Why Muslims Need Both the Qur’an and Hadith

In recent years, more and more people have started to say, “I only follow the Qur’an.” To them, it sounds like a return to simplicity—a way of keeping Islam pure without all the added details. But this mindset, while it may seem harmless, is actually very misleading and can cause serious confusion. Islam was never meant to be based on guesswork. It was meant to be understood and lived. That’s why we need both the Qur’an and the Hadith. You cannot separate the two without breaking the structure of the religion itself.

The Qur’an Tells Us to Follow the Prophet ﷺ

One of the most important reasons we need Hadith is because the Qur’an itself tells us to follow the Prophet ﷺ. It’s not just a nice suggestion—it’s a direct command from Allah. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah says: “O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger…” (4:59). The command is clear. Allah didn’t say to only obey Him. He put obedience to the Prophet ﷺ right next to His own. This means that following the Prophet ﷺ is not optional. If you truly believe in the Qur’an, then you are also required to follow the Hadith, because that is how the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings have been preserved.

The Qur’an Is the Message, the Hadith Is the Manual

Think of it like this: the Qur’an is the core message—it tells us what Allah wants from us. But it doesn’t always give us the step-by-step instructions. That’s where the Hadith comes in. The Hadith records the words, actions, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who was chosen by Allah not just to deliver the message but to show us how to live it. He was described by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) as a "walking Qur’an." His life was the perfect explanation of the revelation. Without the Hadith, we wouldn’t know the Prophet’s ﷺ understanding, decisions, or behavior—and that would leave us guessing about how to follow Islam properly.

What Happens Without Hadith

If we tried to practice Islam with only the Qur’an and no Hadith, many of the core elements of our religion would be vague or incomplete. The Qur’an tells us to pray, but it doesn’t tell us how. The Qur’an tells us to fast, but it doesn’t explain what breaks the fast or what to do if we miss a day. It tells us to give Zakat, but doesn’t specify the percentage or conditions. All of that detail comes from the Hadith. Without it, people would end up creating their own versions of Islam, based on personal interpretation or cultural habits. That’s already happening with those who reject Hadith—they pick and choose verses they like while ignoring the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings. This leads to division and confusion, and it takes people further from the true message of Islam.

Following the Prophet ﷺ Is an Act of Love

Obeying the Prophet ﷺ isn’t just about rules—it’s about love. In Surah Aal Imran, Allah says, “Say, [O Muhammad], ‘If you love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you…’” (3:31). Loving Allah means following the one He sent to guide us. The Prophet ﷺ wasn’t just a messenger who handed us a book and walked away. He lived among the people, taught them, corrected them, and showed them how to apply the Qur’an in real life. To ignore his guidance is to ignore a major part of what Allah gave us for our benefit. His life is proof that Islam is practical and complete.

Conclusion

You cannot separate the Qur’an and the Hadith. They are two parts of one whole. The Qur’an is the divine message, and the Hadith is its explanation. One without the other leaves gaps, confusion, and personal opinions in place of divine guidance. The companions of the Prophet ﷺ understood this. They didn’t follow the Qur’an in isolation—they followed it by following the Prophet ﷺ. And if we want to stay on the straight path, we must do the same. Islam is not just about believing in a book—it’s about living a life based on what Allah revealed and what the Prophet ﷺ taught. That’s the Islam that transforms hearts, communities, and entire generations.