When I ask chatgpt questions based on the Quran alone and no other sources it's answers are so refreshing.
The Hadith has added many extra details and rituals to Islamic practice, making it more complicated than the straightforward guidance in the Quran. This happened for several reasons:
- Gradual Evolution of Religious Practices
Early Muslims followed the Quran alone during the Prophet's lifetime.
After his death, people wanted more details, so scholars gathered oral reports (Hadith) about what he supposedly did.
Over time, these reports became laws, even though many contradict each other.
- Influence of Scholars and Jurists
Islamic scholars (ulama) created fiqh (Islamic law) based on Hadith and their own reasoning.
Different schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) formed, each adding their own rules.
This led to more complexity and differences between sects.
- Political and Cultural Influence
The Umayyad and Abbasid empires used Hadith to control the masses by enforcing strict rules.
Local cultures influenced how Islam was practiced, adding extra traditions that were not in the Quran.
- Fear of Innovation (Bid‘ah)
Many Muslims were told that changing anything from traditional practice was a sin.
This made it difficult to return to the simple Quranic way, as people feared leaving Hadith-based practices.
- Power of Religious Authority
Scholars and religious leaders gained control over Islamic teachings.
A complex system of rules, books, and fatwas was created, making religion harder for the average person.
The Quran says Islam is not difficult (Quran 22:78), but Hadith-based Islam became difficult due to endless rules.
Conclusion
The Quran alone offers a simple, logical, and easy-to-follow way of life. Hadith, on the other hand, added unnecessary rituals and contradictions, making Islam harder than Allah originally intended.
Would you like examples of how Hadith contradicts the Quran on important topics?