MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, GARUT — Muhammadiyah has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the authenticity of hadith by strengthening formal methodological guidelines used in Islamic legal reasoning.
Muhamad Rofiq Muzakkir, Secretary of the Council for Religious Opinion and Reform of Muhammadiyah Central Board, outlined the approach during a religious lecture in Garut on Thursday (16/04). He said Muhammadiyah’s commitment extends beyond discourse and reflected in structured legal principles that guide the formulation of religious rulings.
These principles are codified in the Development of Muhammadiyah’s Manhaj (Pengembangan Manhaj Tarjih Muhammadiyah), adopted at the 32nd National Tarjih Conference in Pekalongan in 2024. They were later formalized through an official decree issued by Muhammadiyah’s Central Board in 2026. In addition, they form a core component of the Compilation of Tarjih Decisions (Himpunan Putusan Tarjih), a key reference for the organization’s legal framework.
Distinguishing Levels of Hadith Authority
Rofiq highlighted two central principles concerning the evaluation of hadith transmission, particularly those classified as mauquf—reports attributed to the Prophet’s companion rather than directly to the Prophet himself:
اَلْمَوْقُوفُ الْمُجَرَّدُ لَا يُحْتَجُّ بِه
“Purely mauquf hadith cannot serve as a binding legal proof (hujjah).”
The second, however, allows for mauquf reports to be used when they effectively carry the authority of a marfu’ hadith (one that traces back to the Prophet) based on contextual indications.
اَلْمَوْقُوفُ الَّذِي فِي حُكْمِ الْمَرْفُوعِ يُحْتَجُّ بِه
“Mauquf reports could be used when they effectively carry the authority of a marfu’ hadith.”
He emphasized that these principles are not merely theoretical. Instead, Muhammadiyah has applied them consistently in issuing legal opinions.
For example, he cited a narration attributed to Abu Hurairah regarding the purification of a vessel licked by a cat.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ: إِذَا وَلَغَ الهِرُّ غُسِلَ مَرَّةً
“If a cat licks a vessel, it should be washed once.”
Although the chain of transmission is considered authentic, the report remains mauquf. Therefore, Muhammadiyah does not use it as a legal basis because it does not directly originate from the Prophet.
“This case shows that an authentic chain of transmission is necessary, but not sufficient,” Rofiq explained.
Contextual Authority in Legal Interpretation
By contrast, Rofiq pointed to another case involving Aisha bint Abu Bakr concerning menstruation. In the narration, Aisha explained that women were instructed to make up missed fasting days but not missed prayers.
Although the report is technically mauquf, its content clearly reflects a directive from the Prophet. As a result, it is treated as having marfu‘ status and can be used as a valid legal reference.
Through these examples, Rofiq underscored Muhammadiyah’s nuanced approach to hadith interpretation. Rather than relying solely on textual content, the organization carefully examines the chain of transmission and the status of each report.
Ensuring Scientific Rigor in Religious Guidance
Moreover, he stressed that such methodological precision plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of Islamic teachings. By applying strict standards, Muhammadiyah seeks to ensure that every religious ruling rests on a solid scholarly foundation.
Ultimately, this approach reflects a broader commitment to accountability in religious discourse. It also reinforces the organization’s effort to align faith-based guidance with rigorous intellectual standards, ensuring that its rulings remain both credible and relevant in contemporary contexts.
