حدیث اور احسن الحدیث : محمد شیخ کے نظریات کا ناقدانہ جائزہ

Ḥadīth and Aḥsan al- Ḥadīth: A Critical Review of Muhammad Sheikh's Thoughts

Abstract

The importance and authority of ḥadīth in Islam is undeniable. It has been studied by various scholars from different angles. A significant debate in this context is about those who deny its religious status and claim that Islam is all in the Quran and ḥadīth is nothing to do with it. One of such people is Muhammad Sheikh of Karachi. He has raised objections to the importance and meaning of ḥadīth making ḥadīth and the Qurānic words "Aḥsan al-Ḥadīth" as his special focus. To him ḥadīth is actually the events that are narrated in the Quran with reference to Muhammad and other prophets. This article examining his views concludes that these understandings are against the Quran as well as the interpretations and Qurānic commentaries of great Muslim scholars. The meanings of ḥadīth which Sheikh has stated are completely contrary to the style of the expression in the Quran and the clear principles of deriving meaning from this sacred text.