Analysis of Validity of Prophet Muhammad s Hadith

Transcription

1 Analysis of Validity of Prophet Muhammad s Hadith Is It Truly From Muhammad And Is It Valid Islamic Law? David

2 Copyright 2018 David All rights reserved. ISBN-10: ISBN-13:

3 DEDICATION God expects you to use your God-given brain. إ ن ش ر الد و اب ع ند الل ه الص م ال ب ك م ال ذ ين ل ا ي ع ق ل ون Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of God are the deaf and dumb who do not use their brains to think. (8:22) I dedicate this book to people who use their brain.

4 Many people will make claims of many things. ه ات وا ب ر ه ان ك م إ ن ك نت م ص اد ق ين - 2:111,27:65 SHOW YOUR PROOF, IF YOU ARE TRUTHFUL!

5 ABOUT THE AUTHOR David is an American Muslim living in Silicon Valley, California. He has lived in Indonesia and Egypt and has visited many other Islamic countries throughout the Middle East. He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and holds a masters degree in computer science. David is also familiar with and has performed Quranbased Islamic exorcisms. Fascinated by the mystical powers of the Quran to expel evil jinn living in human bodies and surprised by the proliferation of victims of black magic, David began to examine the Quran. To his surprise, he discovered that much of what the majority of Muslims believe and practice either contradicts or is not even supported by the Quran. His books on Islam are the results of this discovery. Following are all Islamic books written by David. Submission a.k.a. "Islam" in Arabic The Religion of Abraham Which Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad Followed Analysis of Validity of Prophet Muhammad?s Hadith Is It Truly From Muhammad And Is It Valid Islamic Law? Quran-Based Islam Much of what you've been taught about Islam is not supported by the Quran David has also created several online Islamic resources including:

6 DAVID DestroyBlackMagic.com A website explaining black magic and various Quranic cures based on the teachings of Ben Halima. RemoteRuqyah.com A website about a particular method of doing Islamic exorcisms (ruqyah) remotely using a human medium. RuqyahVerses.com A website that provides step-by-step instructions on doing Islamic exorcisms (ruqyah). QuranDictionary.net A website that shows Quran vocabulary, word-for-word English translations, and Quranic topics. QuranBasedIslam.com A website for this book and other Islamic books I've written. Quranic Clauses A formatting of the Quran where each verse is divided into clauses. vi

7 CONTENTS Chapter Page READ ME FIRST! 1 1 WHAT IS THE HADITH OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD? 3 Hadith Silsilah (Chain) Matn (Text) Ahad (Single) vs Mutawattir (Multiple) Most Hadith are Based on Ahad (Single) Transmission Sahih Hadith Prophet Muhammad s Hadith Hadith Qudsi Human Memory Context 2 CAN THE HADITH BE USED AS ISLAMIC LAW? 7 3 WHAT IS THE BEST HADITH? 8 3 IS THE QURAN INCOMPLETE SUCH THAT WE NEED THE HADITH? 4 IS THE QURAN NOT FULLY DETAILED SUCH THAT WE NEED THE HADITH? 8 9

8 DAVID 5 IS THE QURAN UNCLEAR SUCH THAT WE NEED THE HADITH? 6 IS THE QURAN ITS BEST TAFSIR (EXPLANATION) OR DO WE NEED THE HADITH TO EXPLAIN IT? 7 IS THE QURAN AND/OR THE HADITH THE CRITERION BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG? 9 ARE YOU A KAFIR IF YOU JUDGE BY THE HADITH? 10 DID PROPHET MUHAMMAD FOLLOW THE QURAN IN ADDITION TO HIS OWN HADITH? 11 IS THE HADITH A REVELATION FROM GOD? 12 WAS PROPHET MUHAMMAD S JOB JUST TO DELIVER THE QURAN OR MORE THAN THAT? 13 ARE MUSLIMS ALLOWED TO PICK SOME HADITH AND IGNORE OTHER HADITH? 14 DO SOME SAHIH HADITH CONTRADICT EACH OTHER? 15 DO SOME SAHIH HADITH CONTRADICT THE QURAN? ARE ALL SAHIH HADITH ACCEPTABLE? 22 viii

9 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH 17 IF MOST MUSLIMS BELIEVE THE HADITH, IS IT SAFE TO JUST FOLLOW THEM? 18 IF MOST ISLAMIC LEADERS BELIEVE THE HADITH, IS IT SAFE TO JUST FOLLOW THEM? 19 IS IT OKAY TO ASSUME THE HADITH IS TRUTH? 20 IF I DON T THINK AND SEEK PROOF REGARDING ISLAMIC ISSUES SUCH AS THE VALIDITY OF THE HADITH, WILL GOD CONSIDER ME WORSE THAN A COW? 21 IS PROPHET MUHAMMAD EXCLUSIVE AND SUPERIOR TO THE OTHER PROPHETS? WHAT TO BELIEVE DOES OBEY GOD AND HIS MESSENGER MEAN I MUST FOLLOW THE HADITH AND SUNNAH? 30 Taking Words Out of Context Analysis of the Word Obey Obey Others as Well Obey The Messenger Obey Other Messengers To "Obey": An Analogy ix

10 DAVID 24 HOW DID THE PROPHET GUIDE HIS PEOPLE? 25 HOW CAN WE LEARN HOW TO PRAY IF WE DON T HAVE THE HADITH TO TEACH US? Aspects of Prayer Praying Began with Prophet Abraham, Not Prophet Muhammad Prayer Continued with People After Abraham Additional Proof that People Prayed Before Muhammad s Time Example Prayer Form Before Muhammad s Time Prayer Purpose Overrides Prayer Form Prayer Specifics in the Hadith Prayer Before the Hadith Existed How People Learn to Pray 26 CAN YOU FOLLOW A PRACTICE WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING IT? 27 ARE MUSLIMS OVERCOMPLICATING ISLAM BY FOLLOWING THE HADITH? People Are Inclined to Dispute Issues of Religion x

11 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH 28 IS BELIEF IN THE HADITH SATAN S WAY OF MISLEADING MOST MUSLIMS? 28 PEOPLE WANTED TO CHANGE THE QURAN FRIVOLOUS HADITH TO LEAD ASTRAY QUESTIONS WORTH THINKING ABOUT ARE MANY MUSLIMS TODAY LIKE CLUELESS TRAINED MONKEYS? 44 xi

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13 READ ME FIRST! The information presented in this book may come as a surprise to most Muslims and probably Jews and Christians. At first glance, a reader might think of it as blasphemy. However, all Muslims, whether Sunni, Shiah, Druze, Alawi, Salafi, or whatever other sect, agree that the Quran is the truth. Therefore, the information provided in this book is purely based on the Quran with references to verses to prove each claim. After reading this book with an unbiased and open mind, Muslims may wonder why the global Muslim community, Islamic scholars, and they themselves never realized the truth that this book proves. I believe the primary reason for this stems from Quran chapter 47 verse 24. آن أ م ع ل ى ق ل وب أ ق ف ال ه ا أ ف ل ا ي ت د ب ر ون ال ق ر Then do they not study / think deeply about / understand the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? (47:24) The key word here is tadabbur which means study / think deeply about to understand. Most Muslims are non-arabic speakers. They read the Quran but don t understand what they are reading. They could read translations in their own language but for some reason, they seem to think it s better to read the Arabic Quran without understanding the words. Since the Quran is not written the way today s books are written, even Arabic-speaking readers have a hard time understanding the meaning of it. And anyone who reads the Quran in their own language will still not necessarily understand its meaning because most people don t actually think deeply to understand (tadabbur) each verse. The purpose of this book is to help the reader understand various topics about the religion of Submission (Arabic: Islam) and the Quran so that they can use valid and logical arguments to make better decisions about their beliefs. Before embarking on this journey to learn the truth, it is highly recommended that you prepare yourself in the following ways. Have the intention to discover the truth Set aside all existing bias and traditions that you may have Have an open mind to consider the arguments presented Pretend that you are new to Islam 1

14 DAVID Have a sincere approach to the Quran by not imposing your own interpretation of it so that it supports your own personal desires Proofs in this book that reference the Quran are shown in parentheses such as (16:123) which means Quran chapter 16 verse 123. All English translations are taken from Sahih International as I find them to be more accurate compared to others I ve read and it tries to keep the word order more or less the same as the original Arabic text. However, the word Allah has been translated to God since Sahih International either forgot to or didn t want to translate Allah to God even though they probably knew that Allah in Arabic means God in English. Do not read this book with the intention to contradict and refute it, nor to believe and take it for granted, but to weigh and consider the proofs detailed herein. And most definitely, do not judge this book based on the length of my beard! Sincerely, David San Francisco Bay Area, USA 2

