What is the difference between Hadith and Qur'an?
The Qur'an and Hadith are both fundamental sources of guidance in Islam, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the Angel Gabriel. It is the primary source of Islamic theology, law, and guidance for personal conduct. The Qur'an is written in Arabic and is composed of verses (ayahs) organized into chapters (surahs). It is considered unchangeable and eternal, preserved in its original form since its revelation. As stated in Surah Ar-Rahmaan, Hath made known the Qur'an.
55:2 This highlights the Qur'an's role as a divine message meant for humanity.
On the other hand, Hadith refers to the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. While Hadith provides insights into the Prophet's life and his teachings, it is not considered the word of God. Instead, it serves as a supplementary source of guidance that helps interpret the Qur'an and provides context for its teachings. Hadith literature is vast and varies in authenticity, with collections graded for reliability by scholars. For instance, Hadith that do not align with the Qur'an are considered less authoritative, as noted in some narrations, such as in Al-Kafi, where it is stated, Any hadith that does not accord with the Qur'an is ornamentation
Al-Kafi 2:168.
In summary, the Qur'an is the foundational text of Islam, viewed as the direct word of God, while Hadith comprises the recorded practices and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that help elucidate and expand upon the teachings found in the Qur'an.
Sources
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55:2 · Ar-Rahmaan
55:2 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
عَلَّمَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ
Hath made known the Qur'an.
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Al-Kafi 2:168
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 168
Any hadith that does not accord with the Qur'an is ornamentation. — OR — The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said, "The best worship is saying 'There is no god but Allah.'" — OR — I asked Abu Abdullah about a fasting person who pours oil into his ear. He said, 'There is no harm in that.' — OR — I described to Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) those who claim this matter and act as agents of the ruler, and he said, "If those appointed over you treat you gently and benefit you in your needs..." I said, "Some of them do that and some do not." He said, "As for those among them who do not do that, disassociate yourselves from them; may Allah disassociate Himself from them." — OR — The waiting period of the woman who does not menstruate and the one who is irregularly bleeding and does not become pure is three months; and the waiting period of the one who menstruates regularly and properly is three menstrual cycles. And a menstrual cycle is the period between two menstruations. — OR — I asked Abu Abdullah about whether women inherit land. He said, 'No, but they inherit the value of the building.' I said, 'People do not accept that.' He replied, 'If we are put in charge and they do not accept it, we will strike them with the whip; if they do not straighten up, we will strike them with the sword.'
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