Hadith – JSS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

A Hadith is a report of what Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, did or approved.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what a Hadith is
2. state why Hadiths are important to Muslims
3. name the three types of Hadith
4. name two important Hadith collections
5. name the two parts of a Hadith
6. state how scholars check whether a Hadith is true

What is a Hadith?

A Hadith is a report about the words, actions and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

• What he said: his advice, teaching and explanations about Islam.
• What he did: how he prayed, worked and lived each day.
• How he behaved: how he treated family, neighbours and strangers.
• Lessons from his life: examples that guide Muslims today.
• Plural: the plural of Hadith is Ahadith, but many books simply write Hadiths.

How is a Hadith different from the Quran?

The Quran is the word of Allah, while a Hadith is a report of the Prophet’s own words, actions and approvals.

• The Quran: the holy book revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad.
• A Hadith: a report that explains and shows how to practise Islamic teaching.

Why are Hadiths important?

Hadiths are important because they show Muslims how to understand Islam and follow the Prophet’s example.

• Understand Islam: they explain teachings in clear, practical ways.
• Live a good life: they give advice on daily behaviour.
• Follow the Prophet: they show his example to copy.
• Know what Allah wants: they explain how to obey Allah.
• Become good people: they teach honesty, kindness and good manners.

What are the types of Hadith?

There are three types of Hadith: sayings of the Prophet, actions of the Prophet and silent approvals.

1. Sayings of the Prophet

• Meaning: words spoken by Prophet Muhammad.
• Content: direct messages about life, advice to people and explanations about Islam.
• Example: “The best of you are those who are best to their families.”

2. Actions of the Prophet

• Meaning: things Prophet Muhammad did.
• Content: how he lived everyday life and how he treated people.
• Use: they give examples of good behaviour, such as how he prayed.

3. Silent approvals

• Meaning: things done in front of the Prophet, which he did not stop.
• Reason: he said nothing against the action, so it showed he agreed.
• Use: they show what is acceptable in Islam.

How were Hadiths collected?

Hadiths were collected when people listened to the Prophet, remembered his words, passed them on and later wrote them in books.

Steps in collecting Hadiths

1. People listened to Prophet Muhammad.
2. They remembered his words and actions carefully.
3. They wrote down what they heard.
4. They passed the reports to other people.
5. Scholars checked whether the reports were true.

Who were the Hadith collectors?

Hadith collectors were scholars who gathered Hadiths and wrote them in books.

• Gathering: they collected reports from many people.
• Checking: they examined each report carefully.
• Accuracy: they made sure the reports were correct.
• Writing: they wrote books of Hadiths.
• Importance: they became very respected in Islam.

What are the important Hadith collections?

Two of the most important Hadith collections are Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. (Sahih means authentic.)

1. Sahih Bukhari

• Collector: Imam Bukhari.
• Rank: the most trusted Hadith book.
• Content: Hadiths that were carefully checked and found authentic.

2. Sahih Muslim

• Collector: Imam Muslim.
• Rank: the second most important collection, and very trusted by Muslims.
• Content: many important Hadiths, carefully studied by scholars.

What are the parts of a Hadith?

A Hadith has two parts: the text (matn) and the chain of narrators (isnad).

1. The text (matn)

• What it is: the story itself, showing what was said or done.
• Message: the main point of the report.
• Lesson: what the reader should learn and practise.

2. The chain of narrators (isnad)

• What it is: the list of people who passed the story down.
• Who told it: it names each narrator back to the person who heard the Prophet.
• Use: it helps scholars check whether the story is true.

How do scholars check if a Hadith is true?

Scholars check a Hadith by studying the narrators and testing the report against the Quran and other Hadiths.

1. Check who told the story.
2. Make sure the narrators are trustworthy.
3. See if the story agrees with the Quran.
4. Compare it with other Hadiths.
5. Look at the whole context of the report.

How do we understand Hadiths?

We understand Hadiths by reading carefully and learning them with the help of trusted teachers.

• Read carefully: do not rush through the words.
• Find the meaning: think about what the Hadith teaches.
• Ask trusted teachers: they can explain difficult parts.
• Do not use one Hadith alone: read it with other Hadiths on the same subject.
• Look at the whole of Islam: a Hadith must agree with the full teachings of Islam.

What topics do Hadiths cover?

Hadiths cover almost every part of a Muslim’s daily life.

• Praying: how and when to worship Allah.
• Helping others: caring for the poor and needy.
• Being kind: gentle treatment of people.
• Honesty: telling the truth and keeping promises.
• Good manners: how to speak and behave.
• Family life: duties of parents, children and relatives.
• Community: living well with neighbours and others.
• Personal behaviour: self-control and good character.

What are some examples of important Hadiths?

Three well-known Hadiths teach kindness, seeking knowledge and helping neighbours.

Hadith about kindness

• Text: “The best of you are those who are best to their families.”
• Lesson: be kind and respectful at home.

Hadith about seeking knowledge

• Text: “Seeking knowledge is a duty for every Muslim.”
• Lesson: every Muslim should keep learning.

Hadith about helping others

• Text: “He is not a believer who goes to sleep full while his neighbour is hungry.”
• Lesson: share with neighbours who are in need.

What lessons do we learn from Hadiths?

Hadiths teach Muslims to be good people and to please Allah.

1. Be kind to others.
2. Work hard.
3. Help people.
4. Be honest.
5. Respect your family.
6. Keep learning.
7. Love Allah and His Prophet.

Remember: following the Prophet’s example is a way to show love for Allah.

Evaluation

1. What is a Hadith?
2. Name the three types of Hadith.
3. Name two important Hadith collections.
4. What are the two parts of a Hadith?
5. State three ways scholars check whether a Hadith is true.

Assignment

Write out one Hadith from this lesson, state the lesson it teaches, and list five reasons why Hadiths are important to Muslims.