Hadees also spelled Hadith, are the sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) that have been preserved and transmitted by his companions and followers. Hadees are considered to be the second source of Islamic law and guidance, after the Quran. Hadees are classified into different categories based on their authenticity, reliability, and chain of narrators. The most authentic collections of Hadees are known as Sahih, which means sound or correct. The two most famous Sahih collections are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, which contain about 7500 and 9200 Hadees respectively1.
Hadees covers various aspects of Islamic belief, practice, ethics, and history. They provide details and explanations for the Quranic verses, as well as insights into the life and character of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and his companions. Hadees also serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and wisdom for Muslims in their daily lives. Some examples of Hadees are:
“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 73, Hadith 56)
“None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children, and all mankind.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 14)
“The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to the people.” (Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat, Hadith 6192)
“Whoever does not thank the people has not thanked Allah.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 40, Hadith 4811)
“The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 73, Hadith 135)
Hadees are not only a source of knowledge, but also a means of connecting with Allah and His Messenger. By studying and following Hadees, Muslims can increase their faith, love, and obedience to Allah and His Messenger. Hadees also helps Muslims to understand the Quran better and to apply its teachings in their lives. Hadees are a blessing and a mercy from Allah to His servants.
The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation from God to the final prophet, Muhammad, through the archangel Gabriel. The Quran is composed of 114 chapters, called surahs, which consist of verses, called ayahs. The Quran is organized according to the length and theme of the surahs, not according to the chronological order of revelation. The Quran is considered to be the most authentic and authoritative source of Islamic law and guidance, as well as the finest work of Arabic literature. The Quran is recited, studied, and memorized by Muslims all over the world.
The Quran was revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years, starting from 610 CE, when he was 40 years old, until his death in 632 CE. Muhammad received the revelations through auditory and visionary experiences, sometimes in a state of trance or meditation, sometimes in his normal waking state. He would recite the revelations to his companions, who would memorize them or write them down on various materials, such as parchment, bones, leaves, or stones. Some of the companions also served as scribes for Muhammad, recording the revelations on his behalf.
After Muhammad’s death, his companions compiled the Quran into a single book, under the supervision of the first caliph, Abu Bakr. The second caliph, Umar, entrusted the Quran to his daughter Hafsa, who was one of Muhammad’s wives. The third caliph, Uthman, ordered a standard version of the Quran to be made from Hafsa’s copy and distributed to various regions of the Muslim world. He also ordered all other versions to be destroyed, to avoid any discrepancies or disputes. The Uthmanic codex is generally considered to be the archetype of the Quran known today.
The Quran covers various topics, such as theology, cosmology, eschatology, ethics, history, law, and stories of prophets and nations. The Quran also provides details and explanations for some of the verses of the previous scriptures, such as the Torah (Tawrat), the Psalms (Zabur), and the Gospel (Injil), which Muslims believe were also revealed by God to different prophets. The Quran also confirms some of the teachings and miracles of Jesus (Isa), whom Muslims regard as a prophet and a messenger of God. However, Muslims reject the doctrine of his divinity and crucifixion.
The Quran is regarded by Muslims as a miracle and a proof of Muhammad’s prophethood. The Quran challenges its opponents to produce a chapter or even a verse like it and claims that no one can do so. Muslims believe that the Quran is preserved and protected from any alteration or corruption by God Himself. Muslims also believe that the Quran contains many scientific facts and prophecies that were unknown at the time of its revelation.
The Quran is recited only in Arabic during prayers and rituals. However, it can be translated into other languages for understanding and learning purposes. There are many translations and interpretations (tafsir) of the Quran available in different languages. However, Muslims consider only the original Arabic text to be the true word of God.
The Quran is a book of guidance for humankind. It teaches Muslims how to worship God, how to live according to His will, how to deal with various situations and challenges in life, how to interact with others in justice and mercy, and how to attain peace and happiness in this world and in the hereafter. The Quran also invites people of other faiths to recognize and worship God as the only Creator and Sustainer of everything.
The Quran is a blessing and a mercy from God to His servants. By reading and listening to the Quran, Muslims can increase their faith, love, and obedience to God and His messenger. By studying and following the Quran, Muslims can understand the purpose of their existence and their role in this world. By memorizing and reciting the Quran, Muslims can earn great rewards from God in this life and in the next.
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