The status of Sunnah in Islam
The Role of the Sunnah towards the Quran:
The Sunnah cannot dispense with the Quran: Allaah Almighty chose Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam (may Allaah exalt his mention), as His Prophet and selected him to deliver His final message. The Quran was revealed to the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam in which Allaah commanded him to obey everything that was ordered of him; that is, to convey and explain His message to the people.
The declaration mentioned in the verse contains two commands:
‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, is reported to have said:"Whoever says that Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam concealed anything that he was commanded to communicate has forged a great lie against Allaah." Then she read the abovementioned verse. [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
2. To clarify words, sentences or verses from the Quran that are not easily understood by most people. Some verses may be comprehensive or general in their meaning, and the Sunnah clarifies and defines them through the Prophet’s sayings, actions and confirmations.
The Necessity of the Sunnah to Understand the Quran:
The latter (i.e., how the hand is to be amputated) is explained by the actions of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them. They would amputate the hand of the thief from the wrist, as is known from a saying of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
There are many other verses of the Quran that cannot be completely understood except through the Sunnah, such as:
2. Allaah says what means: “Say: 'Who has forbidden the adornment of [i.e., from] Allaah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?..." [Quran: 7:32]
3. Allaah says what means: "Say: 'I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure - or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allaah…” [Quran: 6:145]
But the Sunnah has forbidden many things not mentioned in the abovementioned verse; an example of this lies in the saying of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam: "All predatory animals with tusks and every bird with claws are forbidden for consumption." There are other narrations that have forbidden the consumption of such animals, such as the one where the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is reported to have said: "Allaah and His Messenger have prohibited the consumption of domesticated donkeys, for they are filth." [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
The Inadequacy of Philology to Understand the Quran:
It is here that the cause of deviation of scholastic theologians (Ahl Al-Kalaam), both ancient and modern, becomes clear, as well as their opposition to our righteous predecessors, may Allaah have mercy upon them, in doctrine and law.
In short, what is obligatory upon all Muslims is that they do not separate the Quran from the Sunnah; moreover, it is obligatory to follow both of them and to formulate laws using both. This is a safeguard for the people, so that they do not falter and regress, as explained by the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam: "I am leaving behind two things - you will never go astray if you hold fast to them: the Quran and my Sunnah." [At-Tirmithi]
Source: A lecture delivered by Shaykh Al-Albaani
Sunnah: The Second Form of Revelation
Allaah, Almighty, Says (what means): "This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed my favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." [Quran; 5: 3]
Amongst the believers there is no doubt about this way of life called Islam. It is a complete way of life. The Creator of the heavens and the earth has not left anything out of this glorious religion (way of life) of His. As the above verse states that this religion is perfect and complete. However, something new has come in fairly recent years from Satan, concerning the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam. It has been suggested by him to the hearts of some of the Muslims that the Quran, as Glorious as it is, is sufficient enough alone as guidance for mankind. Meaning that the Sunnah is something that can be left off, or abandoned. Surely this is a disease that has no place in this wonderful religion (Islam).
In order to address this issue we must ask ourselves an important question. How do we worship Allaah? Do we worship Him any way we want? Is there a correct methodology to worshipping Allaah? Is it sufficient for us to say and do whatever it is that we feel is worship and then call it worship and it will be accepted as such? Let us consider the saying of Allaah (which means): "O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger, and make not vain your deeds!"[Quran; 47: 33]
You must know that the Quran and the Sunnah do not contradict one another, rather they complement one another. When Allaah Says in this verse that the Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, is to be obeyed, he is not only talking to that honorable group of Muslims that accompanied the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, during his lifetime. He is speaking to all of the Muslims that will come up until the Last Day.
Similarly, no one is ready to conceive the notion that when Allaah, Says (what means): “O you who believe!” that the only ones who believe are the Muslims who were with the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, at that time and no one after them believed and no one else will ever believe! This would be grossly limiting the Quran.
Satan is crafty! He may then try to sway your thinking from another angle. He may say that the Quran is simple to understand and that it needs no explanation. For it is true that Allaah Says (what means):"We have indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember"[Quran; 54: 32]
Surely if the Quran had to be made clear to the Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, then how much more so to you and I?
