Authentication of Hadith: Redefining the Criteria (IIIT)

Allah Most High Said, “And whatever the Messenger has given you, take it; and what he has forbidden you, refrain from it.” [Al-Hashr (59):7]

The Prophet said, “I have not left out anything of which Allah, The Most High has Commanded you with except I have apprised you of it. Likewise, I have not left out anything of which Allah has Prohibited you from it, except I have apprised you of it…” [Al Bayhaqi, 7/76 & others]

Together with the Qur’an, the Sunnah is the pivotal foundation and primary source of the Islamic faith. Following both of them is mandated by Allah Himself and obligated upon Muslims to adhere and live accordingly. Muslim theology is established upon them and remains defective and incomplete should either be forsaken for they both explain and interpret each other.

During his time, Imam al-Suyuṭi felt a genuine need to pen this compelling book in confuting those who either rejected the Sunnah altogether or did not grant it the status and respect it deserves in the religion. He primarily compiled from the works of Imam Al-Bayhaqi elucidating the position of Imam Shafi’i, and firmly laid out the arguments supporting the Sunnah of the Prophet by outlining its critical importance, its authority, and implication to one’s life.

Salvation, therefore, lies in embracing the Sunnah fully, for indeed it is the key to facilitating our worldly lives and thereafter, unlocking the doors of Paradise, as Shadh ibn Yaḥya said perfectly, “There is no better way to Paradise than the way of those who have followed the Sunnah.”