صوفیائے کرام اورزہّاد کے نزدیک حدیث وضع کےاسباب اور محدثین کا کردار

THE CAUSES OF HADITH FABRICATION ACCORDING TO SUFI SAINTS AND ASCETICS, AND THE ROLE OF THE HADITH SCHOLARS

Abstract

The present article explores the highly significant and sensitive topic of the reasons behind fabricated (forged) hadiths according to Sufi saints and ascetics (zuhhad), as well as the role of the hadith scholars (muhaddithun) in identifying and combating this phenomenon. During the early centuries of Islamic history, when spirituality, asceticism, and self-purification movements gained strength, some Sufis and pious ascetics driven by pure intentions began attributing unverified sayings and moral stories to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in order to encourage righteousness, discourage worldliness, and inspire devotion among the masses. Although their motives were rooted in sincerity, from a Shariah standpoint this practice falls under hadith fabrication (wad‘ al-hadith), which is a grave sin and a serious breach of religious integrity.This study examines the spiritual, psychological, and social factors that led certain ascetics to such practices, and how despite their pious motives—these actions resulted in the distortion of religious knowledge. Furthermore, it highlights the monumental efforts of the hadith scholars (muhaddithun) who rose to the challenge, formulating the principles of jarh wa ta‘dil (criticism and validation), documenting detailed biographies of narrators, and classifying hadiths into authentic, weak, and fabricated categories. Through their rigorous scholarship, they preserved the integrity of prophetic traditions and safeguarded the Muslim community from deviation and innovation.By combining historical, analytical, and critical perspectives, this article concludes that both Sufism and Hadith scholarship share the same ultimate goal the preservation of the spiritual and moral essence of Islam. However, spirituality detached from sound knowledge can lead to harmful outcomes. Therefore, a balanced relationship based on mutual respect and academic rigor between Sufis and hadith scholars is essential to protect the Ummah from intellectual distortion and religious innovation.