Question: Using examples, explain the importance of both the Qur’an and the Hadith in Islam. Discuss how these sacred texts affect the life of adherents.
The Qur’an and the Hadith have a significant and important role in the Islamic faith. Both these sacred texts affect the life of adherents, as they provide teachings to assist them in living a sacred, religious, and faithful life toward Allah and the Prophet Muhammad. They have different functions in Islam, and they have different levels of importance. The Qur’an and the Hadith can be understood as complimentary texts, however the Hadith remain lesser to the Qur’an which is the fundamental text. Both texts are responsible for providing guidance for Muslims in all aspects of life.
The Qur’an is the fundamental text for all Muslims, as it is the Book of Allah. It is organised into one hundred and fourteen chapters, and its order today is not the same order in which the revelations were received, as the order is according to an instruction given to the Prophet Muhammad later in his life. Muhammad was not a literate person, and as a result had to commit the Qur’an to memory rather than have it written down. Muslims believe that hearing this sacred text read aloud is a blessing, and so are encouraged to read it out loud. This belief provides a good sense of the degree of respect and reverence held for the Qur’an.
Other examples of this degree of respect can be seen in the protocols for reading the Qur’an and its care. The Qur’an is prominent in every aspect of Muslim life, and its authority is supreme and unquestioned. It is regarded as the Holy Book, and is treated with the greatest respect. There are a range of rules that are required to be followed such as not placing the Qur’an on the ground, and not touching it unnecessarily. Also, it is mandatory that people remain silent when the Qur’an is read aloud, and no food or drink is to be consumed. Before reading from the