Hadith (actions, sayings & approvals of the prophet Muhammad SAW)
Purpose of study
Hadith are records of the traditions or sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), revered, and acknowledged as a major source of Islamic law and moral guidance, second only to the authority of the Qurʾan. Hadith literature documents the life history of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), provides the historical context of Qur’anic revelations, describes the Prophet (SAW)’s perfect exemplar and imparts the explanations of religious sources (Qur’an, Sunnah, dictates of sense & reason etc.). Hence, the study of Ḥadith complements Tafseer (translation/explanation of the Qur’an) and also serves as a source of guidance for our students in their daily lives whereby they are encouraged to learn more about the Prophet (SAW) and emulate his actions, character and noble lifestyle.
Aims
We aim to ensure that, within Hadith lessons, all students:
- develop a close spiritual connection to Prophet Muhammad (S) and make him a role model
- learn & understand the hadith’s meanings, prophecies, advices & prohibitions
- appreciate hadith as the exegesis of the Qur’an
- recognise the importance of authenticity by developing an awareness of how ḥadith were preserved, classified, and transmitted
- explore and the various Islamic morals found in the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
- appreciate the role of the Sunnah as a living example of the Qur’an, embodying the verse: “Indeed, you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example” (al-Aḥzāb 33:21).
- develop the habit of applying hadith teachings in daily life, linking knowledge to practice.
- understand & reflect on the benefits of Islamic morals in individual lives as well as society at large
- view and understand hadith in the correct context thereby avoiding the dangers of developing extremist ideologies
- value the efforts & sacrifices of the Prophet (SAW)’s companions in preserving hadith
- inspect Islamic morals (from hadith) in comparison to value systems of other cultures
