Three Most important Hadiths That Imams Abu Hanifa, Malik, and al-shafi’I Collectively Emphasized

by Dr. Yasemin Saib

Among the numerous Hadiths recorded in Islamic tradition, there are three that Imams Abu Hanifa, Malik, and Al-Shafi’i collectively emphasized as pivotal for Islamic jurisprudence and daily conduct. These Hadiths encapsulate the core principles of Islam and provide foundational guidance for Muslim life. Below are the three Hadiths in their entirety, along with an explanation of why these esteemed scholars considered them paramount.

HADITH 1: ACTIONS ARE JUDGED BY INTENTIONS

 

Text of the Hadith:
إنما األعمال بالنيات، وإنما لكل امرئ ما نوى، فمن كانت هجرته إلى هللا ورسوله، فهجرته إلى هللا
ورسوله، ومن كانت هجرته لدنيا يصيبها أو امرأة ينكحها، فهجرته إلى ما هاجر إليه

Translation:
“Verily, actions are judged by intentions, and each person will have only that which he intended. Thus, he whose migration was for Allah and His Messenger, his migration was for Allah and His Messenger; and he whose migration was for worldly gain or for a woman to marry, his migration was for that for which he migrated.”

Chain of Narration:
This Hadith is narrated by Umar ibn Al-Khattab and is recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Reason for Significance:
The scholars deemed this Hadith crucial because it emphasizes the importance of the intention behind every action. It serves as a spiritual and ethical compass, guiding Muslims to purify their intentions to seek Allah’s pleasure. The universality of its application makes it foundational for nearly every aspect of a Muslim’s life.

 

HADITH 2: THE RELIGION IS NASIHAH (SINCERE ADVICE)

 

Text of the Hadith:
“الدين النصيحة. قلنا: لمن؟ قال: هلل، ولكتابه، ولرسوله، وألئمة المسلمين وعامتهم”

Translation:
“The religion (Islam) is nasihah (sincerity). We said: ‘To whom?’ He replied: ‘To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims, and to their common folk.'”

Chain of Narration:
This Hadith is narrated by Tamim ad-Dari and is recorded in Sahih Muslim.

Reason for Significance:
This Hadith encompasses the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings and highlights the importance of sincerity in all forms of counsel and interaction. The notion that Islam is fundamentally about sincerity underpins the ethical and social framework of the Muslim community, ensuring both vertical (to Allah and His Messenger) and horizontal (among the Muslim community) integrity.

 

HADITH 3: NO ONE TRULY BELIEVES UNTIL HE LOVES FOR HIS BROTHER WHAT HE LOVES FOR HIMSELF

 

Text of the Hadith:
“ال يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب ألخيه ما يحب لنفسه”

Translation:
“None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

Chain of Narration:
This Hadith is narrated by Anas ibn Malik and is recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Reason for Significance:
The scholars viewed this Hadith as central to the concept of brotherhood and community in Islam. It establishes the ethical groundwork for interpersonal relationships, promoting empathy, compassion, and altruism. By setting a benchmark for true faith, this Hadith enjoins Muslims to transcend self-interest and work towards the communal good.


The agreement of Imams Abu Hanifa, Malik, and Al-Shafi’i on these Hadiths underscores their collective recognition of fundamental Islamic principles. These Hadiths guide believers in their intentions, interpersonal relations, and adherence to sincerity, forming the bedrock of a harmonious Muslim life. Their selection by these eminent scholars reflects the timeless and universal applications of these prophetic teachings.