15 WHAT IS THE HADITH OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD? Hadith The Arabic word 'Hadith' means a report, tale, story, statement, narration, a communication or a discourse. Its plural form is 'Ahadith'. Every 'hadith' has two constituent parts: silsilah (chain) and matn (text). Silsilah (Chain) The first part is the chain of attesters (silsila) which includes the 'Hadith Originator' and the 'Final Transmitter' of that Hadith. Between the Hadith originator and the final transmitter, there are any numbers of transmitters who have passed on the Hadith orally from one to the other over any given period of time. The complete chain is known as the 'sanad' (support) or the 'isnad' (supporting). Matn (Text) The actual wording (text) of the hadith is known as the 'matn' and is carried from the originator of the hadith through all the oral transmitters to the final transmitter. Ahad (Single) vs Mutawattir (Multiple) A Hadith is usually classified as 'ahad' (single / limited chain(s) of transmission) or 'tawattur' (mutawattir - multiple chains of transmission of the same hadith report). However, a more technical definition of a report which has reached the 3

16 DAVID status of 'tawattur' is one which is understood to be conveyed by narrators so numerous that it is considered inconceivable that they could have agreed on a falsehood of what is being narrated underscoring its veracity (ilm yaqeen - certain knowledge). Though there is no consensus upon the number of narrators required for such a status, it is understood nevertheless that multiple narrators existed at each level of the chain of transmission. At times the terms mutawatir and mashhur (wellestablished) are also used interchangeably. In contrast, an 'ahad' transmission is one which it has not been deemed to reach the level of qualification of a 'tawattur' transmission. Each of the transmissions is then usually divided into sub-categories by Hadith scholars. Most Hadith are Based on Ahad (Single) Transmission The vast majority of the Hadith corpus is based on an 'ahad' transmission which merely provides nothing more than a single source of evidence. So in effect, what one originator narrates, no other narrator passes on the same hadith. Sahih Hadith Sahih hadith are considered reliable and accurate hadith by most Muslims. Prophet Muhammad s Hadith The hadith are supposed sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad died in 632 CE. Imam Bukhari was born in 810 CE and completed compiling the hadith around 846 CE. In other words, Bukhari compiled the hadith 214 years after Muhammad died. That s over 2 centuries or spanning approximately 4 generations (assuming the average lifespan was 60 as was the age when Muhammad died). Since Bukhari was not alive when Muhammad died, Bukhari relied on asking people if they remembered hearing something that Muhammad said. Since 214 years is a long time, all hadith are based on a chain of people who claim they heard Muhammad say something. And since 214 years is longer than the average lifetime (Muhammad died at the age of 60), no hadith transmitter lived during the lifetimes of both Prophet Muhammad and Imam Bukhari. 4

17 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH Year Event 571 Muhammad born 611 Muhammad becomes a prophet 632 Muhammad dies??? Person A claims they heard someone (who was dead at the time) say they heard Muhammad say something??? Person B said they heard Person A say something??? Person C said they heard Person B say something??? Person D said they heard Person C say something??? Person E said they heard Person D say something??? Person F said they heard Person E say something 846 Bukhari said he heard Person E say something Hadith Qudsi Hadith Qudsi (Divine / Sacred Sayings) are considered different than the Prophet s hadith in that Hadith Qudsi are considered to be the sayings of God Himself. In other words, rather than the Prophet communicating something to person A, the sanad in a Hadith Qudsi allegedly stretches back and initiates from God Himself. God Prophet Person A B C D E F X Hadith compiler In this way, the Hadith Qudsi are regarding by Muslims as 'revelations' that exist outside the Quran. What is unknown to many Muslims is that the Hadith Qudsi are subject to the same issues of authenticity as the Prophet s hadith. There are no Hadith Qudsi that were recorded during the time of the prophet. No one can prove that Hadith Qudsi actually came from God. Just as with the prophet s hadith, people who believe the Hadith Qudsi came from God only believe it out of stubborn insistence rather than proof. As we will prove later, the Quran is God s hadith, it is the best hadith and God says it is complete. Therefore, it should be called Hadith Qudsi. 5

18 DAVID Human Memory Humans are very bad at remembering and relaying information. For example, if someone told you something last week, you probably could not repeat the same exact statement to me today. It happens all the time. And that s just over a period of one week. Based on this logic, does it really make sense to put a lot of trust in a long chain of people who claim they heard Prophet Muhammad say something 214 years earlier? Common sense would say no. But, because religion is about belief, most people want to just believe that what they hear is true even if it s not true, especially if they ve been taught to believe in the hadith since they were children. Context Many hadith are very short and simple and lack context. This lack of context makes it difficult to correctly understand the intent of the hadith. For example, a hadith that forbids something could very well have been a joke and not to be taken seriously. Conclusion Based on the following facts most hadith are ahad hadith (single chain of transmission) the time gap between when Muhammad died and Bukhari compiled the hadith is very long and spans multiple generations (214 years) the nature of human memory is such that most people can t relay a message without a change in meaning context is lacking in many hadith the hadith came from a chain of transmitters which is nothing more than hearsay no one reporting a hadith lived both when Muhammad was alive and when the hadith compiler, e.g. Bukhari, was alive. it is therefore highly unlikely that most hadith are accurate and reliable enough to be truly what Prophet Muhammad said. 6

19 م ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH CAN THE HADITH BE USED AS ISLAMIC LAW? Many Muslims believe that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad can be used as Islamic law. However, God says in the Quran that following any law besides the Quran is forbidden. أ ف غ ي ر الل ه أ ب ت غ ي ح ك م ا و ه و ال ذ ي أ نز ل إ ل ي ك م ال ك ت ا ب م ف ص ل ا Then is it other than God I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book explained in detail? (6:114 part) ت ل ك آي ا ت الل ه ن ت لوه ا ع ل ي ك ب ال ح ق ف ب أ ي ح د يث ب ع د الل ه و آي ات ه ي ؤ م ن ون These are the verses of God which We recite to you in truth. Then in what statement (hadith) after God and His verses will they believe? (45:6) ف ب أ ي ح د يث ب ع د ه ي ؤ م ن و ن Then in what statement after it (the Qur'an) will they believe? (77:50) م ا ل ك م ك ي ف ت ح ك مو ن أ ل م ا ت خ ي ر و ن ل ك م ك ت اب ف ي ه ت د ر س و ن إ ن ل ك م ف ي ه What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge? Or do you have a book / scripture in which you learn that indeed for you in it is whatever you choose? (68:36-38) Conclusion These verses make it very clear that the only source by which to judge according to Islam is the Quran and nothing else. God even specifically questions why people would believe in any hadith after the Quran has been revealed. 7

20 DAVID WHAT IS THE BEST HADITH? Many Muslims believe this hadith or that hadith of the Prophet Muhammad is the best hadith. However, God says in the Quran that God s own hadith (the Quran) is the best.... الل ه ن ز ل أ ح س ن ال ح د ي ث ك ت اب ا م ت ش اب ه ا م ث ان ي God has sent down the best statement (ahsan hadith): a consistent Book wherein is reiteration.... (39:23 part) Conclusion This verse makes it very clear that the Quran, which is the word (statement / saying) of God, is the best hadith that is consistent and without contradiction. As such, why would anyone choose to follow an inferior saying (hadith) such as the hadith compiled by Bukhari, Muslim, and others, many of which contain contradictions? IS THE QURAN INCOMPLETE SUCH THAT WE NEED THE HADITH? Many Muslims believe that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad is necessary to complete the Quran. However, God says in the Quran that the Quran is complete (6:115, 6:38). و ت م ت ك ل م ال ع ل يم ت ر ب ك ص د ق ا و ع د ل ا ل ا م ب د ل ل ك ل م ات ه و ه و الس م ي ع And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled / completed in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (6:115) و م ا م ن د اب ة ف ي ال أ ر ض و ل ا ط ائ ر ي ط ير ب ج ن اح ي ه إ ل ا أ م م أ م ث ال ك م م ا ف ر ط ن ا ف ي ال ك ت ا ب م ن ش ي ء ث م إ ل ى ر ب ه م ي ح ش ر و ن 8

21 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Book (Quran) a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered. (6:38) Conclusion These verses make it very clear that the Quran is complete. God even specifically says that He did not neglect anything from the Quran. To argue that the Quran isn t complete because, for example, it doesn t detail how to pray the way Muslims currently pray is no different than saying that Muslims don t believe everything that God says in the Quran. (Below, it will be proven that the details of prayer were given to Abraham and passed down thru the generations. Praying did not begin with Muhammad). Since Muslims must believe everything in the Quran, Muslims therefore must genuinely believe and accept the fact that the Quran is complete. Furthermore, since God is Perfect, it would make no sense to believe that the Quran is incomplete as if God was too busy to finish authoring it. IS THE QURAN NOT FULLY DETAILED SUCH THAT WE NEED THE HADITH? Many Muslims believe that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad is necessary to provide details that are missing from the Quran. However, God says in the Quran that the Quran is fully detailed of all things. أ ف غ ي ر الل ه أ ب ت غ ي ح ك م ا و ه و ال ذ ي أ نز ل إ ل ي ك م ال ك ت ا ب م ف ص ل ا Then is it other than God I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book explained in detail? (6:114 part) ل ق د ك ا ن ف ي ق ص ص ه م ع ب ر ة ل أ ول ي ال أ ل ب ا ب م ا ك ا ن ح د يث ا ي ف ت ر ى و ل ك ن ت ص د ي ق ال ذ ي ب ي ن ي د ي ه و ت ف ص ي ل ك ل ش ي ء و ه د ى و ر ح م ة ل ق و م ي ؤ م ن و ن 9

