Are "Hadith" and "Sunnah" synonymous, or do they differ in meaning?

Differences in terminology among scholars are often semantic. Regarding the distinction between the terms "Sunnah" and "Hadith," they sometimes converge and sometimes diverge.

Points of Convergence: 1. What is narrated from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, whether it be a saying, an action, or an approval, is referred to as both "Hadith" and "Sunnah." 2. The saved sect is called both "Ahl al-Hadith" (People of Hadith) and "Ahl al-Sunnah" (People of the Sunnah). 3. Books that meticulously transmit traditions are called "Kutub al-Hadith" (Books of Hadith) and "Kutub al-Sunnah" (Books of Sunnah).

Points of Divergence: 1. "Sunnah" refers to the Prophet's overall established guidance in all his affairs, his method, and his approach. Scholars generally do not use the term "Hadith" in this context. 2. "Sunnah" refers to adhering to the prescribed limits in Islamic law and avoiding innovation in religion. This is not called "Hadith." 3. Jurists use the term "Sunnah" to indicate the desirability of a particular action, but they do not use the term "Hadith." 4. Scholars use the term "Hadith" when authenticating or weakening narrations, saying: "This is a weak Hadith," and not: "This is a weak Sunnah."