Discussions of hadith in Pakistan

The heavenly religions aim to provide believers the code of life in harmony with Allah's will and to enable them to succeed in the world and the hereafter. The first question that arises from the aforementioned principle is from where to learn the religion. As an answer to this question, all revelation-based religions mainly referred to their respective prophets. Contrary to this, there were different debates on important issues such as the significance of Prophet's explanations, teachings and deeds in relation to his revelations (Book). This study examines the different aspects of opinions of Pakistani scholars about the above mentioned issues. The study consists of introduction, four chapters and conclusion. The introductory part includes significance, objectives and research methodology of the study. The first chapter is about the authority of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It discusses the issue of whether or not revelation excluding the Holy Qur'an was revealed to him (PBUH). Different opinions about the nature of the authority of the Prophet (PBUH) and the boundaries of the binding of his behaviour are also emphasized. The second chapter discusses the difference of opinions about the terms of hadith and sunnah, its authority and authenticity, its relationship with the Holy Qur'an. Their determined criteria and principles of understanding are also discussed. The third chapter discusses the history of hadith, its process of narration, compilation, beginning of the hadith fabrication movements and their reasons. In addition, the discussions about the methods put forward by muhaddithin to examine the authenticity hadiths also are mentioned. The fourth chapter includes discussions on some specific hadiths from textual aspect which have been considered unauthentic or fabricated. The final part is based upon conclusions of the thesis.