22 DAVID There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur'an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe. (12:111) ك ت اب ف ص ل ت آي ات ه ق ر آن ا ع ر ب ي ا ل ق و م ي ع ل م و ن A Book whose verses have been detailed, an Arabic Qur'an for a people who know, (41:3) الر ك ت اب أ ح ك م ت آي ات ه ث م ف ص ل ت م ن ل د ن ح ك يم خ ب ير Alif, Lam, Ra. [This is] a Book whose verses are perfected and then presented in detail from [one who is] Wise and Acquainted. (11:1) Conclusion These verses make it very clear that the Quran is detailed. God even specifically says that it is a detailed explanation of all things. To argue that the Quran isn t detailed because, for example, it doesn t detail how to pray the way Muslims currently pray is no different than saying that Muslims don t believe everything that God says in the Quran. Since Muslims must believe everything in the Quran, Muslims therefore must genuinely believe and accept the fact that the Quran is detailed. IS THE QURAN UNCLEAR SUCH THAT WE NEED THE HADITH? Many Muslims believe that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad is necessary to clarify certain topics in the Quran. However, God says in the Quran that the Quran clear. الر ك ت اب أ ح ك م ت آي ات ه ث م ف ص ل ت م ن ل د ن ح ك يم خ ب ير Alif, Lam, Ra. [This is] a Book whose verses are perfected and then presented in detail from [one who is] Wise and Acquainted. (11:1) 10

23 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH Conclusion This verse makes it very clear that the Quran itself is clear. God even specifically says that it is a clarification for all things. To argue that the Quran isn t clear because, for example, it doesn t clarify how to pray the way Muslims currently pray is no different than saying that Muslims don t believe everything that God says in the Quran. Since Muslims must believe everything in the Quran, Muslims therefore must genuinely believe and accept the fact that the Quran is clear. IS THE QURAN ITS BEST TAFSIR (EXPLANATION) OR DO WE NEED THE HADITH TO EXPLAIN IT? Many Muslims believe that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad is necessary to help support the tafsir (explanation) of certain topics in the Quran. However, God says in the Quran that the Quran is the best tafsir (explanation) of itself. و ل ا ي أ ت ون ك ب مث ل إ ل ا ج ئ ن ا ك ب ال ح ق و أ ح س ن ت ف س ير ا And they do not come to you with an argument except that We bring you the truth and the best explanation (ahsan tafsir). (25:33) Conclusion This verse makes it very clear that the Quran is the best tafsir (explanation) of itself. Many Muslims try to explain verses of the Quran using other sources which may or may not be accurate. To explain the Quran, this verse indicates that one should use the Quran to explain itself. Since the Quran itself provides the best tafsir (explanation) of itself, then Muslims should not rely on explanations that are based on sources outside of the Quran such as the hadith. IS THE QURAN AND/OR THE HADITH THE CRITERION BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG? Many Muslims believe that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad is 11

24 م DAVID necessary to help serve as a criterion for right and wrong. However, God says in the Quran that the Quran is the criterion between right and wrong. ت ب ار ك ال ذ ي ن ز ل ال ف ر ق ا ن ع ل ى ع ب د ه ل ي ك و ن ل لع ال م ي ن ن ذ ير ا Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be to the worlds a warner - (25:1) Conclusion This verse makes it very clear that the Quran contains the criterion for judging between right and wrong. Note that nowhere in this verse, nor anywhere else in the Quran, does God say that one must use the Quran along with other sources, such as the hadith, to judge. ARE YOU A KAFIR IF YOU JUDGE BY THE HADITH? Many Muslims believe that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad can be used as Islamic law. However, God says in the Quran that whoever judges by other than the Quran is a kafir (disbeliever). و م ن ل ي ح ك م ب م ا أ نز ل الل ه ف أ ول ئ ك ه م ال ك اف ر و ن... And whoever does not judge by what God has revealed - then it is they who are the disbelievers (kafirun). (5:44 part) Conclusion This verse makes it very clear that Muslims are not allowed to judge by anything besides the Quran. The seriousness of this statement is made absolutely clear by the fact that God says that if anyone were to judge by other than the Quran, then they are considered disbelievers (kafir). Therefore, if anyone were to judge by the hadith, then according to this verse, they have become disbelievers (kafir). 12

25 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH DID PROPHET MUHAMMAD FOLLOW THE QURAN IN ADDITION TO HIS OWN HADITH? Many Muslims believe that, in addition to the Quran, Prophet Muhammad followed his own day-to-day sayings (hadith) and therefore, Muslims should also follow the prophet s hadith. However, Muhammad says in the Quran that he himself only follows what was revealed to him in the Quran. He doesn t follow his own hadith for religious purposes. و إ ذ ا ت ت ل ى ع ل ي ه م آي ات ن ا ب ي ن ات ق ال ال ذ ي ن ل ا ي ر ج و ن ل ق اء ن ا ائ ن أ ب د ل ه م ن ت ل ق ا ء و ب د ل ه ق ل م ا ي ك و ن ل ي أ ب ق ر آن غ ي ر ه ذ ا أ ن ف س ي إ ن أ ت ب ع إ ل ا م ا ي وح ى إ ل ي ت And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who do not expect the meeting with Us say, "Bring us a Qur'an other than this or change it." Say, [O Muhammad], "It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me.... (10:15) ق ل م ا ك ن ت ب د ع ا م ن الر س ل و م ا أ د ر ي م ا ي ف ع ل ب ي و ل ا ب ك م إ ن أ ت ب ع إ ل ا م ا ي وح ى إ ل ي و م ا أ ن ا إ ل ا ن ذ ير م ب ين Say (O Muhammad), "I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow what is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner." (46:9) ق ل ل ا أ ق و ل ل ك م ع ند ي خ ز ائ ن الل ه و ل ا أ ع ل م ال غ ي ب و ل ا أ ق و ل ل ك م إ ن ي م ل ك إ ن أ ت ب ع إ ل ا م ا ي وح ى إ ل ي ق ل ه ل ي س ت و ي ال أ ع م ى و ال ب ص ير أ ف ل ا ت ت ف ك ر و ن 13

26 DAVID Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of God or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me." Say, "Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Then will you not give thought?" (6:50) و إ ذ ا ل م ت أ ت ه م ب آي ة ق ال وا ل و ل ا اج ت ب ي ت ه ا ق ل إ ن م ا أ ت ب ع م ا ي وح ى إ ل ي م ن ر ب ي ه ذ ا ب ص ائ ر م ن ر ب ك م و ه د ى و ر ح م ة ل ق و م ي ؤ م ن و ن And when you, [O Muhammad], do not bring them a sign, they say, "Why have you not contrived it?" Say, "I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This [Qur'an] is enlightenment from your Lord and guidance and mercy for a people who believe." (7:203) What was revealed to Muhammad was the Quran. This is proven in 6:19. There is no proof anywhere that indicates that the sayings of the prophet Muhammad (hadith) besides what s in the Quran are a revelation from God.... و أ وح ي إ ل ي ه ذ ا ال ق ر آ ن ل أ نذ ر ك م ب ه و م ن ب ل غ... this Qur'an was revealed to me that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches (6:19 part) Furthermore, if the hadith of the prophet Muhammad were so important that it needed to be followed just as the Quran is to be followed, why didn t Muhammad have his day-to-day sayings written down in a book while he was alive? Even after the prophet died, none of his companions made any effort to preserve the prophet s hadith. What they preserved was only the Quran.The prophet left us nothing except for the Quran because the prophet and everyone else are only allowed to follow the Quran. There is even a sahih Bukhari hadith (Sahih al-bukhari Book 66, Hadith 41) that states that the prophet didn t leave anything for his people except the Quran. Conclusion The above verses make it clear that Prophet Muhammad himself only 14

