❖ Objections Raised by Hadith Rejecters on Certain Narrations
Some Hadith rejecters raise objections to certain narrations—particularly those that mention aspects of the private life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These objections are often rooted in ignorance, misunderstanding, or, at times, deliberate malice. To answer such objections, it is important to understand the following key points:
❖ 1. Important Aspects of Life and the Teachings of Shari‘ah
There are certain internal aspects of human life that must be addressed to maintain social purity. Due to modesty or taboo, many civilizations remained unaware of even the most basic principles of cleanliness and purity.
One of the unique features of Islam is that it provides guidance on every dimension of life—even on matters that are considered private. These teachings protect individuals and society from moral and hygienic pitfalls.
What is surprising is that those who advocate for "sex education" under Western influence are the very ones who object to the Prophetic Hadiths on similar matters.
❖ 2. The Prophetic Mission of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ was not sent merely to teach acts of worship. Rather, his mission was to guide humanity in every sphere of life.
The Arabs of that time were unaware of basic issues related to cleanliness, ritual bathing, and marital relations. The Prophet ﷺ not only addressed these matters but also allowed his noble wives to serve as channels of education on such subjects.
❖ 3. The Role of the Wives of the Prophet ﷺ
The wives of the Prophet ﷺ were granted the status of “Mothers of the Believers” so that people could approach them freely with their queries.
They conveyed teachings and rulings about matters that could not be comfortably discussed with other women. No other women were given such an honored status.
❖ 4. Correction of Misconceptions
At times, people assumed certain actions were impermissible or disliked. Their doubts could only be cleared through the practical example of the Prophet ﷺ.
The noble wives narrated Hadiths that removed such misconceptions and clarified the rulings of Shari‘ah.
❖ 5. The Prophet ﷺ as a Complete Role Model
Every aspect of the Prophet’s ﷺ life is a model for the Ummah. He did not keep any part of his life hidden from his followers so that no domain of life would remain unexplained.
It was through his actions and statements that the religion was perfected and all issues were clarified.
❖ Commentary on Selected Hadiths
✦ Hadith 1: Worship and Fear of Allah
Sayyidah ‘Aishah (RA) described how the Prophet ﷺ would get up from the bed and engage in prayer.
➤ Purpose: To bear witness to the Prophet’s ﷺ connection with Allah and to show that he was not only an exemplary husband but also a grateful servant of his Lord.
✦ Hadith 2: Wudu and Kissing
The Prophet ﷺ would sometimes perform prayer without renewing wudu after kissing his wife.
➤ Purpose: To demonstrate that kissing does not nullify wudu. This clarification was important for people who harbored doubts in their acts of worship.
✦ Hadith 3: Issue of Ghusl (Ritual Bath)
The Hadith narrated by Umm Salamah (RA) about women experiencing nocturnal emission provides essential educational guidance for women.
➤ The Prophet ﷺ clarified that discharge occurs from women as well, which is both a scientific and religious truth.
❖ Other Hadiths and the Mention of Menstruating Women
Other Hadiths mention the social interactions with menstruating women.
➤ The Prophet ﷺ taught moderation in this matter and rejected the Jewish concepts that viewed menstruating women as entirely impure and untouchable.
❖ Objection: Modesty and Female Nature
➤ Answer: While modesty is indeed a natural part of a woman's character, modesty becomes blameworthy when it prevents clarification of essential issues.
The Prophet’s noble wives often used indirect expressions to convey such teachings in an instructive and modest way.
Even today, modern medicine and education discuss reproductive anatomy openly, so why should there be objections to Hadiths that serve the same educational purpose?
❖ Conclusion
The noble life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Hadiths are a comprehensive code of life, offering guidance on every aspect of human behavior and experience.
Instead of feeling embarrassment or inferiority over these teachings, we should be proud of the completeness and depth of Islamic guidance. Objections based on cultural discomfort or Western ideals are misplaced and reflect a lack of understanding of the Prophetic legacy.
