The Historical Evolution of Hadith Rejection: A Critical Analysis of Its Causes and Motivating Factors

This research critically examines the historical and intellectual development of Hadith rejection, tracing its roots from early Islamic history to modern times. While the early generations unanimously accepted Hadith as a foundational source alongside the Qur’an, later periods witnessed groups influenced by rationalism, foreign philosophies, and colonial modernism questioning its authority. The study analyzes key movements and figures—such as the Khawarij, Muʿtazila, and modern South Asian intellectuals like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Ghulam Ahmad Parvez—highlighting the role of Greek philosophy, Orientalist thought, and Western rationalism in shaping these perspectives. By contrasting these movements with the rigorous authentication methods of classical Hadith scholars, the paper argues that Hadith rejection undermines the integrity of Islamic thought by disconnecting the Qur’an from its indispensable interpretive source, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.