Falsification of Hadith: A Study on the Effects and Solutions

Abstract

The two main sources of Islam are the Quran and the hadith of the Prophet. From these two sources, there appear Ijma’ (consensus) and Qiyas (analogic reasoning) as supporting complements to Islamic law. Both sources enable Muslims to apply any injunction (nass) to a new circumstance and create a new injunction. With the advancement of the information technology, these two sources are easily referred through cd, soft wares, online information which provide traditional and modern commentaries on the Quran. While the Hadith has been regarded as a secondary source and covers various aspects of human life in social interaction, economic life and personal welfare. The issue that come to our concern is that how to identify hadith authenticity and sources prior to be considered as Islamic source of reference. This is necessary to prevent Muslims from being exposed to negative effect such as their faith, religious law and other acts of worship. Furthermore, the number of fabricated hadiths keep increasing from day to day thus making the public are often confused about the legitimacy of the practice and source. This paper therefore will focus on the legality of hadiths of the Prophet that involve studying and examining its authenticity and to investigate their impacts on religious beliefs, besides suggesting solutions to the issue. The methodology employed involves analysis of secondary data from books and other modern writings. This study also used other qualitative methods such as interviews with Muslim religious leaders who will provide necessary views concerning the issue.