The religion of Islam derives its legislation, beliefs and laws from the divine revelation of the holy Qur’an and the Sunnah. The following is a brief definition of the two:
Allah revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to serve as a means of guidance for the righteous, a constitution for Muslims, a means of healing for the hearts of those who Allah wishes to guide, and a beacon for those who Allah wishes to be successful. It comprises the fundamentals with which Allah sent all of His messengers. The Qur’an was not the first religious book to be sent by Allah, as Prophet Muhammad was not the first prophet to be sent by Allah to the people. Allah revealed As-Sohof (the scriptures) to Abraham, blessed Moses with the Torah, gave David the Zaboor (Psalms), and Prophet Jesus the Injeel (Gospel). These books were revelations from Allah to His prophets and messengers. A point which indicates that the Qur’an is a revelation from Allah is that it stresses the belief in all the messengers of Allah and does not differentiate between any of them. Allah says: {150] Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers (by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, “We believe in some but reject others,” and wish to adopt a way in between. [151] They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment. 152] And those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of them (Messengers), We shall give them their rewards, and Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.}(An-Nisâ’:150-152)
However, considerable parts of these books which were revealed before the Qur’an were lost, altered or tampered with.
As for the glorious Qur’an, Allah has vowed to preserve it for eternity. Allah says: {Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’ân) and surely We will guard it (from corruption).}(al-Hijr:9)
In addition, He made it prevail over the preceeding books, and also abrogate them. Allah says: {And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]) the Book (this Qur’ân) in truth, confirming the Scripture (Books) that came before it and Muhaiminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures).}(Al-Mâ’idah:48)
Furthermore, Allah, who revealed it, describes it as containing an account and a clarification of everything. Allah (Glorified be He) says: {And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’ân) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allâh as Muslims).}(an-Nahl:89)
What is more, it is a guidance and a mercy; He, the Exalted, says: {So, now has come unto you a clear proof (the Qur’ân) from your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy.}(al-An’aam:157)
That it may guide to what is most righteous. The Almighty says: {Verily, this Qur’ân guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allâh and His Messenger Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]), who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a great reward (Paradise).}(Al-Isrâ:9)
It guides humanity to the most correct way in all the affairs of life.
The great and holy Qur’an covers everything that human beings need. It includes all the principles of the rules of beliefs, jurisprudence transactions, behavior and other matters. Allah says: {We have neglected nothing in the Book,}(al-An’aam:38)
Allah revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet (pbuh) and inspired him with the Sunnah. Allah says: {It is only a Revelation revealed.{ (an-Najm:4)
The Sunnah is just like the Qur’an. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “I have been given the Book and with it something like it. I have been given the Qur’an and something like it.” (Ahmad) The Sunnah is the revelation of Allah to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), for he did not speak out of his own desires. He (pbuh) only conveyed to people that which he was commanded. Allah says: {“I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am but a plain warner.”}(Al-Ahqâf:9)
The Sunnah is the second source of Islam. It is all that was narrated from the Prophet (pbuh) through a sound chain of narrators connected right back to the Prophet, regarding his sayings, actions, approvals as well as his description. It clarifies and explains the holy Qur’an, for he was authorized to explain its contents concerning the generalities, particularities, or summations. Allah says: {With clear signs and Books (We sent the Messengers). And We have also sent down to you (O Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]) the Dhikr [reminder and the advice (i.e. the Qur’ân)], that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought.}(an-Nahl:44)
The Sunnah expounds on the Qur’an and explains its verses. It details these laws which are mentioned in the Qur’an in the form of a summation. He (pbuh) used to clarify what was revealed unto him sometimes in words, sometimes through an action and sometimes with a combination of both. The Sunnah occasionally clarifies certain laws and legislations which are not mentioned in the Qur’an.
The noble Sunnah is the actual application of the laws, legislations, beliefs, transactions and etiquettes of Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) always complied with what he was commanded and then showed this to the people and commanded them to do exactly what he did. Allah instructed the believers to take the Prophet as an example in his words and actions, so as to reach perfection in their faith. Allah says: {Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much.}(Al¬-Ahzâb :21)
The noble companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them all) related the sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) and his actions to those who came after them, who in turn conveyed the Sunnah to those who succeeded them. Subsequently, the Sunnah was recorded in collections in forms of volumes. Those recording the Sunnah were extremely strict about whom it should be taken from and they demanded that any narrators be the contemporaries of those who related the hadith to them, so as to ensure a correctly connected chain that connects the narrator to the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). The men of the chain of narration should all be just, honest, truthful, and trustworthy men.
A Muslim must believe that the Qur’an and the Sunnah are the two principle sources of Islam which must be followed, referred to and obeyed by carrying out what they command, abandoning what they forbid and believing in what they relate. A Muslim must believe in the beautiful Names and Attributes of Allah mentioned in both of these sources, as well as what He has prepared for His supporters who believe in Him and what He vows to inflict on His enemies who disbelieve in Him. Allah says: {But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.}(An-Nisâ’:65)
The Almighty also says: {And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)}(al-Hashr:7)
How happy will the person who takes this path be, for it certainly is the path to happiness!!!