27 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH follows what was revealed to him and nothing else. Verse 7:203 and 6:19 also make it clear that what was revealed to him was the Quran. IS THE HADITH A REVELATION FROM GOD? Many Muslims believe that, in addition to the Quran, the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad was also a revelation from God. They often cite verse 53:3 which reads و م ا ي ن ط ق ع ن ال ه و ى and he does not speak from his own desire. (53:3) Their argument is that if Muhammad didn't speak from his own desire, then his speech must have been a revelation. However, the mistake most Muslims make is they take individual verses out of context. The very following verse (53:4) reads إ ن ه و إ لا و ح ي ي وح ى It is nothing less than a inspiration that is inspired to him (53:4) This verse clearly indicates that there was a thing (it) that Muhammad did not speak from his own desire but rather by inspiration / revelation. The thing, referenced as "it" in verse 53:4, is obviously the Quran. Therefore, the Quran which Muhammad spoke was inspired or revealed to him and wasn't from his own desire. It wasn't his day-to-day hadith that was not from his own desire. Verse 66:1 of the Quran further proves that not everything Muhammad said was a revelation from God. This verse describes God as questioning Muhammad as to why he forbade something that God never forbade. ي ا أ ي ه ا الن ب ي ل م ت ح ر م م ا أ ح ل الل ه ل ك ت ب ت غ ي م ر ض ا ت أ ز و اج و الل ه غ ف ور ر ح يم ك O Prophet, why do you forbid what God has made lawful for you, seeking the approval of your wives? (66:1 part) 15

28 DAVID Conclusion The verse above makes it very clear that not everything Muhammad said was a revelation from God. Since Muhammad only follows what was revealed to him (10:15, 46:9, 6:50, 7:203) and that what was revealed to him was only the Quran (7:203), then Muslims are only allowed to follow the Quran and not the prophet s hadith. WAS PROPHET MUHAMMAD S JOB JUST TO DELIVER THE QURAN OR MORE THAN THAT? Many Muslims believe that the job of the Prophet Muhammad was to do more than just deliver the Quran. However, God says in the Quran that the job of the Prophet Muhammad was only to deliver the message (the Quran) and nothing more. م ا ع ل ى الر س و ل إ ل ا ال ب ل ا غ و الل ه ي ع ل م م ا ت ب د و ن و م ا ت ك ت م و ن Not upon the Messenger is [responsibility] except [for] notification. And God knows whatever you reveal and whatever you conceal....(5:99) ف إ ن أ ع ر ض وا ف م ا أ ر س ل ن ا ك ع ل ي ه م ح ف يظ ا إ ن ع ل ي ك إ ل ا ال ب ل ا غ But if they turn away - then We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], over them as a guardian; upon you is only [the duty of] notification....(42:48 part) و إ ن م ا ن ر ي ن ك ب ع ض ال ذ ي ن ع د ه م أ ال ب ل اغ و ع ل ي ن ا ال ح س ا ب و ن ت و ف ي ن ك ف إ ن م ا ع ل ي ك And whether We show you part of what We promise them or take you in death, upon you is only the [duty of] notification, and upon Us is the account. (13:40) One might think that this message is the hadith but it s not. The 16

29 م ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH message is obviously the Quran as stated in verse 6: و أ وح ي إ ل ي ه ذ ا ال ق ر آ ن ل أ نذ ر ك م ب ه و م ن ب ل غ... this Qur'an was revealed to me that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches (6:19 part) Conclusion The verses above make it very clear that Prophet Muhammad had one job and one job only which was to deliver the Quran. ARE MUSLIMS ALLOWED TO PICK SOME HADITH AND IGNORE OTHER HADITH? Many Muslims realize that some sahih hadith are questionable and therefore only follow the hadith that they feel are okay to follow. However, with respect to Islamic guidance, Muslims are not allowed to pick and choose which statements or laws they like and ignore ones they don t like. God even says so in verse 68: م ا ل ك م ك ي ف ت ح ك م و ن أ ل م ا ت خ ي ر و ن ل ك م ك ت اب ف ي ه ت د ر س و ن إ ن ل ك م ف ي ه What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge? Or do you have a book / scripture in which you learn that indeed for you in it is whatever you choose? (68:36-38) Conclusion The verse above makes it very clear that Muslims are not allowed to follow a book, such as the hadith, where they can pick and choose which statements or laws they want to follow. DO SOME SAHIH HADITH CONTRADICT EACH OTHER? 17

30 م DAVID Many Muslims believe that sahih hadith are reliable and consistent with each other. However, there are many sahih hadith which contradict each other as shown below. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 1, Book 4, Number 159: Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet performed ablution by washing the body parts only once. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 1, Book 4, Number 160: Narrated 'Abdullah bin Zaid: The Prophet performed ablution by washing the body parts twice. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 1, Book 4, Number 196: Narrated 'Abdullah bin Zaid: Once God's Apostle came to us and we brought out water for him in a brass pot. He performed ablution thus: He washed his face thrice, and his forearms to the elbows twice, then passed his wet hands lightly over the head from front to rear and brought them to front again and washed his feet (up to the ankles). The sahih hadith above clearly contradict each other. How are we supposed to know which one to follow? Should we just pick whichever one we like and ignore the others? If we were to do so, we d be guilty of what God warns us of in verse 68: م ا ل ك م ك ي ف ت ح ك م و ن أ ل م ا ت خ ي ر و ن ل ك م ك ت اب ف ي ه ت د ر س و ن إ ن ل ك م ف ي ه What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge? Or do you have a book / scripture in which you learn that indeed for you in it is whatever you choose? (68:36-38) Many Muslims consider the hadith to be revelations from God via Prophet Muhammad. However, this can easily be proven false. Verse 4:82 indicates that if a book contains contradictions in it, then it could not be from God. 18

31 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH أ ف ل ا ي ت د ب ر و ن ال ق ر آ ن اخ ت ل اف ا ك ث ير ا و ل و ك ا ن م ن ع ن د غ ي ر الل ه ل و ج د وا ف ي ه Then do they not think deeply about / understand / reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than God, they would have found within it much contradiction. (4:82) Since the three hadith above contradict each other in the number of times to wash when performing ablution (wudhu), then according to verse 4:82, the hadith could not be from God. Conclusion It is proven above that sahih hadith can be self-contradictory. If the three sahih hadith above contradict each other, that proves that they are unreliable and therefore other sahih hadith could also be unreliable, even though they are labeled as sahih. Is it really wise to follow sahih hadith knowing that they are likely to be unreliable? DO SOME SAHIH HADITH CONTRADICT THE QURAN? Many Muslims believe that sahih hadith are reliable and in line with Quranic teachings. However, there are many sahih hadith which contradict the Quran. The following hadith shows Prophet Muhammad making an insulting comparison about an Ethiopian man. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 9, Book 89, Number 256: Narrated Anas bin Malik: God's Apostle said, "You should listen to and obey, your ruler even if he was an Ethiopian (black) slave whose head looks like a raisin." The following hadith shows Prophet Muhammad limited a woman s independence. 19

32 DAVID BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 120: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "A woman should not fast (optional fasts) except with her husband's permission if he is at home (staying with her)." The following hadith described God forgiving a prostitute just because she gave a thirsty dog some water. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 4, Book 54, Number 538: Narrated Abu Huraira: God's Apostle said, "A prostitute was forgiven by God because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, God forgave her because of that. This hadith suggests that Muhammad was able to know whether someone would be forgiven or not. However, the Quran clearly proves that Muhammad had no ability to know what was going to happen to him nor anyone else. ق ل م ا ك ن ت ب د ع ا م ن الر س ل و م ا أ د ر ي م ا ي ف ع ل ب ي و ل ا ب ك م إ ن أ ت ب ع إ ل ا م ا ي وح ى إ ل ي و م ا أ ن ا إ ل ا ن ذ ير م ب ين Say (O Muhammad), "I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow what is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner." (46:9) The following hadith shows Prophet Muhammad saying that the best Muslim is one who has the most wives. It s pretty clear that this statement (hadith) is non-sensical, contradicts the Quran, and sounds more like a joke than anything else. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 7: Narrated Said bin Jubair: 20

33 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH Ibn 'Abbas asked me, "Are you married?" I replied, "No." He said, "Marry, for the best person of this (Muslim) nation (i.e., Muhammad) of all other Muslims, had the largest number of wives. The following hadith describes Prophet Muhammad allowing nikah mut ah (temporary contract marriage) which clearly contradicts the Quran. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 52: Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah and Salama bin Al-Akwa: While we were in an army, God's Messenger (ﷺ) came to us and said, "You have been allowed to do the Mut'a (marriage), so do it." The following hadith describes Prophet Muhammad forbidding the offering of prayers at the time of sunrise and sunset which clearly contradicts the Quran. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 2, Book 26, Number 1629: Narrated `Abdullah: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) forbidding the offering of prayers at the time of sunrise and sunset. Conclusion It is proven above that sahih hadith can contradict the Quran. If the example sahih hadith above contradict the Quran, that proves that they are unreliable and therefore other sahih hadith could also be unreliable, even though they are labeled as sahih. Is it really wise to follow sahih hadith knowing they are likely to be unreliable? ARE ALL SAHIH HADITH ACCEPTABLE? Many Muslims believe that sahih hadith are reliable and acceptable to follow as Islamic guidance. However, there are many sahih hadith which are blatantly unacceptable and questionable as shown below. 21

