Ahl-i Hadith
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: أهل الحديث
- Turkish: Hadis Ehli
Introduction
The Ahl-i Hadith movement emerged as an offshoot of the nineteenth-century Indian Tariqah-i Muhammadiyyah movement. This group is heavily influenced by the teachings and traditions of Shah Wali Allah and the principles of the eighteenth-century Wahhabi movement. Primarily, Ahl-i Hadith advocates for the direct use of primary Islamic sources—the Quran and Hadith—and the exercise of ijtihad (independent reasoning), rejecting the concept of taqlid (blind adherence to established schools of Islamic law).
Foundational Principles
Direct Use of Islamic Sources
Central to Ahl-i Hadith is the belief in direct engagement with the Quran and non-interpretative traditions called Hadith. Unlike traditional Islamic jurisprudence, which relies heavily on the four established schools of law (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali), Ahl-i Hadith favors ijtihad (personal reasoning) based on primary texts.
Polemics with Ahl al-Quran
The movement’s heavy reliance on the Hadith subsequently led to rigorous theological debates with Ahl al-Quran, an opposing group that advocated for the Quran as the sole source of guidance.
Growth and Spread
During the mid-1980s, the Ahl-i Hadith reportedly had around two thousand local branches and approximately two million adherents in Bangladesh, especially in the northern areas. This shows significant growth and influence within the Islamic community.
Social and Religious Interactions
One of the notable aspects of Ahl-i Hadith is its willingness to engage with Muslims of other perspectives. This contrasts with many movements that adopt more rigid, sectarian postures. By avoiding an exclusively sectlike behavior, Ahl-i Hadith encourages broader inclusivity and coexistence among Muslims.
Related Entries
Suggested Reading
- “The Quran and the Hadith: An Introduction to Islami Texts” by John L. Esposito
- “The Muḥaddiths: Their Lives, Works and Schools of Jurisprudence” by Abdur Rahman I. Doi
- “Islamic Reform and Revival in Nineteenth-Century India” by Barbara D. Metcalf
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Ahl-i Hadith represents an analytical and reformative stream within Islam focused on returning to the Islamic foundational texts - the Quran and Hadith. Viewing ijtihad as vital to understanding these texts allows the movement to adapt and respond to various contemporary challenges, thereby making it a significant and influential force in modern Islamic thought.