In this verse, Allaah is exhorting the Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, to not merely recite the Quran but to explain it as well. Obviously, some explanation is required even to the most pious of men.
Additionally, Allaah Says (what means): "…(And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." [Quran; 4: 59]
Once again, if we try to leave off the importance of the Sunnah, then how do we implement this verse of the Quran? Allaah orders us to refer our differences to Him. This means for us to seek our answers from the Quran. He also attaches the Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, to that particular order when He stated for us to refer to Him. If we leave off the Sunnah then this part of the verse has no meaning. Allaah Says (what means): "Whoever obeys the Messenger, has obeyed Allaah." [Quran; 4: 80]
And (what means): "Say (O Muhammad): If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins." [Quran; 3: 31]
How can the Muslims of today follow the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, and not refer to his Sunnah? How can we say that we love Allaah and not try to follow the methodology of His Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam?
The reason that many of the Muslims are going astray today is because they are not only leaving off the Sunnah but they are leaving the Quran as well! If you are not giving the Sunnah its rights, then you are not giving the Quran its rights.
Amongst the believers there is no doubt about this way of life called Islam. It is a complete way of life. The Creator of the heavens and the earth has not left anything out of this glorious religion (way of life) of His. As the above verse states that this religion is perfect and complete. However, something new has come in fairly recent years from Satan, concerning the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam. It has been suggested by him to the hearts of some of the Muslims that the Quran, as Glorious as it is, is sufficient enough alone as guidance for mankind. Meaning that the Sunnah is something that can be left off, or abandoned. Surely this is a disease that has no place in this wonderful religion (Islam).
In order to address this issue we must ask ourselves an important question. How do we worship Allaah? Do we worship Him any way we want? Is there a correct methodology to worshipping Allaah? Is it sufficient for us to say and do whatever it is that we feel is worship and then call it worship and it will be accepted as such? Let us consider the saying of Allaah (which means): "O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger, and make not vain your deeds!"[Quran; 47: 33]
You must know that the Quran and the Sunnah do not contradict one another, rather they complement one another. When Allaah Says in this verse that the Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, is to be obeyed, he is not only talking to that honorable group of Muslims that accompanied the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, during his lifetime. He is speaking to all of the Muslims that will come up until the Last Day.
Similarly, no one is ready to conceive the notion that when Allaah, Says (what means): “O you who believe!” that the only ones who believe are the Muslims who were with the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, at that time and no one after them believed and no one else will ever believe! This would be grossly limiting the Quran.
Satan is crafty! He may then try to sway your thinking from another angle. He may say that the Quran is simple to understand and that it needs no explanation. For it is true that Allaah Says (what means):"We have indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember"[Quran; 54: 32]
Surely if the Quran had to be made clear to the Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, then how much more so to you and I?
In this verse, Allaah is exhorting the Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, to not merely recite the Quran but to explain it as well. Obviously, some explanation is required even to the most pious of men.
Additionally, Allaah Says (what means): "…(And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." [Quran; 4: 59]
Once again, if we try to leave off the importance of the Sunnah, then how do we implement this verse of the Quran? Allaah orders us to refer our differences to Him. This means for us to seek our answers from the Quran. He also attaches the Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, to that particular order when He stated for us to refer to Him. If we leave off the Sunnah then this part of the verse has no meaning. Allaah Says (what means): "Whoever obeys the Messenger, has obeyed Allaah." [Quran; 4: 80]
And (what means): "Say (O Muhammad): If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins." [Quran; 3: 31]
How can the Muslims of today follow the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, and not refer to his Sunnah? How can we say that we love Allaah and not try to follow the methodology of His Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam?
The reason that many of the Muslims are going astray today is because they are not only leaving off the Sunnah but they are leaving the Quran as well! If you are not giving the Sunnah its rights, then you are not giving the Quran its rights.
Authenticity of the Sunnah
In addition, Allah declares that obeying the Prophet is obligatory, as it is part of obedience to Him. Therefore, it is not proper for a Muslim who knows Islamic Law to doubt the role or authenticity of the Sunnah.
Unfortunately, some people—even some Muslims—claim that we could dispense with the Sunnah and depend solely on the Qur’an. In fact, those people do not understand the Qur’an itself. If they reflect on the Qur’an, they will see how they go in the wrong way with no basis or guidance.