34 DAVID BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 121: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "If a man Invites his wife to sleep with him and she refuses to come to him, then the angels send their curses on her till morning." BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 4, Book 54, Number 539: Narrated Abu Talha: The Prophet said, "Angels do not enter a house which has either a dog or a picture in it. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 4, Book 54, Number 495: Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said, "If while you are praying, somebody intends to pass in front of you, prevent him; and should he insist, prevent him again; and if he insists again, fight with him (i.e. prevent him violently e.g. pushing him violently), because such a person is (like) a devil." Comment: One can only imagine what would happen in the Masjid Al Haram if one adopted this approach. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 4, Book 55, Number 547: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "But for the Israelis, meat would not decay and but for Eve, wives would never betray their husbands. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 49: Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet got married while he was in the state of Ihram. 22

35 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 4, Book 54, Number 516: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "If anyone of you rouses from sleep and performs the ablution, he should wash his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out thrice, because Satan has stayed in the upper part of his nose all the night." BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 4, Book 54, Number 486: Narrated Ibn 'Umar: The Prophet said, "Fever is from the heat of the (Hell) Fire; so abate fever with water." BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 8, Book 77, Number 611: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to Adam. 'O Adam! You are our father who disappointed us and turned us out of Paradise.' Then Adam said to him, 'O Moses! God favored you with His talk (talked to you directly) and He wrote (the Torah) for you with His Own Hand. Do you blame me for action which God had written in my fate forty years before my creation?' So Adam confuted Moses, Adam confuted Moses," the Prophet added, repeating the Statement three times. BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 30: Narrated Abdullah binumar: God's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Evil omen is in the women, the house and the horse.' 23

36 DAVID BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 19: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best women are the riders of the camels and the righteous among the women of Quraish. They are the kindest women to their children in their childhood and the more careful women of the property of their husbands." BUKHARI HADITH: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 64: Narrated `Aisha: that the Prophet (ﷺ) married her when she was six years old and he consummated his marriage when she was nine years old, and then she remained with him for nine years (i.e., till his death). Conclusion It is proven above that sahih hadith can be utterly unacceptable and without a doubt questionable. If the example sahih hadith above are unacceptable and questionable, that proves that they are unreliable and therefore other sahih hadith could also be unreliable, even though they are labeled as sahih. Is it really wise to follow sahih hadith knowing that they are likely to be unreliable? IF MOST MUSLIMS BELIEVE THE HADITH, IS IT SAFE TO JUST FOLLOW THEM? Many Muslims believe that they are safe and on the right path if they just do what the majority of Muslims do. However, God says in the Quran that if you follow most people on earth, you will be misled. و إ ن ت ط ع أ ك ث ر م ن ف ي ال أ ر ض ي ض ل و ك ع ن س ب ي ل الل ه ي ت ب ع ون إ ل ا الظ ن و إ ن ه م إ ل ا ي خ ر ص و ن إ ن And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of God. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying. (6:116) 24

37 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH Conclusion This verse proves that the majority belief is a belief that could lead you astray. The verse indicates that many people follow assumption without proof. This is easily proven by asking Muslims if they can show proof that supports the practices they follow. Many will respond saying that they just follow what everyone else does with the assumption that everyone can t be wrong. IF MOST ISLAMIC LEADERS BELIEVE THE HADITH, IS IT SAFE TO JUST FOLLOW THEM? Many Muslims believe that they are safe and on the right path if they just follow the advice of Islamic leaders. However, according to verse 33:67, many people who follow their leaders will have been mislead. و ق ال وا ر ب ن ا إ ن ا أ ط ع ن ا س ا دت ن ا و ك ب ر اء ن ا ف أ ض ل ون ا الس ب يل ا And they will say, "Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our masters and our dignitaries, and they led us astray from the [right] way. (33:67) Conclusion This verse proves that blindly following Islamic leaders and scholars (ulama ) can lead one astray. This isn t to say that everything that all Islamic leaders say is misleading. Rather, some or much of what they say may be misleading and therefore, one must see proof of any statement given by a leader and only follow something if it is supported by the Quran. IS IT OKAY TO ASSUME THE HADITH IS TRUTH? Many Muslims simply follow nothing but assumption that the hearsay that is the hadith are the true statements of prophet Muhammad. However, according to verse 10:36, most people foolishly follow assumption. 25

38 DAVID و م ا ي ت ب ع أ ك ث ر ه م إ ل ا ظ ن ا الل ه ع ل يم ب م ا ي ف ع ل و ن إ ن الظ ن ل ا ي غ ن ي م ن ال ح ق ش ي ئ ا إ ن And most of them follow not except assumption. Indeed, assumption avails not against the truth at all. Indeed, God is Knowing of what they do. (10:36) The only truth (35:31) that has not been corrupted (15:9) is the word of God, namely the Quran. IF I DON T THINK AND SEEK PROOF REGARDING ISLAMIC ISSUES SUCH AS THE VALIDITY OF THE HADITH, WILL GOD CONSIDER ME WORSE THAN A COW? Many Muslims believe that it s okay to just believe and follow what everyone else does without thinking and seeking proof to support their beliefs and actions. However, God gave everyone a brain and expects everyone to use it to think and see proof before following any particular practice. As a matter of fact, God considers people who don t use their God-given brains to be worse than cows that just blindly follow one another. إ ن ش ر الد و اب عن د الل ه الص م ال ب ك م ال ذ ي ن ل ا ي ع ق ل و ن Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of God are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason. (8:22) 26

39 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH و ل ق د ذ ر أ ن ا ل ج ه ن م ك ث ير ا م ن ال ج ن و ال إ ن س ل ه م ق ل وب لا ي ف ق ه و ن ب ه ا و ل ه م أ ع ي ن ل ا ي ب ص ر و ن ب ه ا و ل ه م آذ ان ل ا ي س م ع و ن ب ه ا أ ول ئ ك ك ال أ ن ع ام ب ل ه م أ ض ل أ ول ئ ك ه م ال غ اف ل و ن And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like cattle; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless. (7:179) أ م ت ح س ب أ ن أ ك ثر ه م ي س م ع و ن أ ب ل ه م أ ض ل س ب يل ا و ي ع ق ل و ن إ ن ه م إ ل ا ك ال أ ن ع ا م Or do you think that most of them hear or reason? They are not except like cattle. Rather, they are [even] more astray in [their] way. (25:44) Conclusion The verses above make it clear that we must use reason (think with our brains to make logical decisions) and that people who don t bother to see, listen, and think are worse than cows as they live astray following nothing but assumption. IS PROPHET MUHAMMAD EXCLUSIVE AND SUPERIOR TO THE OTHER PROPHETS? Many Muslims believe that prophet Muhammad is more special than the other prophets. However, the Quran makes it clear that all prophets are equal and that Muhammad is no more special than the other prophets. آم ن الر س و ل ب م ا أ نز ل إ ل ي ه م ن ر ب ه و ال م ؤ م ن و ن ك ل آم ن ب الل ه و م ل ائ ك ت ه و ك ت ب ه و ر س ل ه ل ا ن ف ر ق ب ي ن أ ح د م ن ر س ل ه و ق ال وا س م ع ن ا و أ ط ع ن ا غ ف ر ان ك ر ب ن ا و إ ل ي ك ال م ص ير 27

40 DAVID The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in God and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination." (2:285) ق ل م ا ك ن ت ب د ع ا م ن الر س ل و م ا أ د ر ي م ا ي ف ع ل ب ي و ل ا ب ك م إ ن أ ت ب ع إ ل ا م ا ي وح ى إ ل ي و م ا أ نا إ ل ا ن ذ ير م ب ين Say (O Muhammad), "I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow what is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner." (46:9) Conclusion The verses above make it clear that Muhammad is not a new messenger that preached a different religion than the previous messengers. They also prove that Muslims are not allowed to differentiate between any of the messengers. In other words, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and all other messengers must be considered equal. WHAT TO BELIEVE Many Muslims think that they are supposed to believe in both the Quran and the hadith. However, there is nowhere in the Quran that says you are to believe in the hadith. According to verse 2:285, what you must believe in is only 1. God 2. God's Angels 3. God's Books (e.g. Torah, Injeel, Zabur, Quran) 4. God's Messengers (e.g. Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad) 5. All messengers of God are equal Obviously, the hadith books such as the one compiled by Imam Bukhari 28

