The Qur`an is sufficient as a guide without the aid of prophetic Traditions

In the 21st century many “Islamic” groups have attracted attention, in particular those who reject Prophetic traditions and argue that the Qur`an alone is sufficient as a guide, without the aid of Prophetic traditions. In order to substantiate their arguments against the usage of Prophetic traditions as a guide, they argue that Ahadith<sup>1</sup> contain contradictions, inconsistencies and discrepancies. They use arguments such as; The prophet (Salla llahu `alay wasalam) permitted women to visit graves² and this is recorded, but elsewhere in the canons of Ahadith the Prophet (Salla llahu `alay wasalam) does not permit women to visit graves<sup>3</sup>, and therefore contradictory<sup>4</sup>. This sect is commonly referred to as Qur`aniyoon⁵, meaning upholders of the recitation only. In addition to the above example, they also criticize the canonization of Ahadith, arguing against the rigorous method of authentication and verification used as the demarcation between authentic and fabricated Ahadith.

The prophet Muhammad (Salla llahu `alay wasalam) has given severe warning about the emergence of this heretical sect, who will forge lies against him and his tradition<sup>6</sup>. More than often, the arguments of the Qur`aniyoon sect are perpetuated and substantiated in a dogmatic way because of disregarding the rigid process of authenticating a hadith. The great Islamic thinkers and scientists like Ibn Al-haitham⁷, and Avicenna⁸ disregarded the contemporary thinkers of their time relating to the world because of their careful analytical approach to the world. And this was due to the fact that they were well versed in Uloom-ul Hadith⁹ which consequently effected their perception of how to conduct experiments and acquire new knowledge. Ibn al Haitham was the first individual to come up with the scientific method because of following empirical and measurable evidence and likewise the scholars of Hadith follow similar methods of verification.

In addition, we are faced with two extremes. On one hand we have the Qur`aniyoon sect whereby all prophetic traditions are disregarded and on the other hand we have those who believe in every narration without scrutinizing or analysing them, or even reaching a stage where they can distinguish between a false and authentic hadith. And between these two extremes we have the scholars of Ahlel Sunnah Wal Jama`a¹⁰. They have established a rigorous science of verification and authentication of narrations, and have set the levels of trust in narrators on several conditions, namely on the trustworthiness of a narrator, in addition they have established a criteria for determining the constituents of a trustworthy narrator. Meaning that those scholars made it a condition that narrators were scrutinized, and well known about, thereby allowing room for investigation. Moreover, the scholars of Islam have made it necessary that narrators of Ahadith did not narrate things that were odd, both in terms of text and content, and that it does not contradict verses of the Holy Qur`an.

When the sound scholarly methodology is applied, which is the essence of the science of Hadith, then the so called inconsistencies, contradictions and discrepancies would not exist. The problem of extremism, which the proponents of the Qur`aniyoon sect are responsible for comes from heedlessness or lack of knowledge of the basics of Uloom ul Hadith. The Qur`aniyoon sect enthusiasts are either incapable or not in a position to distinguish between the levels of narrations. Therefore whenever arguments as such are brought forward, it is clear that such arguments are advocated by those whom lack knowledge of the constituents of a sound Hadith.

Qur`aniyoon sect do not distinguish between rejecting narrations and narrators on the basis of sound criticism and fault, and rejecting verified authentic Sunnah of the infallible prophet (Salla llahu `alay wasalam). Rejecting narrations and narrators is a complex science that requires specialized scholars, and not amateurs. The rigorous methodology of authenticating a hadith is a science in and of itself, which precedes the historical method of verification in terms of it's rigidity. Therefore, on what basis are Ahadith rejected since they carry historical reliability.

As for the second argument – we do not need the prophetic tradition, and the Qur`an is sufficient, comprehensive and does not leave anything out, we respond to them as our predecessors have. The prophetic tradition is the “prophetic commentary” on the Qur`an, and it is the practical implementation of commands, acts of worship and dealings in Islam. Consequently this practical implementation has transformed the Qur`an into a way of life, state, nation, society, an cohesive system, and a civilization. In other words, the prophetic commentary established the religion. This was in accordance with a divine commandment from God, clearly stated in the Qur`an.

[We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought. (Holy Qur`an¹¹)

In addition, the practical prophetic implementations of the Qur`an explains and interprets the details of the Qur`anic revelation. This is what God establishes in the Qur`an – that his messenger elucidates the revelation to the people, we ask the followers of the Qur`aniyoon sect to ponder on the following.

Say, "Obey Allah and the Messenger." But if they turn away - then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers. (Holy Qur`an¹²)

 

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result. (Holy Qur`an¹³)

 

He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah ; but those who turn away - We have not sent you over them as a guardian. (Holy Qur`an¹⁴)

 

Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah , then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (Holy Qur`an¹⁵)

 

Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you, [O Muhammad] - they are actually pledging allegiance to Allah . The hand of Allah is over their hands. So he who breaks his word only breaks it to the detriment of himself. And he who fulfills that which he has promised Allah - He will give him a great reward. (Holy Qur`an¹⁶)

In conclusion, it is clear that in the early Muslim communities the Ahadith we accepted. And, likewise after the death of the Prophet (Salla llahu `alay wasalam) the early community referred back to his teachings when implementing Islamic teachings and acts of worship. It seems nonsensical that centuries of great Islamic scholarship and thought is dismissed by a small sect.

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