Gems of the Promised Messiah & Imam Mahdi (as) – The Error of the Muslims Regarding the Qur’an and Ahadith
Another error which exists among a vast majority of Muslims is that they give precedence to the hadith over the Holy Qur’an while it is wrong to do so. The Holy Qur’an possesses a rank of certainty, while the hadith possess an element of conjecture. The hadith are not a judge over the Holy Qur’an, rather, it is the Holy Qur’an that stands as an authority over the hadith. Nevertheless, the hadith are an exposition of the Holy Qur’an and ought to be given their due rank. It is incumbent to believe in a hadith so long as it accords with and does not oppose the Holy Qur’an. However, if a hadith contradicts the Holy Qur’an, then such a statement is no hadith at all but is rather a worthless statement. Nevertheless, the hadith are crucial in order to understand the Holy Qur’an. For the divine commandments revealed in the Holy Qur’an were first put into practice by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and then practised by others under his instruction. In this manner, the Holy Prophet (sa) set an example. If this example had not existed, Islam could not have been understood. Still, the primary source remains the Holy Qur’an. Some who experience visions hear directly from the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, such hadith that others have not yet come to know of, or are able to confirm the authenticity of hadith already present.
Hence, many such things are found to exist among these people, which are diametrically opposed to Islamic practice and due to which God Almighty is displeased. And so, Allah Almighty no longer considers them to be Muslim, unless they denounce these false doctrines and return to the right path. It is for this purpose that God Almighty has commissioned me so that I may remove all of these errors and so that I may re-establish true Islam in the world. This is the difference between these people and us. Their condition no longer accords with the essence of Islam. They have become like a ruined and barren garden. Their hearts are impure. God Almighty desires to create a new people who will become a model of the true Islam by embracing the truth and righteousness.
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), The Advent of the Promised Messiah (Tilford, Surrey: Islam International Publications Ltd., 2016), 51-53.
