Nabia Abbott and Theodor Noldeke’s Views on the Authenticity of the Quran and Hadith

Abstract

This study focuses on the Western orientalist view of the validity of the Qur'an and hadith as the main sources of the Islamic religion. Western Orientalists often use different methods from Muslim scholars in analyzing and understanding religion, which can deviate from the true understanding. Their critical and skeptical approach often causes various controversies and debates among Islamic academics and the Muslim community in general. Therefore, this study aims to explore the Orientalist view of the Qur'an and hadith, as well as examine the response of Islamic scholars to these criticisms. Western orientalists often use different methods from the methods used by Islamic scholars in interpreting and understanding religious texts. Their approach is often considered deviant and does not follow the methodology that has been used in the Islamic scientific tradition. As a result, many misunderstandings and interpretations are thought to be kept by Islamic scholars. This research seeks to explain and analyze the methods used by Western orientalists in studying the Qur'an and hadith, as well as evaluate the error of their opinions from the perspective of Islamic scholars. The objective of this article is to identify the Orientalist Method, Unraveling the Misguided Western Orientalist View of the Qur'an and hadith based on the methodology and understanding of Islamic scholars, as well as explain the Answers of Islamic Scholars and their response to critics and Orientalist views, as well as proving the validity of Islamic methodology in assessing the health of the Qur'an and hadith. This research method uses a qualitative method with the premier data collection method, which is through books and journal articles. Finally, this study is very important for providing an overview and exposure to the community about the method of Orientalist Criticism, the Orientalist view that is considered deviant by Islamic scholars due to the incompatibility of their methods and understanding with the Islamic scientific tradition, then redevelops the perception of true Islam.