Hadith is integral to the Qur’an, since they are inseparably linked to each other. It is impossible to understand the Qur’an without reference to Hadith. The Qur’an is the message, and the Hadith is the explanation of the message by the Messenger himself. We mention the following points to clarify the issue:
- The Qur’an makes it abundantly clear that the function of the Messenger is not merely that of a deliveryman who simply delivers the revelation from Allah to us. Rather, he has been entrusted with the most important task of explaining and illustrating the same. This is a point mentioned in a number of verses in the Qur’an (See the Qur’an: 16: 44; 64). Therefore, Hadith explains, clarifies, and removes ambiguities about the Qur’an. Hence, once we reject the Hadith, we may never be able to figure out the whole meaning of the Qur’an.
- Much of Islam will remain mere abstract concepts without Hadith. We would never know how to pray, fast, pay Zakah, or make pilgrimage without the illustration found in Hadith, for these acts of worship remain as abstract imperatives in the Qur’an.
- The Qur’an tells us the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has taught not only the Book but also the wisdom (See Qur’an: 96:2; 33:34; 4:113, etc.). As Imam Shafi`i stated, the wisdom mentioned here is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); so if we were to reject the Hadith, we would be rejecting the Qur’an itself.
- The Qur’an tells us to obey the Messenger and abide by his decision (See the Qur’an: 4:65; 5:49, etc.). Where we do we find such decisions except in the Hadith?
- Last but not least, the Qur’an orders the faithful to emulate the role model of the Messenger and reckons it as the only way to gain the pleasure of Allah. It is therefore imperative that we look up to his morals and behavior and emulate them in our lives. We can never do so without studying the Hadith. It is most illuminating in this respect to learn that when `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked to describe the character of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), her definitive answer was, “His character was the Qur’an.” In other words, he personified the best ideals and values of the Qur’an. How could we then neglect the Hadith, which alone can lead us to the precise ways in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) exemplified the Qur’anic ideals?
Having said this, however, we must never fall into the temptation of taking all that is found in the works of Hadith as being authentic or genuine. Hadith at all times must be evaluated by the well established rules of validation as established by the great scholars. Such firm criteria include the following: If a certain hadith is contrary to the well established principles of the Qur’an or sound reason, it must be rejected.
Courtesy: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1159951486279&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah/LSELayout
The comprehensiveness of the Sunnah
By Dr. Ismail Lutfi Cakan
So diverse are the people who have been called to Islam in the world. It is normal that every segment has felt a need for a guide according to the demands of the time.
For this reason, in order to meet all the needs, shape their responses, and provide an example for different segments of society on the level of the individual, family, nation, Ummah, humankind, and universe, Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) with the message of Islam.
A Prime Example
The Prophet's behavior and life are a unique, universal model. Allah, the Almighty, says, (You conform (yourself) to sublime morality) (Al-Qalam 68:4). In his life the Muslim can find a harmonious variety, richness, fluidity, and practicality of examples within an Islamic framework for all life conditions and circumstances.
His Companions responded to this diversity of his life with the approach that "there definitely is an aspect in all of his behaviors that address us, so we should take him as an example," rather than the interpretation that "he is a Prophet; he is different from us, so let's take care of ourselves."
Therefore, those who evaluate the Prophet's life according to his nature must be aware of this universal quality and his merit of being an example in every stage of life.
The essence of the Prophet's life before prophethood was that he remained away from the idolatry and the lifestyle of the Makkan society, which were contrary to the nature of pure humans.
He lived chastely and truthfully; supported the fair and opposed the unfair; and, keeping in seclusion for long periods of time, spent his days and nights in a cave, in contemplation and seeking of the truth of existence. In one word, we can say he had a clean past.
Anyway, almost every moment of the Prophet's life during his Prophethood was recorded and can be known by everyone. In particular, during the intense activities of his early days in Madinah, the Muslim society had the opportunity to closely watch all of his actions. Actually, giving a practical example is the best way to teach others. The fact that Muhammad is a unique example for the Ummah should be thought of from this perspective.
What Is Sunnah?
