Sunnah occupies a central position in Islamic jurisprudence. It is the embodiment of the Prophet’s teachings, behaviours, and judgments, which reflect the divine message in action. In the absence of the Sunnah, the Qur’an would often remain general or metaphorical in its expression. The Qur’an itself affirms the Prophet’s legislative role in Surah An-Nisa (4:59): “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” This command underscores the independent and binding authority of the Prophet’s teachings. Likewise, Surah Al-Hashr (59:7) proclaims, “Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, refrain from it.” These verses establish that obedience to the Prophet is not optional but an integral part of obedience to Allah.
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Complementing the Qur’an Through Clarification
One of the primary functions of the Sunnah is to clarify and elaborate on the general injunctions of the Qur’an. Many Qur’anic commands are concise and require explanation through the actions or sayings of the Prophet. For instance, while the Qur’an enjoins the establishment of prayer and giving of Zakaat, it does not specify the exact number of daily prayers or the detailed method of their performance. It is through the Sunnah that Muslims learn how to pray, fast, perform Hajj, and give Zakaat. Without the Sunnah, these foundational pillars of Islam would lack practical clarity.
Moreover, the Prophet was entrusted with the role of a teacher and explainer of the Qur’anic text. Surah An-Nahl (16:44) confirms this responsibility: “We have revealed to you the Reminder so that you may explain to the people what has been revealed to them.” The Sunnah thus functions as the interpretive lens through which the Qur’an becomes actionable and relevant in daily life. From matters of worship to contracts, marriage, and criminal justice, the Sunnah explains how Qur’anic principles are to be understood and implemented.
Establishing New Rulings Through Legislative Authority
In addition to clarification, the Sunnah serves as an independent source of legislation. There are instances where the Prophet introduced rulings on matters not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an. For example, the prohibition of marrying a woman and her paternal or maternal aunt at the same time was legislated by the Prophet and accepted by the Companions as law. Similarly, the Prophet prohibited certain commercial transactions and practices which were considered exploitative, even if they were not directly mentioned in the Qur’anic text.
The Companions, jurists, and scholars of all major schools of thought agreed upon the legislative authority of the Sunnah. The science of Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence) has affirmed that rulings derived from authentic Sunnah are legally binding. Imam Shafi’i, in his seminal work “Al-Risalah,” emphasized that the Sunnah is a necessary component of divine law, stating that “every legal ruling must be supported by the Qur’an or the Sunnah.” The consensus (Ijma) of scholars on this issue further confirms that denying the authority of the Sunnah leads to the erosion of the Islamic legal framework.
Practical Manifestation of Shariah
Sunnah provides a living model of the Qur’anic teachings. It demonstrates how to practice Islamic values in various aspects of life—governance, trade, family, ethics, and interpersonal conduct. The Prophet’s actions were not arbitrary; they were rooted in divine guidance and practical wisdom. His decision-making during political treaties, military encounters, and judicial hearings were all foundational precedents for Islamic governance and law.
For instance, the Prophet’s treaty with the people of Najran, his treatment of prisoners of war, and his distribution of Zakaat funds all serve as prototypes for legislation in contemporary Islamic societies. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21), Allah says, “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day.” This verse not only confirms the Prophet’s exemplary character but also affirms his role as a legislative model.
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Guarding Against Misinterpretation and Innovation
Another critical function of the Sunnah is its role as a safeguard against misinterpretation of the Qur’an. Isolated reading of Qur’anic verses without the context provided by Sunnah can lead to confusion, extremism, or deviation. The Prophet warned against this in a Hadith narrated in Musnad Ahmad, where he said, “Soon a time will come when a man reclining on his couch will say: Follow only the Qur’an; whatever you find in it to be permissible, take it as permissible; and whatever you find to be forbidden, take it as forbidden.” The Prophet condemned this mindset, declaring that his commands are equally binding.
Sunnah also acts as a defense against bid’ah (innovation in religion). Innovations often arise when Sunnah is ignored or sidelined, leading individuals or groups to invent practices that were never endorsed by the Prophet. Holding firmly to the Sunnah ensures that the religion remains in its original, authentic form, unaltered by personal opinion or cultural distortions.
Legal and Social Relevance in Contemporary Times
In today’s complex legal and social environment, the Sunnah remains a vital source for contemporary Islamic rulings. It offers principles of justice, compassion, and equity that remain timeless. Whether addressing bioethics, financial transactions, or international law, jurists continue to extract rulings from the Sunnah using methodologies refined over centuries. The Sunnah’s relevance is not limited to seventh-century Arabia; its application has been proven in diverse contexts across Islamic civilizations, from Andalusia to Mughal India.
Institutions of Islamic law, such as fiqh councils and religious courts, still base their deliberations on the Qur’an and Sunnah. The development of Maqasid al-Shariah (higher objectives of Islamic law), such as protection of life, faith, intellect, lineage, and property, is largely derived from Prophetic actions and decisions. In this way, the Sunnah plays a continuing role in shaping law that is faithful to divine will while responsive to human needs.
The Sunnah is not an auxiliary or supplementary source in Islam—it is foundational to the interpretation, application, and preservation of divine law. From clarifying Qur’anic texts to establishing independent rulings, the Sunnah provides both the substance and methodology necessary for a functioning Islamic legal system. Without it, Islam would be reduced to abstract ideals with no practical form. Through the Prophetic tradition, the faith becomes livable, relevant, and holistic. The Qur’an is the divine constitution, and the Sunnah is its implementation. Together, they form the cohesive, timeless, and divinely protected framework of Islam.
