When Hadith Overrules Revelation 

(Part IX): Items 25–27

This ongoing series explores the extent to which Islamic law and practice derive not from the Qur’an, but from hadiths—many of which contradict the Qur’an’s principles or impose additional burdens. Items 25–27 continue to illustrate how much of “Islam” as practiced today is shaped not by revelation, but by post-revelatory narration.

25. The Superiority of Men over Women

Qur’an:
The Qur’an emphasizes spiritual equality (33:35) and assigns both men and women moral accountability. While it does mention male responsibility as qawwamun (maintainers) over women (4:34), it does not use this to imply ontological superiority.

Hadith:
In Sahih Bukhari 1:6:301, Muhammad reportedly says:

“I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you [women].”

Impact:
This hadith, widely cited in classical fiqh, has shaped patriarchal attitudes that diminish women’s intellectual and spiritual capabilities. From legal testimony to leadership roles, women’s equality is curtailed—contradicting the Qur’an’s language of parity and divine justice.

26. Cursing of Non-Muslims in Daily Prayers

Qur’an:
The Qur’an calls believers to respectful engagement with non-Muslims (29:46), emphasizes that guidance is God's domain (16:82), and forbids reviling others’ deities (6:108).

Hadith:
Sahih Muslim 1:293 quotes the Prophet reportedly saying in his final prayer:

“May Allah curse the Jews and the Christians, for they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship.”

Impact:
This hadith is used in classical jurisprudence to justify cursing non-Muslims (especially Jews and Christians) in certain forms of du‘a (prayer), including some versions of du‘a al-qunūt. Such practice contradicts the Qur’anic ethic of da‘wah through wisdom and good example (16:125), and it damages interfaith relations to this day.

27. Banning of Gold and Silk for Men

Qur’an:
The Qur’an praises the righteous in paradise with garments of silk and bracelets of gold (e.g., 18:31; 22:23), but never bans these items in the worldly life for either gender.

Hadith:
Sahih Muslim 24:5173 states:

“Gold and silk are permitted for the females of my ummah and forbidden for its males.”

Impact:
Based solely on hadith, Islamic law forbids men from wearing silk or gold jewelry, despite the Qur’an not mentioning any such prohibition. This leads to often arbitrary policing of clothing and accessories for men—illustrating again how hadiths can create entire categories of law where the Qur’an is silent.

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