Distortion in the Hadith Concept and Methods of Interpretation in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani's Thought: A Critical and Analytical Study

مرزا غلام احمد قادیانی کے نظریۂ حدیث اور مناہجِ تاویل میں تحریف: تنقیدی و تجزیاتی جائزہ

Abstract

This research critically examines the concept of Hadith and the interpretative methodologies adopted by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani (1835–1908), the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement, with a specific focus on the issue of distortion (tahrif) in meaning and application. The study explores how Qadiani thought redefines the authority and authenticity of Hadith, positioning the Qur’an as the supreme and decisive source for all religious matters, while categorizing Hadith into “authentic,” “weak,” and “fabricated” according to his own interpretive framework. Special attention is given to his theological stance that a prophet possesses the discretion to accept or reject Hadith from the corpus, as well as his differentiation between Hadith and Sunnah, where Sunnah is limited to practices directly performed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, regardless of prior prophetic traditions. This paper further analyzes the Ahmadiyya use of Hadith in supporting their controversial views on prophethood and the finality of Muhammad ﷺ, comparing these interpretations with mainstream Islamic scholarship. The phenomenon of meaningful distortion (ta’wil) is addressed, assessing claims from both Ahmadi and orthodox perspectives. By engaging with primary sources such as Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Fath-e-Islam, Izala-e-Auham, and Tadhkirah, the research highlights the theological, methodological, and doctrinal implications of Qadiani hermeneutics on contemporary Islamic discourse. The study concludes by underscoring the need for scholarly vigilance in preserving the integrity of Hadith sciences and countering interpretive approaches that deviate from established Islamic methodology.