Ahadith that Contradict the Quran
- Qur'an Explorer
- Dec 1, 2024
- 17 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Most blessed is He who revealed to His servant the Criterion of right and wrong so that it might be a warning to the entire world. (25:1)
These are the verses of God We convey to you with truth. Then, in what HADITH, if not in God and His verses, will they believe? (45:6)
Not all the ahadith contradict the Qur'an directly - some contradict the general injunction in 16:116 (Do not keep uttering in falsehood, "This is lawful and this is unlawful”, thus inventing lies against God. Those who fabricate lies against God, fail to prosper in their own ‘self’) and create commandments not found in the Qur'an, or extend or nullify Qur'anic commandments.
Guidance
Hadith
Narrated Tariq: `Abdullah said, "The best talk is Allah's Book (Qur'an), and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6098)
Qur'an
We obey You alone and we ask You alone to help us. Guide us to the straight path (1:4-5)
... God shows the lighted road to those who would acknowledge the truth and thus resolve their disputes. And God guides to the straight road him who wills to be guided. (2:213)
Surely, you cannot guide everyone you love, but it is God Who guides him who wishes to be guided. And He is best Aware of those who will be rightly guided. (28:56)
The Testimony (Shahadah)
Hadith
It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah son of 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: (The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), testifying (the fact) that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is His bondsman and messenger, and the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, Pilgrimage to the House (Ka'ba) and the fast of Ramadan. (Sahih Muslim 16c)
Qur’an
God Himself witnesses that there is no god but He and so do the angels, men and women of science, and those who uphold equity. There is no god but He, the Almighty, the Wise. (3:18)
When the hypocrites come to you (O Prophet), they say, “We bear witness that you are God’s Messenger.” Yes, God knows that you are truly His Messenger, but God bears witness that the hypocrites are liars. (63:1)
Compulsion in Religion
Hadith
It has been narrated on the authority of Abdullah b. 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah said: I have been commanded to fight against people till they testify that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and they establish prayer, and pay Zakat and if they do it, their blood and property are guaranteed protection on my behalf except when justified by law, and their affairs rest with Allah. (Sahih Muslim 22)
Qur'an
There is no compulsion in The Way. The difference between guidance and error has been made clear. Whoever rejects false gods and believes in God has grasped firm, unshakable support. God hears all and knows all. (2:256)
And say, "The Truth is from your Lord. Whoever wills - let him believe, and whoever wills - let him deny the truth.... (18:29)
We know full well what they say, but you shall not, by any means, force them (to believe). However, remind with this Qur’an, any who would fear My warning! (50:45)
Sects
Hadith
Narrated Abu Hurairah: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The Jews split into seventy-one sects, or seventy-two sects, and the Christians similarly, and my Ummah will split into seventy-three sects." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2640)
Qur’an
O Messenger! Those who break the unity of their Deen and become sects, you have nothing to do with them whatsoever. Their case will go to God and He will then tell them what they had done. (6:159)
Turn to Him alone then, and be mindful of Him, and establish the Divine System and be not of those who ascribe ‘partners’ to Him, those who split up their religion into sects with each sect delighting in whatever beliefs they have. (30:31-32)
Apostasy
Hadith
Bukhari volume 9, book 84, number 57 Narrated by 'Ikrima**:** Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to 'Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn 'Abbas who said, "If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Apostle forbade it, saying, 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Apostle, 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'"
Qur’an
"And say, "The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.".... " (18:29)
"Indeed, those who have believed then disbelieved, then believed, then disbelieved, and then increased in disbelief - never will Allah forgive them, nor will He guide them to a way." (4:137)
Knowledge of the Future
Hadith
-Muslim Book 031, Number 6067: 'Amir b. Sa'd reported that he heard his father (Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas) say: never heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say unto one living and moving about that he was in Paradise except to 'Abdullah b. Salim.
