✦ The Standards of the Hadith Rejecters
The deniers of Hadith and modernist thinkers have formulated specific standards to validate their particular ideologies, based on which they scrutinize and reject Ahadith. These standards may appear appealing and logical on the surface, but in reality, they serve only to reinforce their preconceived views. If a Hadith does not meet these standards, it is discarded—even if it is highly authentic.
◈ The Standards of the Hadith Rejecters Include:
① The Hadith must conform to the Qur’an.② It must not go against the dignity of the Prophet ﷺ.
③ It must not contain any form of insult toward the Companions or the Mothers of the Believers (رضي الله عنهم).
④ It must not contradict established knowledge or observation.
⑤ It must not go against human intellect.
✦ The Difference Between the Hadith Scholars and the Hadith Rejecters
It is true that Hadith scholars also laid down principles for the scrutiny of Ahadith. However, the fundamental difference between them and the Hadith rejecters is that the scholars examined Ahadith in the light of revelation and the Qur’an, whereas the rejecters rely solely on man-made, intellect-based standards. The Hadith scholars subordinate their intellect to revelation, while the rejecters elevate their intellect above it.✦ A Detailed Commentary on the Standards of the Hadith Rejecters
❶ The Hadith Must Conform to the Qur’an
The Hadith rejecters claim that only those Ahadith are acceptable that align with the Qur’an. For example, Ghulam Ahmad Parwez wrote:“According to us, the only standard for religion is the Book of Allah. Any belief or concept that aligns with it is correct, and whatever does not is false—even if thousands of Ahadith are presented in its support.”
(Monthly Tolu-e-Islam, November 1953, p. 37)
✔ Standard of Being “Contrary” to the Qur’an:
If something appears contrary to the Qur’an based on a person’s flawed understanding, does that truly make it contrary to the Qur’an?
✔ Understanding the Qur’an:
The Qur’an is not self-explanatory in every aspect. To understand it, the explanations of the Prophet ﷺ and the Ahadith are essential.
✔ Example – Reconciliation Between the Qur’an and Hadith:
The Qur’an prohibits every kind of carrion (dead meat), yet Hadith declares the dead fish and locust as permissible. Should such Ahadith be rejected merely by labeling them “contrary” to the Qur’an?
❷ The Hadith Must Not Be Against the Dignity of the Prophet ﷺ
Another principle asserted by Hadith rejecters is that any Hadith contradicting the Prophet’s ﷺ dignity must be rejected. For instance:“He frowned and turned away when the blind man came to him.”
(Surah Abasa: 1-2)
“That Allah may forgive you your past and future sins.”
(Surah Al-Fath: 2)
“And had We not made you firm, you would have inclined towards them slightly.”
(Surah Bani Isra’il: 74)
If these statements are mentioned in the Qur’an and are not considered disrespectful to the Prophet ﷺ, then why is a different principle applied to Ahadith?
❸ No Insult Toward the Companions and the Mothers of the Believers (رضي الله عنهم)
Another standard of the Hadith rejecters is to reject any Hadith that appears to show disrespect toward the Companions or the Mothers of the Believers (رضي الله عنهم). But what do the following Qur’anic verses suggest?“If you both repent to Allah, (it is best) for your hearts have deviated.”
(Surah At-Tahrim: 4)
“And when they saw a trade or amusement, they rushed toward it and left you standing.”
(Surah Al-Jumu’ah: 11)
“Allah knew that you were betraying yourselves, so He accepted your repentance.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 187)
These verses clearly show that the Qur’an has mentioned certain actions of the Companions and the Mothers of the Believers (رضي الله عنهم). Then why object if a Hadith presents a similar account?