Sunnah means the path the Prophet followed and the life he chose for the purpose of acting in accordance with Allah's commands.
It is also the description of Muhammad, the envoy of Allah who was mentioned in the last divine book, the Glorious Qur'an, with many fine attributes and names. Allah, the Exalted, nicknamed him (The last of the Prophets ) (Al-Ahzab 33:40), (A mercy to the worlds) (Al-Anbiyaa' 21:107), and (An excellent exemplar) (Al-Ahzab 33:21). He also says, (You conform (yourself) to sublime morality) (Al-Qalam 68:4) and (It grieves him [i.e., the Prophet] that you [O people] should perish; ardently anxious he is over you; to the believers he is most kind and merciful) (At-Tawbah 9:128).
For this reason, in spite of human, geographical, historical, social, professional, and economic differences, the Qur'an invites all of humankind to harmonize with the seerah or life model of Muhammad, to follow his footsteps, and to walk on his path.
His Sunnah is rich enough to be an example for all segments of society. As considered the practical application of the Qur'an, his life is a bright example and guidance for human life, and it implies many aspects that can be taken as an example.
The real reason for any mistakes in which many people have fallen and any difficulty many have found in understanding Muhammad is that they do not see his Sunnah as a whole in its richness and universality and that they do not perceive the practicality of the Prophet and the religion of Islam he called to. Correcting all the negative ideas and misconceptions in this concern relies on perceiving the Sunnah in its totality and its universal dimension.
The Wholeness of the Sunnah
The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) were aware of this truth. That is why they immediately applied what they saw from the Prophet to their own circumstances. The following points can be drawn from the information they gave that shows the inclusiveness of the Prophet's Sunnah, which can be applied in a universal manner.
He commanded only what people could do. `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, "When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded something, he always ordered an amount and manner that could easily be handled by the Companions."
He would consider the whole Ummah. Ibn `Abbas reported that the Prophet said, "If I were not concerned about giving hardship to my Ummah, I would have ordered them to make the night Prayer late at night " (Muslim).
He was sensitive to his surroundings and community. Anas ibn Malik narrated, "While the Prophet was praying, he heard a child who had come to the mosque with its mother crying, so he quickly read a short verse" (Ahmed).
The Prophet established the golden principle: "Make it easier, not harder; give good tidings and do not make something detestable. " (Al-Bukhari)
People of every profession and disposition can find prime models and shining examples for themselves in the Prophet's life, because Allah has gathered all good qualities of humanity in one personality, i.e., that of Muhammad, and made him an example to be imitated.
With the authority Allah gave him, the Prophet made the same call to kings and heads of state in other countries, to shepherds in pastures, to teachers in schools, to students in classes, to the poor in tents, to the rich in castles, to armies in barracks and battlefields, to commanders in military units, to parents and children in homes; in short, to everyone in the world — the Prophet invited them all to follow him.
In spite of being busy with serious matters like peace, war, worship, trade, and justice, the Prophet's involvement in everyday life has puzzled many people.
On the other hand, when the Prophet did not want divine qualities to be attributed to him, when he was asked to make decisions regarding worldly matters in relation to some technical subjects, and when he was mistaken about the performance of some forms of worship, he insistently pointed out that he was just human.
Hence, considering the Sunnah within its universal wholeness and accepting it as a reference of action for all of our behavior will save us from immediately rejecting what we are not able to interpret and leaving this to the time and the place where it will be easy to interpret and act upon.
Courtesy:http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1265536779077&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah/LSELayout
So diverse are the people who have been called to Islam in the world. It is normal that every segment has felt a need for a guide according to the demands of the time.
For this reason, in order to meet all the needs, shape their responses, and provide an example for different segments of society on the level of the individual, family, nation, Ummah, humankind, and universe, Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) with the message of Islam.
A Prime Example
The Prophet's behavior and life are a unique, universal model. Allah, the Almighty, says, (You conform (yourself) to sublime morality) (Al-Qalam 68:4). In his life the Muslim can find a harmonious variety, richness, fluidity, and practicality of examples within an Islamic framework for all life conditions and circumstances.
His Companions responded to this diversity of his life with the approach that "there definitely is an aspect in all of his behaviors that address us, so we should take him as an example," rather than the interpretation that "he is a Prophet; he is different from us, so let's take care of ourselves."