-Bukhari Volume 9, Book 91, Number 367: Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet entered a garden and told me to guard its gate. Then a man came and asked permission to enter. The Prophet, said, "Permit him and give him the good news that he will enter Paradise." Behold! It was Abu Bakr. Then 'Umar came, and the Prophet said, "Admit him and give him the good news that he will enter Paradise." Then 'Uthman came and the Prophet said, "Admit him and give him the good news that he will enter Paradise. "
-Abdul Rahman bin Auf said: The prophet (s) said: Abu Bakar in Paradise, Umar in Paradise, Uthman in Paradise, Ali in Paradise, Talha in Paradise, al- Zubair (bin al-'Awwam) in Paradise, AbdulRahman bin Auf in Paradise, Sa’d (bin Abi Waqqass) in Paradise, Saeed (bin Zayd), and abu Ubaydah bin al- Jarrah in Paradise." —Tirmidhi
Qur’an
Say, "I do not even have the power to benefit myself or to avert harm from myself, contrary to the laws of God. If I had the knowledge of the Unseen, I would have amassed abundant fortune, and no adversity would have touched me. I am but a warner and a bearer of good news for those who have faith." (7:188)
Say: "I am no different from the other messengers, nor do I know what will happen to me or to you. I only follow what is inspired to me. I am no more than a clear warner" Quran (46:9)
Miracles of Prophet Muhammad
Hadith
Narrated Anas: The people of Mecca asked the Prophet (ﷺ) to show them a sign (miracle). So he showed them (the miracle) of the cleaving of the moon. (Sahih al-Bukhari 4867)
+ 10 other supposedly well-known miracles
Qur’an
Those who deny the truth keep saying, "Why has no miracle ever been bestowed upon him from his Lord?" But you (O Prophet) are only a warner and to every community is a guide. (13:7)
They say, "How come no miracle came down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The future belongs to God; so wait, and I am waiting along with you." (10:20)
They said, "If only miracles could come down to him from his Lord!" Say, "All miracles come only from God; I am no more than a manifest warner." (29:50)
Loving Prophet Muhammad
Hadith
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “None of you have faith until I am more beloved to him than his children, his father, and all of the people.” (Soahīh al-Bukhārī 15, Sahīh Muslim 44)
Qur'an
Yet, among mankind there are those who choose others as equals to God. They love them as they should love God. But the believers are staunch in their love for God... (2:165)
Strive for God with a strife befitting Him, for He has elected you and placed no hardship in Religion, the Creed of your father Abraham. He has named you Muslimeen in the bygone days and now in this revelation, that the Messenger may be a witness against you... (22:78)
Superiority of Prophet Muhammad
Hadith
Abu Umama reported the Prophet as saying, “God has given me superiority over the prophets,” or as saying, “has given my people superiority over other peoples and made spoils lawful to us.” (Mishkat al-Masabih 4001)
Qur'an
Say, “We believe in God, and the revelation that has been given to us, and (the surviving truth) in what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, as well as the Tribal Israelite Prophets and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to all Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among them. And for Him, we are Muslimoon” (2:136)
Prophet Muhammad as enforcer
Hadith
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "No doubt, I intended to order somebody to pronounce the Iqama of the (compulsory congregational) prayer and then I would go to the houses of those who do not attend the prayer and burn their houses over them." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2420)
‘Ikrimah said: ‘Ali burned some people who retreated from Islam. When Ibn ‘Abbas was informed of it, he said: If it had been I, I would not have burned them, for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Do not inflict Allah’s punishment on anyone, but would have had killed them on account of the statement of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Apostle said: Kill those who change their religion. When ‘Ali was informed about it he said: How truly Ibn ‘Abbas said! (Sunan Abi Dawud 4351)
Qur'an
We could have created all people without free will and they would then not associate any partners with Him. And We have not appointed you as their guardian, nor are you responsible for them. (6:107)
Your Lord is best Aware of you (what you are, what you do and what you deserve). He will bestow His grace upon you or He will chastise you according to His laws. We have not sent you as a warden over them. (17:54)
We have revealed to you this Book expounding the truth for all mankind. Then whoever chooses guidance benefits his own ‘self’. And whoever chooses to be lost, he strays only to his own detriment. You are not a custodian over them, nor can you determine their fate. (39:41)
The Prophet Bewitched
Hadith
Sahih al-Bukhari 3268, Book 59, Hadith 78
Narrated `Aisha: Magic was worked on the Prophet (ﷺ) so that he began to fancy that he was doing a thing which he was not actually doing. One day he invoked (Allah) for a long period and then said, "I feel that Allah has inspired me as how to cure myself. Two persons came to me (in my dream) and sat, one by my head and the other by my feet. One of them asked the other, "What is the ailment of this man?" The other replied, 'He has been bewitched"....
