Al-Hidayah 2025 (Last session, Day 3, 4th August): The concluding keynote of Al-Hidayah 2025 was delivered today by His Eminence Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri on the subject, “The Islamic Epistemology of Hadith Verification.” This powerful lecture brought to a close a transformative three-part series exploring the authenticity of Hadith and Sunnah, a critical analysis of the Western Historical Critical Method, and a detailed exposition on the Islamic intellectual tradition of verifying prophetic knowledge.
Before an audience of over 1,300 attendees at the University of Warwick, Shaykh-ul-Islam introduced the concept of epistemology (the study of how knowledge is justified) drawing from both philosophical traditions and Islamic sources. He framed Islamic epistemology as inherently divine, rooted not in human speculation but in revelation from Allah ﷻ. Central to this was the Qur’anic declaration in Surah Al-Najm (53:3-4): “He does not speak of his own desire; it is only revelation sent to him.”
This distinction was expanded through the explanation of two types of divine revelation: al-Wahy al-Jali (explicit revelation, i.e. the Qur’an) and al-Wahy al-Khafi (implicit revelation, i.e. the Sunnah). The Prophet ﷺ received both, with the Qur’an being the recited word of Allah, and the Sunnah comprising the Prophet’s explanations, approvals, and actions conveyed in his own words under divine instruction. Shaykh-ul-Islam cited multiple Qur’anic verses (including 4:113 and 33:34) to establish that “al-Kitab” (the Book) and “al-Hikmah” (the Wisdom) were revealed together.
Shaykh-ul-Islam further clarified that Hadith and Sunnah are not separate concepts. The Sunnah is manifested through the authenticated Hadith – narrations transmitted with chains of reliability. Scholars throughout Islamic history, including the authors of the major compilations like Sunan Abi Daud, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, and Sunan al-Nasa’i, treated Hadith and Sunnah as synonymous. Shaykh-ul-Islam firmly refuted modern claims that attempt to decouple the two or reject Hadith while affirming Sunnah, noting that such views often stem from confusion, ignorance, or misguidance, including the distortions promoted by figures like Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani.
Addressing common misconceptions, he emphasised that Hadith was not compiled centuries after the Prophet ﷺ but rather recorded during his own lifetime. He referenced 42 written collections by the Companions and 42 by the Tabi‘een, alongside Imam Bukhari’s unmatched methodology of verifying full chains of narration. His own 6-volume encyclopaedic work, Al-Mawsu‘a al-Qadirriyya, was cited as a resource detailing over 1,000 transmitters and the science of Hadith authentication.
Crucially, Shaykh-ul-Islam contrasted the Islamic Historical Critical Method, which is rooted in rigorous scholarship and preservation, with the Western Historical Critical Method, which seeks to question the authenticity of revelation through secularised assumptions. He made clear that the Islamic framework is built not on doubt but on verified transmission, love of the Prophet ﷺ, and the responsibility to preserve divine guidance for future generations.
The lecture also explored how many fundamental rulings in Islam, from prayer to inheritance, intercession to ethical conduct, are established in detail only through the Sunnah. Without Hadith, the meanings and practical applications of the Qur’an remain incomplete. For example, while the Qur’an commands prayer, it is the Hadith that instructs Muslims to pray on specific limbs or details the nature of trials in the grave – realities not outlined in the Qur’anic text but conveyed through authentic prophetic narrations.
Shaykh-ul-Islam issued a heartfelt call to action. He urged attendees not to become dormant believers but active da‘ees (callers to Islam and its authentic teachings) who cascade knowledge to their families and communities. He reminded the audience that when Allah wills good for someone, He grants them understanding of the faith. This demands clarity, sincerity, and the rejection of flawed modern interpretations.
Importantly, the audience collectively affirmed their acceptance of this guidance and pledged to enrich themselves with the Sunnah. They committed to bringing the beautiful teachings of Islam to their families, blood relations, and wider communities, so all may benefit from the peace of the religion and obtain salvation in the Hereafter through the intercession of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Undoubtedly, a reward only attainable through acts done in this life to seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty.
He closed by warning of a time when Muslims, especially youth, may feel isolated or shy about expressing their identity and commitment to faith. These are the Ghuraba (the strangers) who continue the mission of the Prophet ﷺ despite social pressure or indifference. Shaykh-ul-Islam offered them glad tidings and prayed for their success. He encouraged everyone to join a jama‘ah (faithful community), especially Minhaj-ul-Quran International, not just in name but in practice, with regular activity, service, and propagation of the Sunnah as defining characteristics of their lives.
Present once more with Shaykh-ul-Islam were Professor Dr Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri (Chairman Supreme Council, MQI), Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri, Shaykh Ahmad Mustafa al-Arabi al-Qadri, Dr Faisal Iqbal Khan, Dr Hamza Ansari, Dr Ghazala Qadri (President MWL International), Baji Khadija Qurat-ul-Ain Qadri, and Baji Basima Hassan Qadri, alongside senior leaders and scholars from across the globe.
With this final keynote, Al-Hidayah 2025 concluded a powerful three-day intellectual and spiritual journey. Its 1,300+ attendees have been equipped with clarity of belief, confidence in the prophetic tradition, and a collective resolve to become torchbearers of true Islamic epistemology.
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