Hadith Qudsi

What is Hadith Qudsi?

• Hadith Qudsi refers to a unique category of sayings in Islam where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conveys messages from Allah in his own words. The term comes from the Arabic ḥadīth qudsī, meaning “sacred” or “holy saying,” distinguishing it from both the Qur’an and regular hadith. Unlike the Qur’an, which is the literal word of Allah, Hadith Qudsi are divinely inspired but expressed through the Prophet’s (PBUH) language.
• The theological significance of Hadith Qudsi lies in their unique status as communications from Allah that are not part of the Qur’an. They hold a special place in Islamic teachings, offering insight into Allah’s mercy, compassion, and guidance. Scholars emphasize that while they are revered, they do not possess the same level of authority as the Qur’an but are still highly respected in Islamic thought.
• Throughout Islamic history, scholars have carefully distinguished Hadith Qudsi from other types of hadith by examining their chains of transmission and content. These sayings are often introduced with phrases like “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that Allah said…” This distinction has been crucial for preserving their authenticity and understanding their role within Islamic literature and tradition.
• Hadith Qudsi carries profound spiritual meaning for Muslims, as these sayings often address themes such as forgiveness, divine love, and the relationship between Allah and His servants. They serve as a source of comfort and inspiration, encouraging believers to reflect on their faith and strive for a deeper connection with Allah through sincerity and devotion.
• In practical terms, Hadith Qudsi are frequently referenced in sermons, educational settings, and personal study to emphasize moral values and ethical conduct. Their contemporary relevance is seen in how they guide Muslims in daily life, offering wisdom on compassion, justice, and humility, and helping to shape a balanced and spiritually fulfilling approach to modern challenges.

Examples of Hadith Qudsi

• Seeking Forgiveness: "When a believer sincerely repents, Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi: 'O My servant, if you come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and then meet Me without associating anything with Me, I will bring you forgiveness as great as it.'"
• Intention in Actions: "In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah declares: 'I am as My servant thinks I am, and I am with him when he remembers Me.' This teaches the importance of intention and remembrance."
• Charity and Generosity: "According to a Hadith Qudsi, Allah says: 'O son of Adam, spend, and I shall spend on you.' This encourages generosity among believers."
• Proximity to Allah: "A Hadith Qudsi states: 'My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the religious duties I have imposed upon him; and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him.'"
• Mercy of Allah: "Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated in a Hadith Qudsi: 'My mercy prevails over My wrath,' highlighting Allah’s boundless compassion."

FAQs for Hadith Qudsi

What does Hadith Qudsi mean in English?

Hadith Qudsi means sacred narration.

When should Muslims refer to Hadith Qudsi?

Muslims should refer to Hadith Qudsi when seeking guidance on spiritual matters that convey Allah’s words as related by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but are not part of the Quran.

How is Hadith Qudsi different from the Quran?

Hadith Qudsi differs from the Quran because its wording is from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) while its meaning is from Allah, whereas both the wording and meaning of the Quran are directly from Allah.

Are Hadith Qudsi considered part of Islamic law?

Hadith Qudsi are not considered part of Islamic law like the Quran but are highly respected and often used for spiritual and ethical guidance.

How many Hadith Qudsi are there?

There are approximately 40 well-known Hadith Qudsi that have been collected and transmitted by scholars.