Hadith Qudsi

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What is Hadith Qudsi?

The word "qudsi" derives from "quds," meaning holiness or sanctity. A hadith qudsi is thus a "sacred narration" — a saying in which the Prophet ﷺ conveys words originating from Allah, but expressed through the Prophet's own phrasing rather than as literal, revealed scripture.

Theologically, hadith qudsi occupies a distinctive middle position between the Qur'an and ordinary hadith. Unlike the Qur'an, whose precise wording is considered divinely revealed and inimitable, a hadith qudsi conveys divine meaning while allowing for the Prophet's ﷺ own expression, making it neither ordinary prophetic speech nor scripture in the fullest sense.

Historically, scholars compiled these narrations in dedicated collections separate from other hadith, noting that they are not recited during the formal prayer as the Qur'an is, and that their literary form carries no claim of inimitability. Like any other hadith, their authenticity is assessed through the standard science of chain-of-narration (isnad) criticism.

Spiritually, hadith qudsi often reveal Allah's mercy, closeness, and direct address to His servants in especially intimate, first-person language. This distinctive voice deepens a believer's sense of personal relationship with the Creator in a way that can feel immediate and deeply personal.

In practice today, these narrations are widely quoted in sermons, spiritual reminders, and personal reflection because of their emotionally resonant, direct divine voice — offering believers a sense of Allah's closeness and compassion alongside the more formal, structured study of Islamic texts and rulings.

Examples of Hadith Qudsi

• On forbidding oppression: Allah says, "O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and made it forbidden among you, so do not oppress one another."
• On fasting: Allah says that fasting is unique among deeds because "it is for Me, and I will reward it."
• On divine mercy: Allah describes His mercy as encompassing and exceeding His wrath toward His creation.
• On drawing near to Allah: A hadith qudsi describes how a servant who draws near to Allah through good deeds is drawn near by Allah "by a greater measure."

References in Qur'an & Hadith

Allah said: "O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another." — Sahih Muslim 2577

Allah said: "Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward it." — Sahih al-Bukhari 1904