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Ahl-e-Hadith
(In Arabic: people of the tradition) A puritanical movement in South Asian Islam which began in 19th century *Punjab. Its founders, Siddiq Hasan Khan (d. 1890) and Nazir Husayn (d. 1902), were influenced by the reformist ideas of Shah Waliullah (1703-62) and the Indian *Wahhabis. They did not recognize the doctrine known as *Ijma, a consensus of the major theologian jurists concerning questions not covered by the Quran and the Sunna. They believed that the holy books contain answers to every conceivable question, without exception. Ahl-i-Hadith reject or minimize the authority of the main Sunnite *madhabs (denominations) and recognize each Muslim's right to *ijtihad. They believe that each Muslim can find instructions in the *hadith for public and private life. The word and deed of the Prophet (PBUH) are ideal guidance for each believer. Any innovation (bidah) not based on the sources approved by the theologians of Ahl-i-Hadith, are considered to be deviations from Islam.

The first annual meeting of the Ahl-i-Hadith in India was held in Delhi in 1912. The Central Society of Ahli-Hadith (Markazi Jamiat-i Ahl-i-Hadith), set up in Pakistan by its leaders with their centre in Lahore, has been playing an increasingly important role in the country's political life since the 1960s. In 1988, Ahl-iHadith participated in parliamentary elections within the coalition of Islamic Democratic Alliance (lslami Jamhuri Ittehad). They were represented in parliament by Prof. Sajid Mir.