Rejecting Hadith

The Hanafi reject several Hadith which are found in Saheeh Bukhari such as the Hadith of Raf-ul-Yadein. This is an objection which some people made merely to deceive people and confuse their mind.

However, it is a very banal objection. It should be noted that Allah Ta’ala did not command us anywhere in the Qur’aan to follow the Hadith which are found in Bukhari. Similarly, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has never commanded to follow Hadith which are found in Bukhari. So, how can we force people to follow Hadith which are found in Bukhari? And how can we criticise a person merely because he does not follow Hadith which are found in Bukhari while the command to follow Bukhari is neither found (proven) in the Qur'aan nor in the Hadith !!!

Imam Bukhari (Rahmatoullaahi alayh) was born in 194 H or 184 years after the death of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). The Muslims during that era were the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum), Taabi'in and the Tabi Ta'bi’in. And this book called Saheeh Bukhari was not yet compiled. What the predecessors had followed during that interval, was the Hadith of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). And this is what must be followed at all times. So, before criticising the Hanafi for supposedly rejecting several Hadith which are found in Bukhari, firstly it is necessary to prove through Qur'aan and Hadith that Hadith which are found in Bukhari must be followed. We draw attention to the fact that the command that the Ummah has received in Qur’an and Hadith, is to obey Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and follow his teachings. This can be recorded in Bukhari or other books.

Moreover, all Saheeh (authentic) Hadith are not necessarily applicable, as some may be abrogated. If, according to the research of the Hanafi, it is found that the Hadith on Raf-oul-Yadein has been abrogated, they cannot be criticised for forsaking a Saheeh Hadith. This is because there are verses from Qur'aan also that have been abrogated. If a person says that many verses of Qur'aan are being left out, it will not be correct. Before saying this, it should be verified whether these verses are still applicable or not. 

The objection – be it childish - is misleading. And it does not appear to emanate from one who truly has the knowledge of Deen. However, it is also true that knowledge is not required to mislead people. That is why one should not consider everyone who objects, as people of knowledge. So be cautious! 

[English version of "Rejette hadice" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.6]