41 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH is not God's book because it was a man-made book containing manmade statements as opposed to divine revelations. Belief in God's Messengers (all of them) obviously means that those specific individuals were messengers of God as opposed to regular people. It doesn't mean you have to or should believe in the hadith books. آم ن الر س و ل ب م ا أ نز ل إ ل ي ه م ن ر ب ه و ال م ؤ م ن و ن ك ل آم ن ب الل ه و م ل ائ ك ت ه و ك ت ب ه و ر س ل ه ل ا ن ف ر ق ب ي ن أ ح د م ن ر س ل ه و ق ال وا س م ع ن ا و أ ط ع ن ا غ ف ر ان ك ر ب ن ا و إ ل ي ك ال م ص ير The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in God and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination." (2:285) DOES OBEY GOD AND HIS MESSENGER MEAN I MUST FOLLOW THE HADITH AND SUNNAH? Many Muslims believe that the verse containing the statement obey God and His Messenger is proof that Muslims must follow the hadith (sayings of the prophet) and Sunnah (traditions of the prophet). However, the Quran makes it clear that Muslims during the time of Muhammad were expected to obey his authority regarding matters related to the Quran, not regarding his personal preferences that have nothing to do with the Quran. Taking Words Out of Context If we look at verse 3:32, we see that if one takes only the first part of the verse, we lose the context and don t know who the specific verse was targeting. ق ل أ ط يع وا الل ه و الر س و ل ف إ ن ت و ل و ا ف إ ن الل ه ل ا ي ح ب ال ك اف ر ي ن 29

42 DAVID Say, "Obey God and the Messenger." But if they turn away - then indeed, God does not like the disbelievers. (3:32) We need to know who they are. The people who were being disobedient to the prophet were contemporaries of the Prophet who were around the Prophet when he was alive. Analysis of the Word Obey Verse 25:33 indicates that the Quran is its own best tafsir (explanation). So, we should use the Quran to help explain what is meant by obey instead of just guessing that it means to follow the hadith and Sunnah of the Prophet. Following are verses that have to do with obeying the messenger which clearly show that to obey him meant to obey his authority. Verse # Description 24:51 Allow the Prophet to judge between your disputes 4:59 Listen to the Prophet and those given authority and if there is a dispute, take it to the Prophet to resolve. This is a better way. 33:33 The wives of the Prophet - Obey the Messenger 49:14 To those that have not yet had faith fully entered into their hearts. Obey God and the Prophet 8:46 Do not fall into disputes - Obey God and the Prophet 24:48 Don't turn away like the Munafiqs (Hypocrites) when they are called to God and His Prophet that he may judge between them 8:1 In matter of 'gain/ windfalls' and to end your disputes - Obey God and the Prophet 49:3 Subdue your voices in his (Muhammad s) presence 8:20 Obey God and the Messenger - Do not turn away from him when he speaks! 30

43 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH 8:24 Respond to God and his Prophet - when he calls you (Arabic: Astajibu) Obey Others as Well If we look at similar verses in the Quran, we find that the phrase obey God and the Messenger is not limited to them two but also includes people who were charged with authority, as proven in verse 4:59. ي ا أ ي ه ا ال ذ ي ن آم ن وا أ ط يع وا الل ه و أ ط يع وا الر س و ل و أ ول ي ال أ م ر م نك م ف إ ن ت ن از ع ت م ف ي ش ي ء ف ر د و ه إ ل ى الل ه و الر س و ل إ ن ك نت م ت ؤ م ن و ن ب الل ه و ال ي و م ال آخ ر ذ ل ك خ ي ر و أ ح س ن ت أ و يل ا O you who have believed, obey God and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if you should believe in God and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result. (4:59) Obey The Messenger Even though the Quran often mentions obedience to the messenger, it s interesting to note that it never specifically says obey Muhammad, even though Muhammad is the messenger of the Quran. The significance of this specific address by the title messenger is often not appreciated. The message (the Quran) is connected to the messenger. Therefore, it was with respect to the message in the Quran that Muhammad needed to be obeyed. The Quran never demanded people obey Muhammad in his personal preferences such as if he liked to keep a long beard. As a matter of fact, the Quran only makes use of the name Muhammad four times in the entire scripture (3:144, 33:40, 47:2, 48:29). All these verses clearly emphasize his capacity as a messenger of God. Obey Other Messengers Muhammad was not the only messenger to be obeyed (with respect to the Quran) but other messengers were to be obeyed as well by their respective communities. This is evident in verse 4:64. 31

44 DAVID و م ا أ ر س ل ن ا م ن ر س ول إ ل ا ل ي ط ا ع ب إ ذ ن الل ه و ل و أ ن ه م إ ذ ظ ل م وا أ نف س ه م ج اء و ك ف اس ت غ ف ر وا الل ه و اس ت غ ف ر ل ه م الر س و ل ل و ج د وا الل ه ت و اب ا ر ح يم ا And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of God. And if, when they wronged themselves, they had come to you, [O Muhammad], and asked forgiveness of God and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found God Accepting of repentance and Merciful. (4:64) To "Obey": An Analogy To help understand how to "obey" the messenger is only meant to mean to obey the messenger with regards the Quran, we can use an analogy of how employees are expected to "obey" their supervisors at work. If your boss asks you to work on a project, you, as a paid employee, are expected to obey your supervisor and fulfill that request. However, if your boss was a skinhead who always shaved his head or was a cow worshipper, if he tells you to shave your head or worship a cow, you obviously don't have to obey him because you understand that to "obey" him is limited to work-related matters. Similarly, obeying the prophet is limited to obeying him with regards the Quran and his timebound orders as the temporary leader of his community during his lifetime, e.g. during times of war, if the prophet told his army to follow a particular strategy, his army was expected to obey him. Conclusion The verses above make it clear that obeying the messenger means the following: for the contemporaries of Muhammad, obey Muhammad and others in authority at the time for everyone after Muhammad died, obey the message that the messenger (Muhammad) was delivering (the Quran) Obeying the messenger does not mean to obey Muhammad s personal preferences that are unrelated to the Quran. 32

45 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH HOW DID THE PROPHET GUIDE HIS PEOPLE? Many Muslims believe that being guided by the prophet is done by following the hadith. However, God instructed Muhammad to guide people with the Quran, not with anything else. ف ذ ك ر ب ال ق ر آ ن م ن ن ح ن أ ع ل م ب م ا ي ق ول و ن و م ا أ ن ت ع ل ي ه م ب ج ب ار ي خ اف و ع ي د We are most knowing of what they say, and you are not over them a tyrant (forceful leader). Therefore remind by the Qur'an whoever fears My threat.(50:45)... و أ وح ي إ ل ي ه ذ ا ال ق ر آ ن ل أ نذ ر ك م ب ه و م ن ب ل غ... this Qur'an was revealed to me that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches (6:19 part) Conclusion The verses above make it clear that Muhammad guided people using the Quran and not any of his hadith that were not captured in the Quran. Therefore, if Muhammad guided people with nothing but the Quran, why are Muslims today not doing the same and using nothing but the Quran for guidance? HOW CAN WE LEARN HOW TO PRAY IF WE DON T HAVE THE HADITH TO TEACH US? Some Muslims argue that since the Quran doesn t explain how to pray and that the hadith does, then the hadith are therefore necessary to supplement the Quran. However, upon careful analysis of the Quran, it becomes clear that the hadith is not what teaches people how to pray. Consider the following: Aspects of Prayer 33

46 DAVID The Quran does explain most aspects of prayer, e.g. when to pray (10:87; 11:114; 14:31; 14:37; 14:40; 17:78; 2:110; 2:277; 2:3; 2:43: 2:83; 20:14; 22:35; 22:41; 24:56; 27:3; 29:45; 30:31; 31:17; 31:4; 35:29; 4:77; 42:38; 5:12; 5:55; 58:13; 6:72; 7:170; 73:20; 8:3; 9:11; 9:5; 9:71; 98:5) ablution (wudhu) (4:43; 5:6) prayer direction (qiblah) ( ) prayer times (4:103; 11:114; 17:78; 24:58; 30:18; 2:238: 20:58) there is a general form to prayer (2:238-39) standing position (3:39; 4:102) bowing down and prostrating (sujud) (4:102; 22:26; 38:24; 48:29) prayer form is not required during times of emergencies, fear, and unusual circumstances (2:239) the call to prayer (adhan) and congregation prayer (62:9) don t abandon prayer (19:58-59) prayer purpose (for God and to remember God alone) (6:162; 20:14) prayer involves utterance (4:43) prayer tone (17:110) prayer leader (4:101) prayer purpose (to protect from sins) (29:45) shortening of prayer during times of fear and danger (4:101) prayer clothing and place of prayer (masjid) (7:31) Praying Began with Prophet Abraham, Not Prophet Muhammad Praying was not originally established by Prophet Muhammad. It began with Prophet Abraham (2:128, 14:40, 21:73) and practiced by all monotheistic communities (including Christians) after him. People already knew how to pray before the revelation of the Quran. ر ب ن ا و اج ع ل ن ا م س ل م ي ن ل ك و م ن ذ ر ي ت ن ا أ م ة م س ل م ة ل ك و أ ر ن ا م ن اس ك ن ا و ت ب ع ل ي ن ا إ ن ك أ ن ت الت و ا ب الر ح ي م 34

