How should one talk with an imam who relies only on hadith?

First let him explain calmly, point by point, what he believes. Then examine each statement together by asking whether it is reasonable, because the word of God and the word of His Prophet (saw) do not contradict reason.

The greatest danger in conversations like this is that both sides argue over details and talk past each other. It is better to begin with a clean slate. Ask him to write down his beliefs point by point, for example what he thinks about God, about prophethood and about Jesus (as). Then you know exactly what you are discussing and can look at each point on its own.

Whether someone appeals mainly to the Holy Qur’an or to the traditions makes little difference in the end. Both can be understood rightly or interpreted wrongly. Many ideas that pass for faith today are in fact the interpretations of scholars of later centuries. Those who grew up with them easily take them for the word of God itself.

So it helps to settle one basic question first. Is God reasonable, and is His word reasonable? Whoever says yes has already gained a great deal. Some reply that human reason may not sit in judgement over the Holy Qur’an. That is true, but the real question remains whether the Holy Qur’an actually says what is being claimed. If a verse allows both a reasonable and an unreasonable reading, the reasonable one is correct, because God does not contradict Himself.

The same applies to the traditions. The hadith above shows that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) called the Book of Allah the best discourse. A tradition that contradicts the Holy Qur’an therefore cannot have the final word.

The tone matters too. The first verse above calls for wisdom, kindly exhortation and arguing in the best manner. Do not accuse the other person of insincerity. Stay patient, ask questions and examine things together. Then the path becomes easier step by step.