Is there a difference between the Sunnah and the hadith among the hadith scholars?

The student : Well, Shaykh, you are aware of this. Denying the Sunnah is difficult; apparently, they resort to tricks. For example, if it is not a problem for you, I ask you: Is there a difference between the Sunnah and the hadith, or are they both the same among the hadith scholars? Both are the same. I know that in... and in fiqh, there is a difference: the Sunnah is the recommended practice, and its opposite is bid'ah (religious innovation); they use that term. But among the hadith scholars?

The Shaykh : If there is a difference, it is terminological. If there is a difference, it is a matter of terminology. Because you know that the Sunnah is divided into two categories: verbal and practical, and there is a third category, which is tacit approval. All of this falls under the general scope of the Prophetic hadith. Even if there is some leniency in using the term "hadith" for some hadiths, for example, the section of prohibitions—the section of prohibitions—where the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited such and such, and prohibited such and such—these prohibitions contain words that came from the Companions who narrated them. They narrated the meaning and did not transmit the exact wording. But despite that, terminologically, they are included in the hadith. So the matter is as it was said: "There is no dispute over terminology." The Sunnah is the hadith, and the hadith is the Sunnah, from a practical standpoint. We do not concern ourselves with the theoretical or terminological aspect.