Dr. Muhammad Waseem Zafar Hadith is the second fundamental source of Islamic Shariah, the first being the Quran, which we all know. However, the Holy Quran can be better understood in the light of Hadith and the sayings of the Companions, because it was the responsibility of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to interpret and explain the Quran to the people and to provide practical guidance. Allah Almighty says: {And We have sent down to you the reminder so that you may explain to the people what has been sent down to them, and so that they may reflect} (Al-Nahl: 44). Also, the divine revelation is: {And We have not sent down the Book to you except to explain to them what they differ in, and as a guidance and mercy for a people who believe} (Al-Nahl: 64). Moreover, the divine command is: {O Messenger, convey what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and if you do not do so, then you have not conveyed His message} (Al-Ma'idah: 67). Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him) fulfilled this responsibility of interpreting and conveying the Quran. From this point of view, Hadith is a collection of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) sayings, actions, and silent approvals that were revealed in the context of explaining the Quran and Islamic Shariah. The direct students of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were the Companions, so their sayings and actions are also very important in understanding the Quran and Islamic Shariah, which is known as "Athar as-Sahaabah". Today, most of the existing Hadith books are a collection of Hadith and Athar as-Sahaabah. Yes, some books are based only on Athar as-Sahaabah, such as Imam Muhammad bin Hasan Shaybani's "Kitab al-Athar". Important Hadith books include Muwatta Imam Malik, Musnad Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Jami' al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan al-Nasai, Sunan Ibn Majah, Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn by al-Hakim, Sahih Ibn Hibban, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi, Shu'ab al-Iman by al-Bayhaqi, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Masabih al-Sunnah by al-Baghawi, Sharh al-Sunnah by al-Baghawi, Mishkat al-Masabih by al-Tabrizi, Kanz al-Ummal by Imam Ali Muttaqi al-Hindi, Bulugh al-Maram by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Silsilah al-Ahadith al-Sahihah by al-Albani, and others. To understand Islamic Shariah and to be self-sufficient in religious matters, it is necessary for an educated Muslim to study Hadith and Athar as-Sahaabah. Only then can we understand what the true Islamic beliefs are and what the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has made necessary for us in different aspects of life. We will also understand how to fulfill the divine commands in the prophetic way. Moreover, all aspects of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) biography, such as worship, transactions, ethics, and social etiquette, have reached us through Hadith and Athar as-Sahaabah. Therefore, studying Hadith is also necessary to follow the Prophet's (peace be upon him) Sunnah. Those who have studied in colleges or universities and have modern education, they do not have much knowledge about Hadith books. That's why I have mentioned the names of Hadith books above, and if someone has a little knowledge, they think that understanding these books is only the job of scholars, how can we understand them, they are in Arabic. So, my dear brothers, this is a wrong idea. If you don't know Arabic, what's the problem? Now, many Hadith books have been translated into Urdu, and many books have also been published in English, Hindi, and other languages, and all these translations have been done by scholars for the benefit of the general public. As for the selection of a Hadith book for study, if someone asks me to name one book, I would recommend "Mishkat al-Masabih" by Imam Wali al-Din Muhammad bin Abdullah al-Khatib al-Tabrizi (d. 741 AH / 1340 CE). There is no better book than this for the study of Hadith for the general public. This book contains Hadith from various authentic books, including Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Jami' al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan al-Nasai, Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi, and others. If someone wants to study "Mishkat al-Masabih" with translation and commentary, they should study "Mazahir al-Haq" by Maulana Abdul Allah Ghazi Puri. This book is in seven volumes and has been published by Idara Islamiyat, Deoband, and Dar al-Ash'ath, Karachi. Another commentary on "Mishkat al-Masabih" is "Marqat al-Masabih" by Mulla Ali Qari Hanafi, which has also been translated into Urdu in eleven volumes. Besides "Mishkat al-Masabih", another important Hadith book that can be recommended for a general educated person is "Ma'arif al-Hadith" by Maulana Manzur Ahmad Naumani (1905-1997 CE). This book is in eight volumes and contains Hadith with translation and commentary in simple Urdu. Another important Hadith book is "Bulugh al-Maram min Adillah al-Ahkam" by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (773-852 AH / 1372-1449 CE), which is in two volumes. It is better that all three books should be present in every Muslim's home, or at least one of them. The new generation is more connected to computers and the internet, so I have also provided information about PDF versions. Take advantage of whichever is convenient for you. Just make it a habit to read one or two Hadith with commentary every day. If you read it with your family and children, it will be more beneficial. This will create an understanding of the religion in all family members, and they will also understand how to fulfill the divine commands in the prophetic way. The children will become more religious, and blessings will descend upon the home. Many superstitions that common Muslim households are afflicted with will also be eliminated. Remember that understanding the religion, making your family aware of it, and training them on Islamic principles is the responsibility of every Muslim, and they will be questioned about it. Therefore, understand your responsibility and make it a habit to study Hadith in your home. Have a pure intention of seeking guidance, acting upon it, and seeking the pleasure of Allah, and Allah's help will surely come, and you will witness the aforementioned benefits yourself. May Allah grant us the ability to act upon it. Amen!
