These two examples—among hundreds—make it plain that the Prophetic hadith has not received from scholars the attention it deserves, even though it is the second foundation of the Islamic law, without which the first foundation can never be understood as Allah, Exalted is He, intended. Because of this neglect they have lapsed into a glaring ignorance of the Prophet’s hadiths and into an open deviation from affirming them, even though they are unquestionably part of what he, peace and blessings be upon him, brought. Allah, Exalted is He, says: “Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it…” (59:7), yet they have taken some of it and left some of it—“What, then, is the recompense of those among you who do that except…”.

In short, every Muslim must believe in any hadith that the specialists have established as authentic from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, whether it concerns doctrine or practical rulings, whether it is mutawātir or singular. Likewise, whether a solitary report, in his estimation, yields certainty or a strong presumption—as explained earlier—the duty in every case is to accept it and submit to it. By doing so he fulfills within himself the response commanded in Allah’s words: “O you who believe! Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life; and know that Allah comes between a person and his heart, and that to Him you shall be gathered” (8:24), and in the other verses cited at the beginning of this essay. I pray that Allah will make these words beneficial, render them purely for His sake, supporters of His Book, and servants to the Sunnah of His Prophet ﷺ—in full submission.