Noah's Ark: An Invitation to Faith — Page 99
NOAH'S ARK earth before the Hadith had come into existence. ¹ Prior to the compilation of Hadith, did the people not observe prayers; or for that matter, pay the Zakat, perform the Hajj, or possess knowledge of that which was lawful or forbidden? Of course, it is true to say that the third means of guidance are the Hadith, for many matters relating to Islamic history, morality, and jurisprudence are elaborated on by the Hadith. Moreover, the greatest benefit of the Hadith is that they serve the Quran and Sunnah. Those who fail to properly honour the Quran proclaim that the Hadith are an authority over the Quran, just as the Jews claimed in relation to their own traditions. But I declare that the Hadith serve the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. And it is obvious that servants only add to the grandeur of their master. The Quran is the Word of God and the Sunnah is the practice of the Messenger of Allah. The Hadith are an additional testimony in support of the Sunnah. It is wrong to suggest that the Hadith are an authority over the Quran, God forbid. If there is a judge that sits over the Quran, it is the Quran itself. The Hadith which are based somewhat on conjecture can never sit as a a judge over the Quran; they only serve as supporting testimony. It is the Quran and Sunnah, which have provided all 1 The Ahl-e-Hadith refer to both the sayings and actions of the Messenger to be Hadith. Whatever their terminology, the fact remains that the Sunnah was promoted by the Holy Prophet himself and is entirely separate from the Hadith which were compiled after his lifetime. (Author) 99