The Divine Hadith (Qudsii)

The terminology Hadith Qudsi (Divine Hadith) is derived from the word قدّوس — the Holiest — one of Allah's Names. This 157-page book covers 103 such hadith with the Arabic text, English translation and the lessons drawn from each.

How Hadith Qudsi Differ From the Qur'an

• The Qur'an was brought down by Jibril; a Hadith Qudsi may be conveyed through Jibril, through inspiration, or in a dream
• The Qur'an is Allah's word in both wording and meaning; a Hadith Qudsi conveys Allah's meaning in the Prophet's ﷺ wording
• The Qur'an is recited in prayer; a Hadith Qudsi is not
• Reciting the Qur'an is itself an act of worship carrying reward per letter; this does not apply to Hadith Qudsi
• The Qur'an is transmitted by mass narration (tawatur); Hadith Qudsi are transmitted like other hadith and vary in strength

Why They Affect Readers as They Do

Because of what they say. The Qudsi narrations are where Allah speaks about His mercy, His nearness to the one who turns to Him, what He does for the servant who remembers Him, and what awaits the one who wrongs others.

"I am as My servant thinks of Me" is a Hadith Qudsi. So is the account of the man whose sins reach the clouds and who is forgiven. These are among the most quoted texts in the entire tradition, and a collection of them is one of the more rewarding books a Muslim can own.

Related Reading

• 110 Hadith Qudsi — 110 Ahadith Qudsi
• Having Good Thoughts of Allah — having good thoughts of Allah
• The Book of Heart Softeners — the Book of Heart Softeners