State three similarities and three differences between Sunnah and Hadith.
Question 1 Report
State three similarities and three differences between Sunnah and Hadith.
Answer Details
Meaning: Sunnah refers to the practice, way and example of the Prophet (S.A.W), that is, what he did, approved or habitually observed. Hadith refers to the reports or narrations that record the sayings, actions and approvals of the Prophet (S.A.W).
Three similarities between Sunnah and Hadith:
- Both originate from the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and derive their authority from him.
- Both serve as a second source of Islamic law and guidance after the Qur'an.
- Both explain, clarify and complement the teachings of the Qur'an and are binding on Muslims.
Three differences between Sunnah and Hadith:
| Sunnah | Hadith |
|---|---|
| It is the actual practice, conduct and way of the Prophet. | It is the report or record of what the Prophet said, did or approved. |
| It refers mainly to the deeds and living example, transmitted by continuous practice of the community. | It refers mainly to the narrated text (matn) with its chain of narrators (isnad). |
| Sunnah exists whether or not it is written down, being a way of life. | Hadith is the verbal or written narration through which the Sunnah is known and preserved. |
Conclusion: Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, the Sunnah is the model conduct of the Prophet while the Hadith is the recorded report by which that conduct is transmitted and preserved.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
