❖ Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ: A Foundational Source of Islamic Teachings ❖
✿ Sunnah: The Second Most Important Source After the Qur’an
After the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ is the second most significant source of Islamic teachings. In reality, understanding the Qur’an correctly, deriving rulings from it, and implementing them requires the guidance and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ. The authority of the Sunnah has never been disputed in Islamic scholarship. While jurists may differ in legal interpretations, the authority of the Qur’an and Sunnah remains unquestioned.
❖ Attempts to Undermine the Sunnah
In the last century, certain Orientalists and their followers attempted to raise doubts about the authority of the Sunnah. Their aim was to confuse Muslims and weaken their confidence in core Islamic teachings. Some Muslims, lacking the tools for deep Islamic study, became vulnerable to such misleading ideas. This article aims to present a clear, objective framework about the Sunnah—without entering polemical debate.
❖ Is the Prophet Merely a Messenger?
✔ The Role of the Messenger ﷺ
A common question arises: Was the Prophet ﷺ merely a message carrier, whose only task was to deliver the Qur’an and depart? The answer is a resounding no. The Prophets were not simply transmitters of divine text; they were also:
- Explainers and interpreters of the Book of Allah
- Teachers of divine commandments in practical form
- Living examples of the Qur’anic guidance
✔ The Prophet’s Role in the Qur’an
The Qur’an clarifies that the Prophet ﷺ was tasked not only with reciting verses, but also with teaching, purifying, and guiding:
"لَقَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ... وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ"
(Sūrat Āl ʿImrān: 164)
“Indeed, Allah has favored the believers by sending among them a Messenger… who teaches them the Book and wisdom.”
Also:
"وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ..."
(Sūrat al-Naḥl: 44)
“And We revealed to you the Reminder so that you may clarify for people what has been sent down to them.”
❖ Practical Application Through the Sunnah
Commands such as Ṣalāh (prayer), Zakāh, and others are briefly mentioned in the Qur’an, but their details—timings, postures, and rules—were taught explicitly by the Prophet ﷺ. Without the Sunnah, the Qur'anic instructions would remain theoretical.
❖ Faith in the Messenger ﷺ: A Condition of Īmān
Belief in the Prophet ﷺ is an essential pillar of faith. If his sayings and actions were not authoritative, then belief in his Prophethood would become meaningless. The Qur’an emphasizes:
"فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ..."
(Sūrat al-Nisāʾ: 65)
“But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you (O Prophet) the judge in their disputes…”
✔ Requirements of Faith in the Messenger:
- Acceptance of the Prophet’s commands
- Obedience to his instructions
- Recognition of his words and judgments as authoritative
❖ Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ
✔ Qur’anic Commands:
The Qur’an repeatedly stresses the importance of obeying the Messenger:
"قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ"
(Sūrat Āl ʿImrān: 32)
"وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ"
(Sūrat al-Nisāʾ: 59)
✔ Why Is Obedience to the Messenger Necessary?
Because obedience to Allah is incomplete without obedience to His Messenger. The Qur’an says:
"مَنْ يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللَّهَ"
(Sūrat al-Nisāʾ: 80)
“Whoever obeys the Messenger has certainly obeyed Allah.”
❖ Consequences of Disobedience
Disobeying the Prophet ﷺ is equated with disobeying Allah, and the Qur’an warns of severe punishment:
"وَمَنْ يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَإِنَّ لَهُ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ"
(Sūrat al-Jinn: 23)
“And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger—then for him is the fire of Hell.”
❖ Following the Prophet ﷺ (Ittibāʿ al-Rasūl)
✔ The Necessity of Following
Ittibāʿ means to follow the Prophet’s sayings, actions, and character. The Qur’an commands:
"قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي"
(Sūrat Āl ʿImrān: 31)
“Say, [O Muḥammad], if you love Allah, then follow me…”
"لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ"
(Sūrat al-Aḥzāb: 21)
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example…”
✔ Practical Implication in Daily Life
The life of the Prophet ﷺ is a living manifestation of the Qur’an. Every believer is obligated to emulate his conduct, as it represents the divine will in human practice.
✿ Conclusion
The Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ is not supplementary, but foundational to Islamic faith and practice. It serves as the practical explanation and implementation of the Qur’an. Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ is obedience to Allah, and denying the authority of the Sunnah is a denial of core Islamic teachings. Every sincere Muslim must recognize and uphold the central role of the Sunnah as a primary source of guidance and law in Islam.
