Difference between Quran and Hadith

In Islam, two fundamental sources of guidance are the Quran and Hadith, but what is the difference between Quran and Hadith? Let’s explore more about both.

The Difference Between Quran and Hadith

Although both Qur’an and Hadith play crucial roles in shaping Islamic law and teachings, they differ significantly in their nature and authority.

Quran: The Holy Book of Islam

The holy Quran is the central religious text of Islam as the direct word of God. The revelation was to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 23 years. In addition, it is the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims. Moreover, it covers various aspects of life, from spiritual matters to social and legal frameworks.

Hadith: The Sayings and Actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

There are two types of Hadith as the following:

Hadith Nabawi (Prophetic Hadith)

Hadith Nabawi refers to the actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) means hadith of the prophet. In addition, these are sunnah which are direct accounts of the Prophet’s life and behaviors, recorded by his companions and later compiled into collections.

Hadith Qudsi (Sacred Hadith)

Hadith Qudsi, on the other hand, in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) quotes words from Allah. But unlike the Quran, the Prophet narrates the words in his language. In other words, while the message is from the divine, the phrasing is that of the Prophet, unlike the Qur’an, where both the message and the words are directly from Allah.

The Relationship Between Quran and Hadith

Both complement each other in Islamic teachings. Moreover, the words of Allah outline general principles from Allah, while hadith literature provides deep explanations and examples.

Read more about: Characteristics of Prophet Muhammad

In conclusion, while the Quran is Islam’s primary and most authoritative text, the Hadith and sunnah serve as an essential secondary source, offering insights into the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

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