The Holy
Quran constitutes the foundation of Islamic Law and is therefore the primary
and most reliable source. All other sources must be in conformity with the
Quranic injunctions. It is the final word of Allah Almighty revealed to the
last messenger, Hazrat Muhammad The Holy Prophet ï·º
then conveyed the Divine message to the people for guidance to the Right Path.
The Quran
in this regard says:
“...
Judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain
desires" (Maida; 5:49)
"....if any do fail to judge by what Allah has revealed, they are unbelievers." (Maida; 5:44)
The Holy
Prophet ï·º said,
"Whomsoever desired guidance from any other except the Quran, shall go astray."
Commandments
derived from the Holy Quran are called 'Nas' (Plural Nussus). The compulsory
acts of worship, such as Salat, Zakat, Saum, Hajj are all direct Nussus of the
Holy Quran. Furthermore, the laws of inheritance, marriage, and divorce are all
found in detail in the Holy Quran. These instructions are invariable, and must
be followed by all Muslims for all times to come. Refusal to obey any Nas of
the Quran leads to kufr, disbelief.
Sunnah
means the manner in which the Holy Prophet ï·º practiced something. It is then the second most
important source of Islamic Law, next to the Quran. Muslims believe that all
that He ï·º said or did was not of his own will,
rather, it was as per the instructions of Allah Himself. The Holy Quran says,
"Nor does he say anything of his own desire. It is no less than Inspiration sent down to him," (Sura An-Najm; 53:3-4)
The
revelation given to the Holy Prophet is divided into two parts, "Wahy
Matlow" revelation that is recited, meaning the Quran, and "Wahy
Ghair Matlow" revelation that is not to be recited, meaning the Ahadith of
the Holy Prophet.
The
Sunnah of the Holy Prophet ï·º is divided into three parts. Firstly what the prophet
said, (Qaul), what he did (Amal/Fa il) and what he approved (Taqreer).
The Quran
at several places highlights the importance and need of the Sunnah of the Holy
Prophet ï·º or Ahadith. It asks the Believers to
follow the example of the Holy Prophet ï·º
who had been sent as a model of excellence for the Believers. The Quran says:
"So take what the Messenger assigns to you and deny yourselves that which he withholds you, and fear God, for God is strict in punishment.” (59:7)
An
example is this that the Quran repeatedly asks us "Establish regular
prayer" without giving the details of the manner in which it should be
performed. For this we look to this saying of the Holy Prophet ï·º
"Look at me, see how I worship and follow me."
