al-Sunna al-Nabawiya Wahi - Khalil Khatir
- Author died
- 1445 AH
- Editions
- King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran
al-Sunna al-Nabawiyya Wahi (The Prophetic Sunna is Revelation) is a treatise by the hadith scholar Khalil bin Ibrahim Mulla Khatir (d. 1445 AH / 2024 CE) dedicated to establishing that the authentic Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ constitutes divine revelation from God .
Background and Purpose
The author notes that his focused engagement with this subject began during the composition of his earlier work, al-Imam al-Shafi'i wa-Atharuhu fi al-Hadith wa-'Ulumih (Imam al-Shafi'i and His Impact on Hadith and Its Sciences), where he examined how al-Shafi'i articulated the principle that the Sunna represents divine revelation . The book was prepared as an abridged monograph establishing that God granted the Prophet ﷺ two distinct categories of revelation: the Quran, which is recited (wahy matluw), inimitable (mu'jiz), and devotional in its exact wording; and the Sunna, which is non-recited revelation (wahy ghayr matluw) conveying divine meaning without being an inimitable or liturgically recited text .
To frame the subject, the author draws upon classical statements from early authorities, including Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri, al-Shafi'i, Ibn Hazm, al-Juwayni, and al-Suyuti, demonstrating their consensus that the legislative instructions and pronouncements of the Prophet ﷺ originate in divine command and inspiration rather than personal whim .
Structure and Contents
The treatise is organized into five main chapters followed by a conclusion containing findings and recommendations :
- Chapter One: Between Prophethood and Revelation (Bayn al-Nubuwwa wa-al-Wahy): Examines the linguistic and legal definitions of revelation (wahy), categorizing it into direct forms (such as true dreams and direct address) and mediated forms delivered through the angel Gabriel . It demonstrates that prophethood is established by the receipt of revelation rather than the descent of a physical or written scripture, noting that most prophets received revelation without a written book, and establishes that not all divine revelation is recorded in a written scripture .
- Chapter Two: Evidences from the Holy Quran (al-Adilla min al-Qur'an al-Karim): Details scriptural proofs affirming that the Prophet's speech and guidance stem from divine revelation .
- Chapter Three: Evidences from the Prophetic Sunna (al-Adilla min al-Sunna al-Nabawiyya): Gathers hadith texts where the Prophet ﷺ explicitly identifies his teachings as divinely imparted alongside the Quran .
- Chapter Four: Evidences from Proofs of Prophethood (al-Adilla min Dala'il al-Nubuwwa): Draws upon recorded prophetic signs and historical proofs of prophethood indicating divine transmission .
- Chapter Five: Evidences from Scientific Inimitability (al-Adilla min al-I'jaz al-'Ilmi): Presents arguments based on scientific and medical insights contained in hadith literature .
Answer updated