The Four Imams and Their Schools: Abu Hanifa, Mali

[Noah]

ASA Osman,

First, we enjoy the class very much. We have a question on the Hadiths that are long in with great details.

How does the Scholars view these Hadiths: Isra and Maraj with its details of Heaven and Hell. The other is the Last Days and Day of Judgement.

Unlike other Hadiths these contain details that are not reflected in the Quran.

[Osman Umarji]

Walaikumusalaam,

Just like any other hadith, the scholars vigorously check the authenticity of every line of the hadith. They do not assume that since the subject matter is well known that the details are automatically accepted.

Here are some things the scholars may look into with detail.

1. The hadith scholar may find two separate hadiths combined together accidentally by the narrator (idraaj). This would be a flaw in the text of the hadith, since the Prophet did not speak of the issue in such a fashion.

2. The hadith may contain information from the People of Scripture (Jews and Christians). Such information is looked at in one of three ways.

a. If it confirms what Islam says, we accept such details.
b. If it goes against what Islam says, we reject such details.
c. If we cannot find proof within the Quran or sunnah to accept or reject such details, we don't make a judgment in favor or against the details of the narration.

3. The scholars look at all the other narrations of the same incident. If they notice an increase in the details in one narration over another, they research which narration is more authentic. Sometimes, the narration with additional information is more sound, and sometimes the narration without the details is more sound. This is known as ziyadaat al thiqaat. (Additional information transmitted by trustworthy narrators)

Lastly, I would like to add that we should not be surprised by the long narrations. Often times, the Prophet would sit and review his statements with the companions, and they would sit together and study them and memorize them as well. Also, there are many individuals from the Sahaba and even today who possess such a strong memory that they can listen to a speech and relate it back word for word.

May Allah give us the best understanding.

Wsalaam

[Osman Umarji]

One more note.

The Quran does not always give detailed explanations whether it be in issues of creed or law. If you look at the verses mentioning prayer, you will not find any verse indicating the number of prayers or how we pray.

The Sunnah came to explain the Quran. So the Quran will often give a general ruling or account of the issue ('Aam) and the sunnah will give a detailed, more specific ruling ('Khaas).

The Sunnah is also revelation, so it is ok if it comes with information not explicitly stated in the Quran.

Allah knows best.

[fatmazehrabetul]

Sa This is Fatma from Turkey, I'm a Ma student in Turkey and will live in NY for a year to improve my academic English and researches in Columbia universitiy. My Ma Dissertation is about hadith, "Hadiths that are used in Hanafi and Shaafi fiqh books and regarded as weak by Muhaddiths". I saw this classes a bit late:( Will be the same course on 2011? Hope to join it..
Vesselam...