The study of Hadith holds a foundational place in Islamic scholarship. As one of the primary sources of Islamic knowledge alongside the Qur’an, Hadith represents the preserved words, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In order to understand the development of Islamic teachings and the application of prophetic guidance in everyday life, it is crucial to examine what Hadith truly means—both linguistically and technically. This article explores the definitions of Hadith, its categorization, its distinction from Sunnah, and how these terms have been used throughout Islamic intellectual history.

The Arabic term ḥadīth (حديث) literally means "news," "report," or "narration." It can refer to any information or statement communicated to someone, whether while awake or asleep. The Qur’an uses this word in various places, such as “ḥadīthu Mūsā” (the story of Moses) in Surah Ṭāhā [20:9] and Surah al-Nāziʿāt [79:15], or phrases like “hādhā al-ḥadīth” (this statement) in Surahs al-Kahf [18:6], al-Najm [53:59], and al-Wāqiʿah [56:81]. Allah also describes the Qur’an as “aḥsanu al-ḥadīth” (the best of speech) in Surah al-Zumar [39:23]. Some narrations mention that the Prophet himself referred to the Qur’an using terms such as aḥsanu al-ḥadīth (the best speech), khayru al-ḥadīth (the finest discourse), and aṣdaqu al-ḥadīth (the most truthful speech).

According to the scholars of Hadith (muḥaddithūn), the term ḥadīth refers to everything that has been transmitted from the Prophet Muhammad—his sayings (qawl), actions (fiʿl), tacit approvals (taqrīr), and descriptions of his physical and moral characteristics. However, scholars of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) usually exclude the Prophet’s physical descriptions from the technical definition of Hadith.

Hadith literature is commonly categorized into three types based on content:

• Al-aḥādīth al-qawliyya (Prophet’s verbal statements)

• Al-aḥādīth al-fiʿliyya (his actions)

• Al-aḥādīth al-taqrīriyya (his silent approvals)

For example, the famous hadith “Actions are judged by intentions…” is an example of a qawlī hadith. The Prophet’s acts of prayer, giving charity, or performing pilgrimage represent fiʿlī hadiths. A well-known example of a taqrīrī hadith is the incident where the Prophet asked Muʿādh ibn Jabal how he would judge in Yemen. When Muʿādh explained his method—first referring to the Qur’an, then the Sunnah, and finally his own reasoning—the Prophet approved his answer silently.

The word Sunnah, according to Arabic linguists, refers to a path, a way of life, or a customary practice. In Islamic usage, especially within the context of Hadith and fiqh, Sunnah refers to the conduct of the Prophet Muhammad, including his sayings, actions, and approvals. It represents the model life of the Prophet and serves as a practical interpretation of the Qur’anic message. The Sunnah has been transmitted to later generations through Hadith reports, especially by the Prophet’s Companions and early Muslim scholars.

The word Sunnah has also appeared in various contexts in the Qur’an and in early Islamic legal texts, sometimes referring to divine law (sharīʿah) or to the established tradition of a community.

Although the terms Hadith and Sunnah are often used interchangeably, especially in classical and modern scholarship, there is a subtle distinction between them. Sunnah refers more broadly to the lived practice and model of the Prophet, while Hadith refers to the specific narrations that convey elements of that practice. In some cases, a hadith may not convey an actual Sunnah, and in others, a single hadith may contain multiple aspects of the Sunnah.

Despite this technical difference, scholars from the earliest generations have often used both terms synonymously, particularly within the field of Hadith sciences. For the sake of clarity and continuity with classical usage, this article adopts the same interchangeable approach when referring to Hadith and Sunnah.

In Islamic tradition, Hadith and Sunnah play an indispensable role in understanding divine guidance and the practical application of Islamic teachings. While the Qur’an provides the foundation, the Hadith offers context, detail, and lived example through the life of the Prophet Muhammad. By recognizing the definitions, categories, and nuances of both terms, we gain a deeper appreciation for how the early Muslim community preserved and transmitted the prophetic legacy—ensuring its relevance for generations to come.

Ahmet Furkan Usta