47 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. (2:128) ر ب اج ع ل ن ي م ق ي م الص ل ا ة و م ن ذ ر ي ت ي ر ب ن ا و ت ق ب ل د ع ا ء My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. (14:40) و ج ع ل ن اه م أ ئ م ة ي ه د و ن ب أ م ر ن ا و أ و ح ي ن ا إ ل ي ه م ف ع ل ال خ ي ر ا الص ل اة و إ يت ا ء الز ك ا ة و ك ان وا ل ن ا ع اب د ي ن ت و إ ق ا م And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us. (21:73) Contrary to popular belief, many Muslims are in denial of the fact that Abraham founded Islam, not Muhammad, and Muhammad was actually told to follow the religion of Abraham, as proven in verse 16:123. ث م أ و ح ي ن ا إ ل ي ك أ ال م ش ر ك ين ن ات ب ع م ل ة إ ب ر اه ي م ح ن يف ا و م ا ك ا ن م ن Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammad], to follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate with God. (16:123) Prayer Continued with People After Abraham After Abraham, people continued to pray, as indicated in Quran verses 2:43 and 3:43. In a dialog with the Children of Israel (Jews), God instructed them to bow down with those who bow down in worship. و أ ق يم وا الص ل ا ة و آت وا الز ك ا ة و ار ك ع وا م ع الر اك ع ي ن 35

48 DAVID And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. (2:43) In the case of Mary, mother of Jesus (Isa), God instructs Mary to prostrate and bow down with others. ي ا م ر ي م اق ن ت ي ل ر ب ك و اس ج د ي و ار ك ع ي م ع الر اك ع ي ن "O Mary! Be obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow down with those who bow down" (3:43) To bow down with those that bow down means that the Jews and Mary, Mother of Jesus (Isa), prayed in congregation like Muslims currently do on Fridays. Therefore, it is clear that people already knew how to pray from long before Muhammad s time. Jesus also prayed, as proven in verse 19:31. و ج ع ل ن ي م ب ار ك ا أ ي ن م ا ك ن ت و أ و ص ان ي ب الص ل ا ة و الز ك ا ة م ا د م ح ي ا ت And He has made me (Jesus) blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive. (3:43) Additional Proof that People Prayed Before Muhammad s Time In verses 19:58-59, we are told that God blessed many prophets before Muhammad and that after them, some generations stopped praying. This indicates that they did know how to pray. أ ول ئ ك ال ذ ي ن أ ن ع م الل ه ع ل ي ه م م ن الن ب ي ي ن م ن ذ ر ي ة آد م و م م ن ح م ل ن ا م ع ن وح و م ن ذ ر ي ة إ ب ر اه ي م و إ س ر ائ ي ل و م م ن ه د ي ن ا و اج ت ب ي ن ا إ ذ ا ت ت ل ى ع ل ي ه م آي ا ت الر ح م ن خ ر وا س ج د ا و ب ك ي ا ف خ ل ف م ن ب ع د ه م خ ل ف أ ض اع وا الص ل ا ة و ات ب ع وا الش ه و ا ت ف س و ف ي ل ق و ن غ ي ا 36

49 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH Those were the ones upon whom God bestowed favor from among the prophets of the descendants of Adam and of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah, and of the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and of those whom We guided and chose. When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping. (19:58) But there came after them successors who neglected prayer and pursued desires; so they are going to meet evil. (19:59) Example Prayer Form Before Muhammad s Time Since the Jews before Muhammad s time were instructed to pray and bow down with those that bow down (2:43), one might be curious to know what their form of prayer was. According to Hayim H. Donin in his book titled To Pray As A Jew, we see diagrams as shown below describing the ancient way Jews prayed. Unsurprisingly, the way they prayed is very similar to how Muslims today pray, even though Jews today no longer pray the way ancient Jews prayed. It is interesting to learn from this book that Jews also wash before praying (like ablution / wudhu for Muslims) and have a call for prayers (like the adhan for Muslims). 37

50 DAVID The following YouTube video also shows how Jews originally prayed. Prayer Purpose Overrides Prayer Form The Quran doesn t explain specific prayer form. Since the Quran is complete (6:115, 6:38) and detailed (6:114, 12:111, 41:3), it is reasonable to believe that God did not specify a particular form because He did not want people to feel restricted and obsessed with a specific form, e.g. placing your hands over your chest instead of your stomach tapping your index finger over you right knee ensuring your feet are a specific distance apart bending your right toes at an uncomfortable angle etc As stated in the Quran, the purpose of prayer is to remember God alone (20:14). إ ن ن ي أ ن ا الل ه ل ا إ ل ه إ ل ا أ ن ا ف اع ب د ن ي و أ ق م الص ل ا ة ل ذ ك ر ي Indeed, I am God. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance. (20:14) Being obsessed with prayer form could possibly distract people from being able to focus on God because they may be concerned that God may not accept their prayer if they, for example, didn t raise their hands to their ears while saying Godu Akbar (God is the Greatest). God went into great detail to describe certain things in the Quran such as divorce details, transaction details, inheritance details, ablution (wudhu) details, punishments for various acts such as murder, etc. However, God chose not to go into detail with regards other things such as the form of prayer and the number of rakaats (units) for each of the five daily prayers. Therefore, the fact that God chose not to go into great detail to describe how to pray must have been intentional rather than because God forgot or for some other reason. Prayer Specifics in the Hadith The hadith actually doesn t provide all details of prayer. As a matter of 38

51 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH fact, there isn t a single hadith that clearly describes an entire prayer from start to finish. Considering how important prayer is and how frequent people did it (at least 5 times a day), it s hard to believe that there aren t many hadith that clearly explain how we pray today. An astute and unbiased reader would reasonably find this to be very suspicious and cannot dismiss this observation. Prayer Before the Hadith Existed The hadith were compiled 214 years after the prophet s death. If the hadith explains how to pray, then how did everyone pray during the 214 years since the prophet died? An astute reader would reasonably find this to be very suspicious. How People Learn to Pray If you think about it, people just like yourself don t learn to pray from searching through the hadith. Rather, they learn to pray from their parents or society, just like people did before the hadith were compiled. Congregational prayers every Friday would have, no doubt, assisted in maintaining the consistency of prayer form. Conclusion People knew how to pray from long before Muhammad s time. People don t learn to pray from the hadith but rather from society and congregational prayers. CAN YOU FOLLOW A PRACTICE WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING IT? Many Muslims think it is acceptable to just follow a certain practice, e.g. believing in the hadeeth, without first understanding or seeing proof as to the validity of the practice. However, God instructs in the Quran that one is to not follow something without first understanding it. و ل ا ت ق ف م ا ل ي س ل ك ب ه ع ل م إ ن الس م ع و ال ب ص ر و ال ف ؤ اد ك ل أ ول ئ ك ك ان ع ن ه م س ئ ول ا 39

52 DAVID And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned. (17:36) The attitude of blindly following others is no different than that of the idol worshippers during the time of Prophet Abraham as explained in verses (21:52-68). Abraham asked his own father and his people why they worshipped statues. Their response was simply because that s what their parents had done. Abraham the proved to them that their statues were not gods by breaking all but the largest statue. Obviously, if the statues were gods, they could not have been broken. Instead of thinking about this proof, Abraham s father and his people instead threatened to burn Abraham. This story also shows that even one s parents may be wrong. When he (Prophet Abraham) said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoted?" They said, "We found our fathers worshippers of them." He said, "You were certainly, you and your fathers, in manifest error." And [I swear] by God, I will surely plan against your idols after you have turned and gone away." So he made them into fragments, except a large one among them, that they might return to it [and question]. They said, "Have you done this to our gods, O Abraham?" They said, "Burn him (Abraham) and support your gods - if you are to act." (21:52-68) و إ ذ ا ق يل ل ه م ات ب ع وا م ا أ نز ل الل ه ق ال وا ب ل ن ت ب ع م ا أ ل ف ي ن ا ع ل ي ه آب اء ن ا أ و ل و ك ان آب اؤ ه م ل ا ي ع ق ل ون ش ي ئ ا و ل ا ي ه ت د ون And when it is said to them, "Follow what God has revealed," they say, "Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing." Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided? (2:170) Conclusion Blindly following a practice without understanding it is actually not allowed. This is understandable since understanding why one follows a 40