Therefore, those who evaluate the Prophet's life according to his nature must be aware of this universal quality and his merit of being an example in every stage of life.
The essence of the Prophet's life before prophethood was that he remained away from the idolatry and the lifestyle of the Makkan society, which were contrary to the nature of pure humans.
He lived chastely and truthfully; supported the fair and opposed the unfair; and, keeping in seclusion for long periods of time, spent his days and nights in a cave, in contemplation and seeking of the truth of existence. In one word, we can say he had a clean past.
Anyway, almost every moment of the Prophet's life during his Prophethood was recorded and can be known by everyone. In particular, during the intense activities of his early days in Madinah, the Muslim society had the opportunity to closely watch all of his actions. Actually, giving a practical example is the best way to teach others. The fact that Muhammad is a unique example for the Ummah should be thought of from this perspective.
What Is Sunnah?
Sunnah means the path the Prophet followed and the life he chose for the purpose of acting in accordance with Allah's commands.
It is also the description of Muhammad, the envoy of Allah who was mentioned in the last divine book, the Glorious Qur'an, with many fine attributes and names. Allah, the Exalted, nicknamed him (The last of the Prophets ) (Al-Ahzab 33:40), (A mercy to the worlds) (Al-Anbiyaa' 21:107), and (An excellent exemplar) (Al-Ahzab 33:21). He also says, (You conform (yourself) to sublime morality) (Al-Qalam 68:4) and (It grieves him [i.e., the Prophet] that you [O people] should perish; ardently anxious he is over you; to the believers he is most kind and merciful) (At-Tawbah 9:128).
For this reason, in spite of human, geographical, historical, social, professional, and economic differences, the Qur'an invites all of humankind to harmonize with the seerah or life model of Muhammad, to follow his footsteps, and to walk on his path.
His Sunnah is rich enough to be an example for all segments of society. As considered the practical application of the Qur'an, his life is a bright example and guidance for human life, and it implies many aspects that can be taken as an example.
The real reason for any mistakes in which many people have fallen and any difficulty many have found in understanding Muhammad is that they do not see his Sunnah as a whole in its richness and universality and that they do not perceive the practicality of the Prophet and the religion of Islam he called to. Correcting all the negative ideas and misconceptions in this concern relies on perceiving the Sunnah in its totality and its universal dimension.
The Wholeness of the Sunnah
He commanded only what people could do. `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, "When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded something, he always ordered an amount and manner that could easily be handled by the Companions."
He would consider the whole Ummah. Ibn `Abbas reported that the Prophet said, "If I were not concerned about giving hardship to my Ummah, I would have ordered them to make the night Prayer late at night " (Muslim).
He was sensitive to his surroundings and community. Anas ibn Malik narrated, "While the Prophet was praying, he heard a child who had come to the mosque with its mother crying, so he quickly read a short verse" (Ahmed).
The Prophet established the golden principle: "Make it easier, not harder; give good tidings and do not make something detestable. " (Al-Bukhari)
People of every profession and disposition can find prime models and shining examples for themselves in the Prophet's life, because Allah has gathered all good qualities of humanity in one personality, i.e., that of Muhammad, and made him an example to be imitated.
With the authority Allah gave him, the Prophet made the same call to kings and heads of state in other countries, to shepherds in pastures, to teachers in schools, to students in classes, to the poor in tents, to the rich in castles, to armies in barracks and battlefields, to commanders in military units, to parents and children in homes; in short, to everyone in the world — the Prophet invited them all to follow him.
In spite of being busy with serious matters like peace, war, worship, trade, and justice, the Prophet's involvement in everyday life has puzzled many people.
On the other hand, when the Prophet did not want divine qualities to be attributed to him, when he was asked to make decisions regarding worldly matters in relation to some technical subjects, and when he was mistaken about the performance of some forms of worship, he insistently pointed out that he was just human.
Hence, considering the Sunnah within its universal wholeness and accepting it as a reference of action for all of our behavior will save us from immediately rejecting what we are not able to interpret and leaving this to the time and the place where it will be easy to interpret and act upon.
Courtesy:http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1265536779077&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah/LSELayout
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