Qur’an
... And the wrongdoers say, "You follow not but a man affected by magic." (25:8)
Age of Marriageability
Hadith
Narrated Hisham's father: Khadija died three years before the Prophet (ﷺ) departed to Medina. He stayed there for two years or so and then he married `Aisha when she was a girl of six years of age, and he consumed that marriage when she was nine years old.
Qur'an
Train and educate the orphans well. When they reach the age of marriage, and attain sound judgment, release their property to them. The marriageable age shall mean attainment of physical and mental maturity when one can express free consent and make a solemn, legal contract... (4:6, 4:19, 4:21)
Punishment for Adultery
Hadith
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “It is not permissible to shed the blood of a Muslim who bears witness that there is no god except Allaah and that I am His Messenger, except in one of three cases: a soul for a soul (i.e., in the case of murder); a married man who commits adultery; and one who leaves his religion and splits form the jamaa’ah (main group of Muslims).” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6878; Muslim, 1676)
'Ubada b. as-Samit reported: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Receive (teaching) from me, receive (teaching) from me. Allah has ordained a way for those (women). When an unmarried male commits adultery with an unmarried female (they should receive) one hundred lashes and banishment for one year. And in case of married male committing adultery with a married female, they shall receive one hundred lashes and be stoned to death.(Muslim, book 17, number 4191).
Qur’an
The man and woman found guilty of Zina (adultery) - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment. (24:2)
Dogs are to be Killed
Hadith
Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of 'Allah (ﷺ) said: When any one of you stands for prayer and there is a thing before him equal to the back of the saddle that covers him and in case there is not before him (a thing) equal to the back of the saddle, his prayer would be cut off by (passing of an) ass, woman, and dog. (Sahih Muslim 510a)
It was narrated from Salim that his father said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raising his voice and commanding that dogs be killed, and dogs were killed, except for hunting dogs or dogs kept for herding livestock.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3203)
It was narrated that Ibn'Umar said: "The Messenger of Allah said: 'whoever keeps a dog, two Qirats will be detracted from his reward each day, except a trained hunting dog, or a dog for herding livestock." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 4284)
Qur’an
As for the hunting animals, the catch of your trained dogs and falcons, as God has taught you, is permissible. (5:4)
They had a faithful dog to guard the entrance, with its four paws outstretched (ready to pounce). (18:18)
The Second Coming of Jesus
Hadith
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The Hour will not be established until the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler, he will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jizya tax. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it (as charitable gifts).(Sahih al-Bukhari 2476)
Qur’an
Thus, God said, "O Jesus, I am terminating your life, raising you to Me, and ridding you of the disbelievers. I will exalt those who follow you above those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is the ultimate destiny of all of you, then I will judge among you regarding your disputes. (3:55)
Women are the Lesser Gender
Hadith
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri: … The women asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion." (Sahih al-Bukhari 304)
Qur’an
Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you MALE OR FEMALE, YOU ARE EQUAL TO ONE ANOTHER..." (3:195)
As for those who lead a righteous life, MALE OR FEMALE. while believing, they enter Paradise; without the slightest injustice. (4:124)
Surely, for Muslim men and Muslim women, believing men and believing women, devoted men and devoted women, truthful men and truthful women, steadfast men and steadfast women, humble men and humble women, charitable men and charitable women, abstinent men and abstinent women (abstaining from all vices), chaste men and chaste women, men who remain mindful of God and women who remain mindful (of God), for them, God has readied forgiveness and an immense reward. (33:35)
Covering the Faults of Others
Hadith
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying: The servant (who conceals) the faults of others in this world, Allah would conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection. (Sahih Muslim 2590b)
Qur’an
On that Day you will be exposed; not a secret of you will remain hidden (69:18)
The Best Deeds
Hadith
Narrated 'Ubaid-Ullah bin Adi bin Khiyar: I went to 'Uthman bin Affan while he was besieged, and said to him, "You are the chief of all Muslims in general and you see what has befallen you. We are led in the Salat (prayer) by a leader of Al-Fitan (trials and afflictions etc.) and we are afraid of being sinful in following him." 'Uthman said. "As-Salat (the prayers) is the best of all deeds so when the people do good deeds do the same with them and when they do bad deeds, avoid those bad deeds." Az-Zuhri said, "In our opinion, one should not offer Salat behind an effeminate person unless there is no alternative." (Sahih al-Bukhari 695)
Narrated `Aisha: (the mother of the faithful believers) I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! We consider Jihad as the best deed." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj Mabrur. " (Sahih al-Bukhari 1520)
It was narrated from 'Abudullah bin Hubshi Al-Khath 'ami that the Prophet was asked: "Which deed is best?" He said: "Faith in which there is no doubt, Jihad in which there is no stealing of the spoils of war, and Hjijatun Mabrurah." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 2526)
Some confusion here as to which deed is the best...
