Exposing Islam

The Qur’an and Hadith

Hierarchy of Authority in Islam

Introduction

Understanding the structure of religious authority in Islam is critical for distinguishing between core doctrine and later interpretations. At the heart of this hierarchy lies a foundational principle: The Qur’an is the supreme, final, and uncorrupted source of Islamic belief and law.

This post outlines the relationship between the Qur’an and Hadith, explores the Qur’an-centric movement, and defines the limits of secondary sources.

1. The Qur’an: Final and Supreme Authority

Muslims believe the Qur’an is:

The literal word of God, revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years.
Protected from corruption: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Qur’an 15:9)
Complete and sufficient:
- “We have not neglected in the Book a thing…” (Qur’an 6:38)
- “Then is it other than Allah I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book explained in detail?” (Qur’an 6:114–115)

Core Principle:

If there is a contradiction between the Qur’an and any other source — Hadith, tradition, or scholar — the Qur’an overrides. Full stop.

2. The Hadith: Necessary but Not Equal

Hadith are reports of the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. They were recorded after his death, based on oral transmission and later written down by scholars.

Purpose:

Explain or clarify general Qur’anic commands (e.g., how to pray, the mechanics of zakat).
Fill gaps where the Qur’an is silent on specifics.

Problems:

Compiled by human effort, not divine revelation.
Graded for authenticity:
- Sahih (authentic)
- Hasan (good)
- Da’if (weak)
- Mawdu‘ (fabricated)
Disagreements even among top scholars:
- Al-Bukhari vs. Muslim vs. Abu Dawood — not all accepted the same narrations.

Critical Rule:

Hadith are subordinate to the Qur’an. They are valid only if they do not contradict the Qur’an’s clear meaning.

3. The Qur’an-Centric Approach (Qur’anism)

Some Muslims adopt a position known as Qur’anism, rejecting Hadith altogether and focusing solely on the Qur’an.

Qur’anist Arguments:

Qur’an is complete, clear, and detailed (Qur’an 6:114–115).
Caution against outside sources:
- “These are the verses of Allah which We recite to you in truth. Then in what statement after Allah and His verses will they believe?” (Qur’an 45:6)

Pushback from Traditionalists:

Qur’an commands obedience to the Prophet:
- “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example...” (Qur’an 33:21)
They interpret this as a justification for Hadith.

Rebuttal:

Obedience to the Prophet is valid only when it aligns with the Qur’an. Obedience does not mean accepting unauthenticated or contradictory reports.

4. The Real Takeaway

The Qur’an is non-negotiable — the only source guaranteed to be divine.
Hadith are useful but fallible and must be:
1. Verified for authenticity,
2. Consistent with the Qur’an.

Any belief, law, or practice that contradicts the Qur’an has no legitimate place in Islam — no matter how old, popular, or widespread it is.

Conclusion

If you want to understand original Islam, the only logical place to start — and end — is the Qur’an. Hadith can support, but never supersede it.

A Qur’an-centric lens is not heretical — it’s foundational.