Question Summary:
Is it compulsory to memorize the Aḥādīth and to know the meaning of the Qurʾān?

Question Detail:

I would like to know if it is compulsory for us to memorise prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) I know that we have to be aware of them and follow them but would like to know ifwe actually need to memorise them. for inatnce some may say that you have to know the 40 hadith. and if we do need to memorise them how many do we need to remember and are there soecific hdiths for females and males, Also i would like to know if its compulsory to understand the meaning of the QU'RAN surah or is it okay if you just read it?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh


It is a meritorious act to memorize the 40 Hadith or any amount of Aḥādīth one is able to memorize. Nabi Ṣallallāhu ʿalaihi wa Sallam made the following Dua for the person who memorizes and conveys his Aḥādīth:
««نَضَّرَ اللَّهُ امْرَأً سَمِعَ مِنَّا حَدِيثًا فَحَفِظَهُ حَتَّى يُبَلِّغَهُ غَيْرَهُ»[1]
“May Allah Taʿālā brighten the face of that person who hears a Ḥadīth from me and memorizes it so that he conveys it to others.” [Tirmidhi, (2656)]
However, it is not compulsory to memorize any amount of Aḥādīth. There are no Aḥādīth specific for males to memorize and others specific for females to memorize.
Similarly, a person should recite the Qurʾān even if he/she does not understand the meaning of the verses he/she is reciting. It is meritorious to understand what one is reciting. However, it is not compulsory to do so.
And Allah Taʿālā Knows Best
Mahmood Patel
Student, Darul Iftaa
Azaadville, South Africa
Checked and Approved by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai