp.me/scyQCZ-bidah
[153] https://quran1book.wordpress.com/2020/11/19/hadiths-on-hadith/
[154] https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2012/08/11/prophet-character-quran/
[155] https://quran1book.wordpress.com/2021/06/04/prohibition-of-hadith-writing/
[156] https://quran1book.wordpress.com/2020/11/19/hadiths-on-hadith/
[157] https://quran1book.wordpress.com/2020/11/19/rightly-guided-caliphs-and-hadith/
[158] https://salaamone.com/muslim1/
[159] https://salaamone.com/muslim1/
[160]https://wp.me/scyQCZ-bidah
[161] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sermon_on_the_Mount
[162] https://biblehub.com/matthew/23-24.htm
[163] https://www.islamawakened.com/quran/25/30/default.htm, (MAHJUR = They had immobilized it like villagers who bind a cow by tying her front foot to her horn). Also means: discarded, abandoned, ineffective, ridicule, forsaken, neglected.
