What is the Difference Between Hadith and Sunnah?

The Hadith and Sunnah are closely related concepts in Islam, but they have distinct meanings:

Hadith (حديث) – Refers to the recorded sayings, actions, approvals, or disapprovals of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hadiths were collected and compiled by scholars after the Prophet’s time, and they serve as a primary source for understanding his teachings. Each Hadith consists of:
- Isnad (Chain of narrators) – The people who transmitted the Hadith.
- Matn (Text) – The content of the Hadith itself.
Sunnah (سنة) – Refers to the way of life, practices, and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It includes his habits, behaviors, and rulings. The Sunnah is derived primarily from the Hadith but also includes practices passed down by the Prophet’s companions.

Aspect	Hadith	Sunnah
Definition	Reports of the Prophet’s words, actions, and approvals	The practical way of life and teachings of the Prophet
Form	Recorded as individual reports	A continuous practice of the Prophet’s life
Source	Compiled in books by scholars (e.g., Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)	Derived from Hadith and historical practices
Scope	Includes authentic and weak reports	Only includes established and practiced traditions
Authority	Varies depending on authenticity (Sahih, Hasan, Da’if, etc.)	More broadly accepted as part of Islamic practice

In short, Hadith is the documentation of the Prophet’s statements and actions, while Sunnah is his lived example and way of life.

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