Qur'an
And spend on others of what We have provided you with, before death comes to one of you. And he then says, “My Lord! If only You would delay this for a short while, so that I could give in charity and be among the righteous.” (63:10)
Deeds are not (really that) Important
Hadith
Narrated 'Ubada: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If anyone testifies that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His Slave and His Apostle, and that Jesus is Allah's Slave and His Apostle and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is true, and Hell is true, Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few." (Junada, the sub-narrator said, " 'Ubada added, 'Such a person can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates he likes.") (Sahih Bukhari 3435)
Quran
The ranks of all individuals and nations are determined solely by their deeds, and your Lord is not unaware of what they do. (6:132)
Idols Worshipped by Others
Hadith
It was narrated from Jareer bin Hayyan, from his father, that ’Ali said to his father I shall certainly send you on the same mission as the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent me: level every grave and destroy every idol.
Qur'an
Do not insult the idols they set up besides God. They might insult God in their ignorance and hurt themselves. To every community We have made their deeds seem fair. Then to their Lord is their return and He will explain to them exactly what they used to do. (6:108)
Blood of a Disbeliever
Hadith
It was narrated from ‘Ali that The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: `The believers are equal in respect of blood and they are one against their enemies; protection given even by the least among them is to be honoured, but no believer is to be killed (in retaliation) for a disbeliever and no one who has a covenant is to be killed during the covenant.` (Musnad Ahmad 991)
Qur'an
... whoever kills a human being, unless it be for murder or bloody crimes on the earth, it would be as if he killed all mankind. And whoever saves the life of one human being it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind (5:32)
Intercession on Judgment Day
Hadith
It was narrated from ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Three will intercede on the Day of Resurrection: The Prophets, then the scholars, then the martyrs.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4313)
Qur'an
And beware of the Day no person will avail another in the least. And neither intercession will be accepted, nor shall compensation be taken from anyone. And they will not be helped. (2:48)
Give this warning to those who fear that they will be brought to judgment before their Lord. Except for Him, they will have no protector and no intercessor. (Counsel them) so that they may live upright. (6:51)
Prohibited Foods
Hadith
Narrated AbdurRahman ibn Shibl: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade to eat the flesh of lizard. (Sunan Abi Dawud 3796)
Narrated Ibn `Umar: On the day of Khaiber, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the eating of garlic and the meat of donkeys. (Sahih al-Bukhari 4215)
Narrated Abu Tha`laba: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the eating of the meat of beasts having fangs (Sahih al-Bukhari 5530)
Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas:: On the day of Khaybar the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited eating every beast of prey, and every bird with a talon. (Sunan Abi Dawud 3805)
Qur'an
O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Enjoy the clean, decent and aesthetically pleasing things that We have provided for all of you. And render thanks to God if it is Him that you serve. He has forbidden you: carrion, blood, rotten meat, and anything that has been dedicated to other than God. But if one is forced by necessity, neither intending disobedience, nor exceeding, it will not be a violation that hurts his own ‘self’. Indeed, God is Forgiving, Merciful. (2:172-173)
Say, “In all that has been revealed to me, I do not find anything forbidden to eat, except for a dead animal, flowing blood, and rotten meat - It is impure, or offerings dedicated to idols. However, if one is driven by necessity and neither desire nor excess, your Lord is the Most Forgiving, the Mercy Giver.” (6:145)
Say, "Who is there to forbid the beauty and aesthetic niceties that God has brought forth for His servants, and the good things of sustenance?”... (7:32)
Performing Rites on Behalf of Others
Hadith
