Fragmented Readings of the Prophetic Hadith: An Examination of Causes and a Path Toward Correction

Authors

  • أ. د. الصالح بن سعيد عومار جامعة الأمير عبد القادر للعلوم الإسلامية

Keywords:

Prophetic Sunnah, Hadith Understanding, Fragmented Reading, Comprehensive Reading, Context

Abstract

Abstract:

This paper addresses an important methodological issue in engaging with the Prophetic hadith — its reading and understanding — whether in relation to the Qur’an, of which it is the elucidation, or in relation to other hadiths, as all emerge from the same divine source. The early scholars adopted a comprehensive and integrated scholarly approach in their understanding of the Prophetic Sunnah, which enabled them to avoid many of the intellectual pitfalls that arise from partial reasoning.

Research Topic: Today, however, the approach to deriving legal and ethical understandings from hadith often no longer adheres to this balanced scholarly methodology. Instead, a fragmented and selective reading has emerged, leading to interpretive errors and clear deviations from the Prophet’s ﷺ intended guidance and clarification. This raises key questions: What is meant by fragmented reading? What are its manifestations and causes? And how can scholars and students avoid its dangers?

Research Objectives: The study aims to advance both scholarly and educational efforts that promote a comprehensive reading of the Prophetic hadith, one that safeguards researchers from methodological deviations and highlights the perfection of Prophetic guidance and its noble values.

Methodology: This research adopts an analytical approach, examining several examples of misreadings of hadith, interrogating them to uncover their underlying causes, and thereby clarifying their features.

The study concludes with key findings, most notably an attempt to uncover the primary manifestations and causes of fragmented readings of textual sources, and to outline the major scientific and methodological landmarks necessary for achieving a comprehensive reading of the Prophetic hadith. Such an approach protects both researchers and students from intellectual deviation and accentuates the clarity and brilliance of Prophetic guidance. The paper recommends further attention to the topic by examining additional examples of distorted hadith readings, in order to avoid them and guide scholars back to an objective and integrated approach.

Published

2025-08-24

Issue

Section

Articles