Question
What are the different Islamic groups’ positions on the Sunnah and Hadith?
Bottom Line
Sunni Islam holds the Sunnah as the second primary source after the Qur’an. Other groups diverge by restricting, redefining, or rejecting Sunnah, which leads to major differences in belief and practice.
Quick Answer
Sunnis consider the Sunnah indispensable, second only to the Qur’an, and preserved in authentic Hadith such as Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Shi‘a Muslims extend the Sunnah to include the sayings and actions of the twelve Imams, relying on collections like Al-Kafi while rejecting many Sunni narrations. Qur’anists deny the Sunnah altogether, claiming the Qur’an alone suffices. The Mu‘tazilah historically accepted Hadith but subjected them to rational critique, discarding those they deemed unreasonable. Sufis in the mainstream uphold the Sunnah, although certain fringe groups sometimes elevate saintly inspiration. Modern reformists often reinterpret or selectively accept Sunnah through a contemporary lens, which risks straying from traditional scholarship.
| Group | View on Sunnah | Accepted Hadith Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Sunni (Ahl al-Sunnah) | Essential & second only to Qur’an | Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, etc. |
| Shi‘a (Ja‘fari) | Prophetﷺ and 12+ Imams (as infallible) | Al-Kafi, Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, etc. |
| Qur’anists | Rejected completely | None |
| Mu‘tazilah | Accepted but critiqued through reason | Selective, reason-based acceptance |
| Sufis | Generally uphold Sunnah, some extremes deviate | Varies by tareeqah and adherence |
| Reformists/Secularists | Subjective reinterpretation | Selective, often context-based |
Key Points
- Sunnah in Sunni Islam = words, actions, and approvals of the Prophet ﷺ.
- Shi‘a add the Imams’ sayings and actions as infallible Sunnah.
- Qur’anists reject Hadith entirely.
- Mu‘tazilah subordinated Hadith to rational thought.
- Sufis generally uphold Sunnah, though extremes sometimes deviate.
- Reformists selectively reinterpret Sunnah through modern frameworks.
Detailed Answer
The Sunnah plays a central role in Islamic law, but different groups approach it in different ways:
-
Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah (Sunni Islam):
The Sunnah is the second source of Islamic law after the Qur’an. It includes everything authentically attributed to the Prophet ﷺ in words, actions, and approvals. They accept the major Hadith collections, particularly Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, alongside others. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said: “Whoever rejects the Sunnah has rejected the Qur’an.” (Usul al-Sunnah). -
Shi‘a Islam (Ja‘fari school):
Shi‘a Muslims define the Sunnah as including not only the Prophet ﷺ but also the twelve Imams beginning with Imam ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه). They view the Imams as infallible, and therefore their sayings and actions are binding. Their Hadith collections include Al-Kafi, Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, and others. Many Sunni narrators, including Aisha (رضي الله عنها) and Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه), are often rejected. -
Qur’anists (Ahl al-Qur’an / Inkar al-Hadith):
Qur’anists reject Hadith and Sunnah altogether, insisting that the Qur’an alone is sufficient. They wrongfully cite verses such as Surah An-Nahl 16:89, where Allah says “…the Book explains all things”. Sunni scholars has responded that the Qur’an itself commands obedience to the Messenger ﷺ, as in Surah Al-Hashr 59:7 , Al-Baqara 2:151 and Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21, which cannot be fulfilled without the Sunnah. According to the majority of the scholars the rejectors of Hadith have been declared as non muslims since in their action of rejecting the Hadith they reject a multitude of verses of the Quran which contradicts a major pillar of Faith. -
Mu‘tazilah (Rationalist school):
The Mu‘tazilah accepted Hadith but subjected them to rational analysis. If a narration seemed irrational or contradictory to reason, they would reject it, even if classified as authentic. Ahl al-Sunnah opposed this approach, maintaining that revelation takes precedence over reason, while reason serves to understand revelation, not overrule it. -
Sufis (Spiritual schools):
Mainstream Sufi scholars such as Imam al-Ghazali and Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani stressed the necessity of adhering to the Sunnah. However, some fringe or extreme Sufi groups claimed that the mystical inspiration (ilham) of saints could rival or bypass the Sunnah, which is not accepted in mainstream Islam. -
Modern Reformists / Secularists:
Some modern thinkers, influenced by Western rationalism, attempt to reinterpret Sunnah or discard narrations they see as outdated. While critical Hadith scholarship is legitimate within Islamic tradition, selective acceptance based on personal or secular frameworks risks innovation (bid‘ah) and undermining the role of Sunnah in guiding practice.
What That Means for You
If you are following Ahl al-Sunnah, the Sunnah remains a binding source of law and guidance after the Qur’an. Other groups differ by redefining what counts as Sunnah, restricting its sources, or rejecting it altogether. While Islam allows scholarly debate on authenticity, outright denial or selective reinterpretation without proper grounding is considered a deviation from mainstream Islam.
References
Primary Sources:
- Qur’an 25:54; 59:7; 33:21; 2:151
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 67, Hadith 117
- Usul al-Sunnah by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
Secondary Sources:
- Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim
- Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughnī
- Islamic Fiqh Academy Resolutions, Jeddah
- Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan, Sharh al-Irshad, Fataawa Noor ‘ala ad-Darb