Narrated `Abdullah bin `Abbas: Al-Fadl (his brother) was riding behind Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and a woman from the tribe of Khath'am came and Al-Fadl started looking at her and she started looking at him. The Prophet (ﷺ) turned Al-Fadl's face to the other side. The woman said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The obligation of Hajj enjoined by Allah on His devotees has become due on my father and he is old and weak, and he cannot sit firm on the Mount; may I perform Hajj on his behalf?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Yes, you may." That happened during the Hajj-al-Wida (of the Prophet (ﷺ) ) (Sahih Bukhari 1513)
It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbas that: a woman asked the Prophet about her father who had died and he did not perform Hajj. He said: "Perform Hajj on behalf of your father." (Grade:Sahih, Sunan an-Nasa'i 2634)
Quran
Say, "Shall I seek anyone other than God as a lord when He is the Lord of all things? No ‘self’ benefits but from its own works, and none bears the load of another. Then to your Lord is your return and He will make you understand wherein you differed. (6:164)
So, whoever goes right, does it for his own ‘self’, and whoever strays, strays against his own ‘self’. No person bears the load of another. And We never punish any people until We have sent a Messenger. (17:15)
And no person, being already burdened with his own doings, will be made to carry the burden of another. And if a laden one calls for help with his load, none can carry part of it even if he is a close relative. So, you can warn only those who understand their Lord’s Law of Recompense knowing that even their actions done in secrecy have consequences. So, such people follow the Divine Commands closely. Whoever grows in virtue does so for the good of his own ‘self’. And the destination of all is to God. (35:18)
No laden one shall bear the load of another. Every human being shall be responsible for his own works and compensated for his labor. (53:38-39)
Let the affluent man give according to his affluence, and the poor man give according to what resources God has given him. God does not hold anyone accountable beyond what He has given him. God will soon bestow relief after hardship (65:7)
What Constitutes Major Sins
Hadith
Ubaidullah b. Abu Bakr said: I heard Anas b. Malik saying: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) talked about the major sins, or he was asked about the major sins. Upon this he observed: Associating anyone with Allah, killing of a person, disobedience to parents. He (the Prophet further) said: Should I not inform you about the gravest of the major sins, and (in this connection) observed: False utterance or false testimony. Shu'ba said. It was most probably" false testimony". (Sahih Muslim 88b, Book 1, Hadith 167)
Qur'an
God does not forgive that divinity be ascribed to other than Him. But He may forgive anything else, to whom He wills. Whoever associates partners with God, has thus, devised a tremendous drag on his own person. (4:48)
God will not forgive Shirk (choosing ‘authorities’ besides Him), though He may forgive other transgressions according to His law of forgiveness. Whoever commits Shirk, has strayed far, far away. (4:116)
Repentance at the time of Death
Hadith
Narrated Abu Dharr: I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was wearing white clothes and sleeping. Then I went back to him again after he had got up from his sleep. He said, "Nobody says: 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah' and then later on he dies while believing in that, except that he will enter Paradise." I said, "Even if he had committed illegal sexual intercourse and theft?" He said, "Even if he had committed illegal sexual intercourse and theft, inspite of the Abu Dharr's dislike. Abu `Abdullah said, "This is at the time of death or before it if one repents and regrets and says "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah. He will be forgiven his sins." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5827)
Qur'an
The forgiveness is not for those who commit transgressions until death comes to one of them, and then he says, “I repent now.” (They have no time to make amends.) Nor is the forgiveness for those who die as rejecters of truth. We have prepared an awful suffering for them. (4:18)
But there are hundreds, if not thousands of hadith that do not directly contradict the Qur'an, but are not rational, display no mercy, or justice, or compassion etc etc...
For example, does the mi'raj hadith directly contradict Qur'an? To me it's mainly illogical for several reasons — does Musa know the capacity of God's creation better than Him? Is it realistic for a prophet to bargain with God?
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