DefinePK

Abstract

The study of Hadith literature has historically centered on the verbal sayings and articulated actions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. However, a less explored yet deeply significant category within Sunnah is the realm of “Hadith Ghayr Malfuz” — the unspoken or silent expressions of the Prophet ﷺ, including his tacit approvals, expressive gestures, non-verbal actions, and moments of intentional silence. These subtle aspects of Prophetic behavior often carry immense legislative, ethical, and spiritual weight, yet they remain marginalized in mainstream Hadith discourse.
This paper seeks to conduct a foundational and principled analysis of the concept of Hadith Ghayr Malfuz, investigating its epistemological basis, legal authority (حجّیۃ), and its role in Usul al-Hadith and Usul al-Fiqh. It further examines classical and contemporary juristic perspectives on the evidentiary value of non-verbal Sunnah and identifies methodological frameworks that can integrate this overlooked dimension into modern Islamic legal reasoning. In doing so, the paper aims to revive a holistic understanding of Prophetic Sunnah—one that is not only verbal but embodied, silent, and expressive.