53 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH certain practice reduces the likelihood of being misled and allows one to appreciate why they are following any particular practice. ARE MUSLIMS OVERCOMPLICATING ISLAM BY FOLLOWING THE HADITH? Many Muslims become obsessed with minute details regarding Islam such as how many times one must wash their hands when performing ablution (wudhu) and whether women must cover their hair or the neck or their hands. Could it be that following the hundreds of thousands of hadith is yet another attempt by Islamic scholars and Muslims in general to overcomplicate a religion that God intended to be simple? Apparently, overcomplicating a religious practice is not something new. God gives us an example of the Jews overcomplicating the simple task of sacrificing a cow. Verses 2:67-71 starts off with Moses telling his people (Jews) to sacrifice a cow. Instead of just doing what they were told, they kept asking Moses to ask God for details about the specific type of cow. God first told them, via Moses, that it should be a middleaged cow. But that wasn t clear enough for the Jews so then God said that it should be a bright yellow cow. Again, that wasn t clear enough for the Jews so God finally said that it should be a cow that was not trained to plough the earth nor water the fields and without any blemishes. The Jews finally sacrificed a cow although they almost didn t do it. And [recall] when Moses said to his people, "Indeed, God commands you to slaughter a cow." They said, "Do you take us in ridicule?" He said, "I seek refuge in God from being among the ignorant." They said, "Call upon your Lord to make clear to us what it is." [Moses] said, "[ God ] says, 'It is a cow which is neither old nor virgin, but median between that,' so do what you are commanded." They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us what is her color." He said, "He says, 'It is a yellow cow, bright in color - pleasing to the observers.' " They said, "Call upon your Lord to make clear to us what it is. Indeed, [all] cows look alike to us. And indeed we, if God wills, will be guided." He said, "He says, 'It is a cow neither trained to plow the earth nor to irrigate the field, one free from fault with no spot upon her.' " They said, "Now you have come with the truth." So they slaughtered her, but they could hardly do it. (2:67-71) All the Jews had to do was pick a cow, slaughter it, and be done. But no, 41

54 DAVID they insisted there must be some unique special cow to slaughter. Unfortunately, many Muslims today are no different in their overcomplicating Islamic practices. People Are Inclined to Dispute Issues of Religion In the Quran, there are many verses that describe how the Jews and Christians dispute with one another, and how the Jews and Christians dispute with Muslims who follow the Quran. As we can see in society today, even Jews dispute amongst themselves, Christians dispute amongst themselves and Muslims dispute amongst themselves. Apparently, God already informed us of this in verse 18:54 which states that, despite the many examples provided in the Quran, people will still dispute Quranic issues. و ل ق د ص ر ف ن ا ف ي ه ذ ا ال ق ر آن ل لن اس م ن ك ل م ث ل و ك ان ال إ نس ان أ ك ث ر ش ي ء ج د ل ا And We have certainly diversified in this Qur'an for the people from every [kind of] example; but man has ever been, most of anything, [prone to] dispute. (18:54) Unfortunately, it should come as no surprise, then, that despite the many examples provided in the Quran, many Muslims still insist that the hadith is necessary to complete explain the Quran and will continue to dispute the completeness and sufficiency of the Quran. IS BELIEF IN THE HADITH SATAN S WAY OF MISLEADING MOST MUSLIMS? God says in verse 15:9 that He revealed the Quran and that He will guard it from corruption. إ ن ا ن ح ن ن ز ل ن ا الذ ك ر و إ ن ا ل ه ل ح اف ظ ون Indeed, it is We who sent down the reminder (Qur'an) and indeed, We will be its guardian. (15:9) God also says in verse 6:115 that no one can alter his words. 42

55 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH ق ال أ ر أ ي ت ك ه ذ ا ال ذ ي ك ر م ت ع ل ي ل ئ ن أ خ ر ت ن إ ل ى ي و م ال ق ي ام ة ل أ ح ت ن ك ن ذ ر ي ت ه إ ل ا ق ل يل ا [Iblees] said, "Do You see this one whom You have honored above me? If You delay me until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy his descendants, except for a few." (17:62) Satan could try to mislead people one by one or he could try to mislead a lot of people all at once. Obviously, if Satan could cause people to alter the Quran and add and remove verses, similar to how there are now many different versions of the Christian Bible, then Satan could easily mislead many people by causing people to follow a modified version of the Quran. However, since God guards the Quran from corruption, one way Satan could accomplish the same goal is by influencing people to create another book and slowly making them believe that this other book is a valid book for all Muslims to follow. Could it be that this other book is the hadith and that belief in the hadith is Satan s way of misleading almost all Muslims with a single effort. If that s true, which is not an unreasonable possibility, then Satan will have succeeded in misleading generation after generation as Muslims all over the world are taught from a very young age to belief that the hadith is the second book of Islam besides the Quran. FRIVOLOUS HADITH TO LEAD ASTRAY Everyone, including Muslims, will agree that some hadith are just outright ridiculous and non-sensical, including some that are rated sahih. Muslim scholars themselves do not all agree on which hadith should be followed. Logically, religion would be must simpler if the hadith did not exist and everyone just followed the Quran. However, according to verses 6: , God allowed the hadith to exist as a test for people who disbelieve in the Hereafter and for people who do not solely believe in the Quran for matters of religion. و ك ذ ل ك ج ع ل ن ا ل ك ل ن ب ي ع د وا ش ي اط ين ال إ نس و ال ج ن ي وح ي ا و ل و ش اء ر بك م ا ور ب ع ض ه م إ ل ى ب ع ض ز خ ر ف ال ق و ل غ ر ف ع ل وه ف ذ ر ه م و م ا ي ف ت ر ون و ل ت ص غ ى إ ل ي ه أ ف ئ د ة ال ذ ين ل ا ي ؤ م ن ون ب ال آخ ر ة و ل ي ر ض و ه و ل ي ق ت ر ف وا م ا ه م مق ت ر ف و ن 43

56 DAVID And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy - devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring to one another decorative speech in deception. But if your Lord had willed, they would not have done it, so leave them and that which they invent. And [it is] so the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter will incline toward it and that they will be satisfied with it and that they will commit that which they are committing. (6: ) Verse 31:6 should make it very clear that whoever follows these frivolous hadith are unknowingly misleading people. As such, they will have a humiliating punishment. و م ن الن اس م ن ي ش ت ر ي ل ه و ال ح د يث ل ي ض ل ع ن س ب يل الل ه ب غ ي ر ع ل م و ي ت خ ذ ه ا ه ز و ا أ ول ئ ك ل ه م ع ذ اب مه ي ن And of the people is he who buys the idle / frivolous tales (lahw al-hadith) to mislead [others] from the way of God without knowledge and who takes it in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment. (31:6) The word buys here obviously doesn t mean purchase with money but rather believes in and follows. Notice how the verse indicates that these people are unknowingly misleading people. That sounds a lot like what many Muslims do today who insist on believing in and following the hadith without first understanding the Quran. Consequently, their belief in the hadith misleads people and they will be punished. God has already made it clear in many verses throughout the Quran, e.g. verse 45:6, that only the Quran is to be followed, and that we are not allowed to follow what we don t understand (17:36), and that we must understand and think deeply about the Quran (47:24). Therefore, if people choose to ignore these and many other statements in the Quran, then it s their fault for unknowingly misleading others by believing in and following the hadith. And for that, they will be punished. PEOPLE WANTED TO CHANGE THE QURAN 44

57 ANALYSIS OF VALIDITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD S HADITH Ever since the time of Prophet Muhammad, there were people who weren't happy with the Qur'an and wanted to change things. This is proven in verse 17:73. و إ ن ك اد وا ل ي ف ت ن ون ك ع ن ال ذ ي أ و ح ي ن ا إ ل ي ك ل ت ف ت ر ي ع ل ي ن ا غ ي ر ه و إ ذ ا ل ات خ ذ وك خ ل يل ا And indeed, they were about to tempt you away from that which We revealed to you in order to [make] you invent about Us something else; and then they would have taken you as a friend. (17:73) Therefore, it s likely that some or possibly many of the hadith we know of today originate from these people who wanted to change the Quran. QUESTIONS WORTH THINKING ABOUT If God revealed the Quran, why would He expect people to also follow literally hundreds of thousands of statements (hadith) as compiled by the various imams which are supposedly accurate sayings of the prophet Muhammad? There are literally hundreds of thousands of hadith supposedly from the prophet Muhammad. Would God really expect everyone to read them all in addition to the Quran? As a Muslim, have you read all of the hadith or do you just follow the popular ones that you hear about? As a Muslim, do you think it is not your responsibility to understand and verify the practices you follow? Or do you think it is sufficient to blindly follow what the majority follows and/or whatever famous Islamic scholars decide on? As a Muslim, do you even understand the meaning of the Quran let alone the hundreds of thousands of hadith? Or do you just read the Quran by making the Arabic sounds without understanding the meaning of what you are reading? Imam Bukhari compiled the hadith of the prophet Muhammad over 200 years since Muhammad died. Bukhari did this by asking people if they remember hearing what Muhammad said and compiling a book based on what people told him. If you had to compile a book of things someone who died 200 years ago said by asking people, would you believe what 45

58 DAVID people tell you to be accurate? There is not a single court of justice in the world that would give any credit to a testimony that has been passed down orally for 200 hundred years before it was eventually written down. If Muhammad felt that all of his day-to-day sayings (hadith) were so important and constituted Islamic law, don't you think he would have written them down or had some people write them down? It's hard to believe that he would not have thought to do so if his day-to-day hadith were an important part of the religion. ARE MANY MUSLIMS TODAY LIKE CLUELESS TRAINED MONKEYS? Many Muslims believe that they understand Islam and knowledgeable about their practices. are However, many of them can t provide proof to support their practices and just insist that their practices are correct. This behavior is no different than that of clueless trained monkeys. 46

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60 DAVID 48

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