Muhaddithin and Ushuliyyin:

An Analysis of Differences in Understanding The Status of Hadith

Abstract

This study examines the differing perspectives between the muhaddithin and the usuliyyin regarding hadith, with the aim of understanding how each group perceives the status of hadith within Islam. Employing a qualitative approach and a descriptive method through a literature-based study, this research analyses primary sources from classical (turath) works written by scholars of hadith and usul al-fiqh, supported by secondary sources such as relevant books and academic journals. The analytical techniques used are comparative and descriptive-analytical methods to reveal differences in assessing the authoritative value (hujjiyyah) of hadith. The findings indicate that the muhaddithin view the Sunnah in a broader and more historical sense, encompassing all aspects related to the Prophet ﷺ, whereas the usuliyyin emphasise its normative dimension, focusing on elements that can serve as legal foundations. Despite their differing approaches, both muhaddithin and usuliyyin agree that the Sunnah holds binding authority in Islam. The main contribution of this study lies in offering a more comprehensive understanding of the role of hadith within Islamic scholarship, while affirming that the methodological differences between the sciences of hadith and usul al-fiqh serve to enrich the intellectual tradition of Islamic jurisprudence in an integrative and complementary manner.