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Following the Quran and Hadith: Why Does It Feel Like We’re the Odd Ones Out?


 

So, here’s a fun reality check for all the practicing Muslims out there. You’ve probably heard this line before: “Wait, you’re following that Hadith? Where did you dig up this ‘new’ Hadith from?” Or how about this classic: “Do you think you know more than that scholar? If he says it’s halal, then it’s halal—even if the Quran says it’s haram.” Ah, the joys of trying to follow Islam as it was actually taught, only to be hit with a wave of skepticism and eye rolls.

If you’re a practicing Muslim who’s all about sticking to the Quran and Hadith, congratulations! You’ve probably been labeled a weirdo at least a dozen times by now. You know, for doing exactly what we’re supposed to do as Muslims. Like, since when did following the basic teachings of Islam become some sort of radical act?


Here’s the thing: Islam is complete. As Allah said in quran says, “This day I have perfected your religion for you...” (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:3). The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was pretty clear about this: “Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) that which does not belong to it, it is to be rejected.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). The Quran? Perfect. The Hadith? Essential. Together, they give us the full picture of how we’re supposed to live. But, in today’s world, when you stick to these core teachings, suddenly you’re the one who’s out of touch. People start throwing around phrases like, “Don’t be so extreme,” or “Why are you being so literal? It’s not that deep.”


Picture this: You’re at a family function, surrounded by relatives who are way too into some ritual that’s got nothing to do with the Quran or Hadith. You politely mention that this practice doesn’t really line up with our core teachings. And bam! You’re instantly hit with, “Oh, so you think you’re better than us now?” or “Are you saying our ancestors were wrong?”


No, auntie, I’m not saying anyone’s wrong. I’m just saying that if it’s not in the Quran or Hadith, maybe we should think twice before making it a part of our religious practice. But of course, that’s not how it comes across. Suddenly, you’re the family outcast, the “extremist” who’s too good for tradition. It’s like people forget that Islam is supposed to be simple and clear, not overloaded with stuff that’s been added over centuries.

And then there’s the whole “Do you know more than that scholar?” argument. Ah yes, the ultimate shut-down for anyone daring to question a practice that doesn’t align with the Quran and Hadith. Look, scholars are amazing. They’ve dedicated their lives to studying Islam, and we respect them for that. But here’s the catch: even the greatest scholars knew that their opinions should never contradict the Quran and Hadith. If a fatwa or ruling goes against what’s clearly stated in these texts, then, sorry, but I’m going with the Quran on this one.


Imams like Al-Ghazali (Rahimullah), Shafi’i (Rahimullah), and Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Rahimullah) were absolute legends. They knew that their role was to help us understand Islam better—not to introduce new stuff that wasn’t there in the first place. They stayed true to the Quran and Hadith, and so should we. No matter how respected a scholar is, if what they’re saying doesn’t line up with these teachings, we have to politely, but firmly, stick to what’s right.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the sect labels. Because apparently, following the Quran and Hadith automatically means you belong to some specific group. People are quick to box you into a sect just because you’re trying to follow the basics. Newsflash: Islam isn’t about dividing into teams; it’s about uniting under one faith. The Quran literally warns us against splitting into sects because it only leads to disunity. So, why are we so quick to slap labels on each other instead of focusing on what really matters?

Here’s the deal: Following the Quran and Hadith shouldn’t be this complicated, but somehow, in today’s world, it is. We’re constantly pressured to conform to practices that don’t have a solid foundation in our core texts, and when we don’t, we’re the ones who get side-eyed. But at the end of the day, our goal isn’t to please people—it’s to please Allah. If that means standing firm against the tide of cultural practices and traditions that don’t align with Islam, so be it.


So next time someone questions your commitment to the Quran and Hadith, just remember: you’re not being extreme, you’re being true to your faith. And in a world where everyone seems to be making up their own version of Islam, that’s something to be proud of.

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