A New Perspective on the Debate over the Recording of Hadiths
The post-Prophetic debate surrounding the “recording of hadiths” has typically focused on the question: “Did the Prophet prohibit or encourage the writing of hadiths?” However, this line of inquiry overlooks the more fundamental issue. The real question that needs to be asked is: Was the recording of hadiths something that God Himself intended and commanded? Framing the discussion this way moves it from being merely historical to deeply theological. 1. The Recording of the Qur’an Was a Direct Divine Command The writing down of the Qur’an was explicitly commanded and overseen by God. Numerous verses make this clear: “We will make you recite, and you will not forget.” (Al-A‘lā, 87:6) “The disbelievers said, ‘Why was the Qur’an not revealed to him all at once?’ We sent it in stages to strengthen your heart.” (Al-Furqān, 25:32) “[This is] a Book whose verses are perfected and then explained in detail.” (Hūd, 11:1) Moreover, God Himself guarantees the preservation ...