Quran, Hadith Qudsi, and Hadith Nabawi: Essential Insights and Definitions

Hi, dear readers! I have explained many Islamic topics using the Quran and Hadith (or Hadith Nabawi) as references. In this article, I will explain the differences between the Quran, Hadith Qudsi, and Hadith Nabawi. These three are essential references for Muslims. Unfortunately, not all Muslims are familiar with them. That’s why I wrote this article, and I encourage you to read it to the end!

Definition of the Quran, Hadith Qudsi, and Hadith Nabawi

Before I explain the differences between the Quran, Hadith Qudsi, and Hadith Nabawi, I want to emphasize that we can understand these differences by knowing the definitions of each. Their definitions are as follows:

Definition of the Quran

The definition of the Quran is as follows:

الْقُرْآنُ هُوَ اللَّفْظُ الْمُعْجِزُ الْمُنَزَّلُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِوَاسِطَةِ جِبْرِيْلَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ

The Quran consists of miraculous words revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) through the intermediary of Gabriel (alayhi as-Salam).

Definition of Hadith Qudsi

The definition of Hadith Qudsi is as follows:

الْحَدِيْثُ الْقُدْسِيُّ هُوَ إِخْبَارُ اللهِ مَعْنَاهُ تَارَةً بِالْإِلْهَامِ أَوْ الْمَنَامِ وَتَارَةً بِوَاسِطَةِ جِبْرِيْلَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ , فَأَخْبَرَهُ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أُمَّتَهُ بِعِبَارَةِ نَفْسِهِ

Hadith Qudsi is when Allah informs the Prophet Muhammad of what He wants, sometimes through inspiration or dreams, and at other times through the intermediary of Gabriel (alayhi as-Salam). The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) then conveys this to his people using his own words.

Read Also: Questions and Answers About Hadith Qudsi

Definition of Hadith Nabawi

The definition of Hadith Nabawi is as follows:

الْحَدِيْثُ النَّبَوِيُّ هُوَ كُلُّ مَا أُضِيْفَ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مِنْ قَوْلٍ وَفِعْلٍ وَتَقْرِيْرٍ

Hadith Nabawi refers to all matters attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, including his words, actions, and approvals.

Conclusion

Dear readers! What I have explained above includes the definitions of the Quran, Hadith Qudsi, and Hadith Nabawi. By knowing and understanding these definitions, we can conclude several key points:

• Essentially, the Quran, Hadith Qudsi, and Hadith Nabawi are all revelations from Allah. While the definition of Hadith Nabawi does not explicitly mention it as a revelation, we can find clarity in the following Quranic verse:

وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحۡيٞ يُوحَىٰ

"Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed." (An-Najm [53]; 3-4).

• All the words and meanings of the Quran come from Allah. It is important to note that Allah has determined everything, which Gabriel then conveyed to the Prophet Muhammad in a conscious state. Subsequently, the Prophet Muhammad conveyed it to his people. Thus, the authenticity of the words and meanings of the Quran is guaranteed, as neither Gabriel nor the Prophet Muhammad altered them!
• The meaning of Hadith Qudsi is from Allah, who sometimes communicates with the Prophet Muhammad through inspiration, dreams, or Gabriel. The Prophet then expresses it in his own words. Therefore, the wording of Hadith Qudsi comes from the Prophet Muhammad.
• All the words and meanings of Hadith Nabawi originate from the Prophet Muhammad. However, it is crucial to recognize that everything he stated was a revelation from Allah.

Dear readers! That is a brief explanation of the differences between the Quran, Hadith Qudsi, and Hadith Nabawi. Do you understand? If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

I think that’s enough for this article. I hope you find it useful! Ameen!

See you in the next article!