Free Hadith Methodology: Summary Essay Example

In the book on the Studies in Hadith Methodology and Literature, the first chapter is where the meaning and concept of hadith is described. The hadith is explained to be a type of religious and historical message that is taught by the Prophet Muhammad. The simplest way to translate what the meaning of the Arabic word hadith; it is a message that was delivered by or about the Prophet. The hadith is meant to teach Muslims how to live according to the laws of Islam.
Another important word that is heavily described is Sunna. The Sunna, which is also often mentioned in conjunction with hadith, is the actual rule of method of how to live life. The words hadith and Sunna are often mixed up by individuals, which is why the distinction is made. One must think of Sunna as a rule and hadith as a message of the rule. These Sunna and hadith are been delivered through verbal, written, and the daily practice of life. A very important rule of Islam is to convey the message of the Prophet and the Quran for those who could not be present to hear it. That is why the deliverance of the Sunna and Hadith is an important aspect to understand in the study of Islam. Memorization of the hadith to embrace the Sunna in life is a method that followers may pursue. The goal is to absorb the teachings in a manner that one’s life is in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad. The ability to recite it to another is an admirable and honored trait to have as a dedicated Muslim.
The second half of the reading focuses on the importance in the truthfulness in deliverance of the Prophet’s hadith. Any falsifications of the hadith are considered punishable by Islamic law. The purity in the message of the Quran is of crucial significance for Muslims, and therefore criticism that is made in order to correct and incorrect translation of hadith is encouraged. Even if that criticism is aimed toward one’s mother, father, brother, or any other important member in the family or society. It is better to correct the people rather than move forward letting another individual spread the incorrect message.
One of the important methods of ensuring that the scholars who learned the hadith understood it properly was to travel and compare their knowledge of the hadith with other scholars. The purpose was for a proper critique to ensure that the Sunna of the Prophet was not changing in the meaning as the teaching of the message spread. The numerous scholars who studied the hadith were mindful to discuss their knowledge with fellow scholars, as to make sure that if an interpretation differs from the majority of the understanding, then they had to correct the scholar who has misunderstood the meaning.
When thinking about how the Quran has been kept as close to the original message of Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, the work and dedication of the companions and scholars to keep the purity through thorough criticism is evident. One has to appreciate the integrity and work that is put in delivering the hadith to keep the Sunna of the Prophet and his teachings in their original form.

Works Cited

Aʻẓamī, Muḥammad Muṣṭafá, and Mustafa A'zami. Studies in Hadīth Methodology and
Literature. The Other Press, 1977.