Types of Ḥadīth Content

The vast majority of texts in the two Ṣaḥīḥ collections are fully applicable and not abrogated, and free of errors and mistakes. This is a prominent feature of these two books, as affirmed by all who are blessed to examine and experience them fully.

Types of Ḥadīth Content

You must place in their proper place all ḥadīth texts which are sound and fully applicable, and treat every other type accordingly. Types of ḥadīth content include:
1. Those which elaborate on general rules found in the Qurʾān
2. Those which contain a derivation of a principle found in the Qurʾān
3. Those which originate a legal ruling which is not explicitly mentioned in the Qurʾān
4. Those containing guidance and instruction concerning practical worldly matters such as food, drink, medicine, trade, economics, military matters and their likes.

How Are Texts Treated Differently?

It must first be understood that a ḥadīth can never alter or oppose a Qurʾānic ruling or detail in any way. If any ḥadīth contradicts the Qurʾān in a way that cannot be reconciled in some manner, then this is an indication of a mistake in its transmission. This is because the Prophet, peace be upon him, was protected from disobeying God, from opposing any part of the Qurʾān, and from presenting anything that would openly contradict reason in any way.
When it is established that a particular ḥadīth does not contradict the Qurʾān, then it becomes obligatory to act upon it and follow that ḥadīth according to its type. In other words, if a ḥadīth clarifies what is in the Qurʾān or facilitates its application, then the believer must humble himself and submit to it willingly, without finding any sort of hesitation within himself regarding its contents.

Worldly Experiential Matters Found in Ḥadīth Texts

Most worldly experiential matters which are found in ḥadīth reports represent the ijtihād (personal reasoning) of the Prophet, peace be upon him, in his capacity as a sincere and trustworthy adviser. He spared no effort in guiding his ummah to that which would rectify it and set its affairs right, within the limits of his knowledge and experience, and keeping in mind the needs and requirements of his people.

From his sincerity, trustworthy nature, kindness and humility, was that whenever he learned of a mistake he corrected that immediately. Muslim relates in the Book of Virtues from Rāfiʿ b. Khudaykh who said: the Messenger of God, peace be upon him, arrived in Madīnah while the people were pollinating their palm trees. He asked, “What are you doing?” They replied, “We have been grafting them like this,” whereupon he said, “It may perhaps be good for you if you do not do that.” So they abandoned this practice and the date-palms began to yield less fruit. They mentioned that to him, and he said, “Know that I am a human being, so when I command you about a thing pertaining to your religion, accept it, but when I command you about a thing based on my personal opinion, keep it in mind that I am a human being.”

His Consideration of the Extent of his Companions’ Knowledge and Experience