Textual Studies of the Hadith - National Open University of Nigeria

ISL222 TEXTUAL STUDIES OF THE HADITH
Commentary
The Prophetic teaching contained in this hadith primarily deals with the
fear of Allah. For every Muslim the fear of Allah is the foundation of
every act of devotion and interaction between mankind. In spiritual
devotion, the fear of Allah makes man to have serious concentration. It
also guides a Muslim in his day–to-day dealings with others. This goes
to prove the common adage which says ‘The fear of God is the
beginning of wisdom’. Further to the above teaching is that a Muslim
should obey and respect constituted authority because such a postion has
divine support. Also the Prophet’s prediction of a troubled time ahead
has come true in this modern time when a lot of sects have now arisen in
Islam, each with its own doctrines. To those who heed the Prophet’s
advice by abiding strongly to his sunnah is their reward here on earth
and in the hereafter.
Lessons
We learn from the hadith that:
1. A Muslim should fear Allah in whatever he does.
2. We should obey and respect constituted authority no matter who
God has put in that position
3. The modern problem of proliferation of sects, as predicted by the
Prophet, contains lessons for those who stick to his sunnah.
4. Muslim should not compromise his faith with all unIslamic
innovations of modern time but stick to the printine Islam as
preached by the Prophet.
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 3
Enumerate the lessons contained in hadith 28.
4.0 CONCLUSION
The code of life expressly entrenched in this unit makes little difference
from those before it. To pursue the ideal in life is in itself the basic
ingredient that makes life worthy of living. Charity, fear of Allah,
obedience to those in authority and clinging tenaciously to the sunnah of
the Prophet, are all symbols by which a righteous person is known.
Acting contrary to this is Kufr (disbelief) and all Kufr lead astray.
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