How does hadith differ from sunnah?

In a Nutshell: The words "sunnah" and "hadith" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different concepts in the Islamic tradition. The sunnah refers to the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which are considered to be a source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims. The hadith are the collections of reports that detail the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, along with information about the circumstances in which they occurred. Detailed Points: The sunnah is considered to be one of the primary sources of Islamic law and doctrine, along with the Qur'an. It is believed to provide insight into the Prophet Muhammad's understanding and application of the Qur'anic teachings. The hadith, on the other hand, are the collections of reports that detail the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, along with information about the circumstances in which they occurred. The sunnah is recorded in collections of hadith and is transmitted through the oral tradition of the Muslim community. The hadith are collected, authenticated, and recorded in a number of different collections, including the Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and Sunan Abu Dawud. The sunnah is considered to be important for several reasons. It is seen as a way to learn about the life and character of the Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded as a role model for all Muslims. It is also believed to provide guidance on how to interpret and apply the teachings of the Qur'an in daily life. The hadith, on the other hand, are primarily used as a source of information about the sunnah and the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Some scholars have argued that the sunnah is not a source of Islamic law in and of itself, but rather a source of guidance and understanding for the application of Qur'anic teachings. Other scholars have argued that the sunnah is a primary source of Islamic law, alongside the Qur'an. The hadith are generally not seen as a source of Islamic law in and of themselves, but rather as a source of information about the sunnah and the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. The role of the sunnah in contemporary Islamic legal systems varies. Some traditional legal systems, such as those in Saudi Arabia and Iran, give the sunnah a central role in the development of Islamic law. In other legal systems, such as those in Egypt and Pakistan, the sunnah plays a less central role, with a greater emphasis on the Qur'an and other sources of law. The hadith are generally not used as a source of law in contemporary Islamic legal systems, but rather as a source of information about the sunnah and the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Conclusion: In conclusion, the sunnah refers to the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which are considered to be a source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims. The hadith are the collections of reports that detail the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, along with information about the circumstances in which they occurred. The sunnah is recorded in collections of hadith and is transmitted through the oral tradition of the Muslim community. The sunnah is considered to be important for several reasons, including as a way to learn about the life and character of the Prophet Muhammad and as a source of guidance for the interpretation and application of Qur'anic teachings. The hadith are primarily used as a source of information about the sunnah and the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. The role of the sunnah in contemporary Islamic legal systems varies, with some legal systems giving it a central role and others a less central role.