Hadithbased

Hadithbased is an adjective used to describe sources, methodologies, or judgments that rely primarily on hadith—the reported sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad—as a basis for legal or theological guidance. In Islamic scholarship, hadiths are considered supplementary to the Qur'an and are subjected to isnad (chain of transmission) and matn (text) analysis to assess their authenticity and applicability. A hadithbased approach aims to derive normative guidance mainly from authenticated narrations, while recognizing that most traditional legal systems also regard the Qur'an and consensus (ijma) as essential sources.

In practice, the term is often applied to Sunni schools or movements that emphasize the authority of hadith collections, such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, alongside the Qur'an. It is contrasted with approaches that seek to minimize or circumscribe the role of hadith, such as Qur'anist or reformist currents that prioritize the Qur'an as the primary source and treat hadith as supplementary or interpretable with caution.

Scholars evaluate hadithbased methods through criteria of isnad reliability, matn consistency, and cross-checking with other narrations. Debates address issues such as the weight of weak narrations, the chronology of hadith compilation, and the scope for abrogation and contextualization of verses.

Limitations of a hadithbased framework include historical variability in transmission, potential fabrications, and the challenge of reconciling conflicting reports. Proponents argue that a careful hadithbased approach provides practical detail and continuity with tradition, whereas critics warn against overreliance on narrations that may not meet modern standards of evidence. The term thus describes a methodological orientation rather than a fixed doctrine.