INTRODUCTION TO

HADIS AND SUNNAH

MEANING OF HADEES / SUNNAH
• The Holy Prophet as the founder of Islam and the messenger of
Allah's revelation to mankind is the best interpreter of the book of
Allah.
• His Hadis and Sunnah i.e., his sayings and actions are, after the Quran
the most important sources of Islamic law.
• Hadis is generally translated into English as tradition.
• The word Sunnah means literally a manner of acting, a rule of
conduct, a mode of life.
SOURCES OF HADEES
For Muslims specifically, it means a rule deduced from the sayings or conduct of
the Prophetpbuh, Such sayings and conduct could take the form
• 1) Verbal teaching by the Prophetpbuh about important things which he used to
repeat three times to the companions. Then he listened to them to make sure
that they had learnt them correctly
• 2) Teaching through practical demonstration like the way to perform ablution, to
pray, perform pilgrimage and observe fast. For example, for prayers, the
Prophetuh said, "Pray as you see me offering pravers." (Agreed) For pilgrimage,
he said: "Learn the rules of pilgrimage from me." (Muslim) This is called Sunnah
• 3) Teaching by the Holy Prophetpbun through legal documents and letters that
he sent to various kings and rulers. These contained instructions about Zakat,
taxes, form of worship etc
• 4) Silent approval by the Prophethuh of the action or practice of someone