Relationship between Quran and Sunnah

Question 1

What is the foremost authority in Islamic Law, and why?

Answer 1

The Qur’an is the word of God, containing main teachings and guidance about Islam, faith, worship, and rulings. It is the final message, complete in teaching, and protected by God from corruption:

• “We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).” It cannot be questioned or contradicted by other sources.

Question 2

How are the Qur’an and Sunnah interlinked?

Answer 2

• The Sunnah is the Prophet’s example, recorded in the Hadith. The Prophet (PBUH) was described by Ai’sha as a ‘walking Qur’an.
• Qur’an and Hadith are interlinked as the two main sources of Islamic Law, identifying principles of morality and action.

Question 3

What does Allah command regarding the Messenger’s teachings?

Answer 3

• From the earliest times, Muslims usually referred to the practice of the Prophet when they wanted to know exactly how to reach a decision.
• The hadiths were always regarded as an important source of teaching alongside the Quran. Allah says
• “So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he prohibits you.” (Qur’an 59:7)

Question 4

What did the Prophet (PBUH) say about the Qur’an and Sunnah?

Answer 4

• The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Behold, I have been given the Book and a similar thing (Sunnah) along with that.”
• Particularly among legal experts they became acknowledged as a source which was second only to the Quran itself

Question 5

How does Hadith complement the Quran regarding prayer (Salat)?

Answer 5

• The Qur’an teaches that Muslims must estabilish regular prayer, and pay Zakat, the charity tax, “And be steadfast in prayer, give the charity tax, and bow down your heads with those who bow down.”
• The Hadith provides details on how to pray: “Pray as you see me offering prayer.”

Question 6

How does Hadith clarify Zakat regulations?

Answer 6

The Qur’an mentions Zakat but does not specify amounts. Hadith specifies:

• “No charity tax is due on property mounting to less than five Uqiya of silver, and no charity tax is due on fewer than five camels, and there is no charity tax on fewer than five Wasq of wheat grain.”

Question 7

How does the Prophet’s Sunnah clarify penal laws in the Qur’an?

Answer 7

• In penal law related to theft the Qur’an states, “As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands.” But it is not explained, how much of the hands needs to be cut off? Which hand, the left or the right is to be cut off?
• The Prophet (PBUH) explained the verse on theft saying that “the right hand up to the wrist is to be cut off” and clarified exceptions for children and lunatics

Question 8

How did the Prophet (PBUH) explain fasting hours in Ramadan?

Answer 8

• The hours of fasting in Ramadan are mentioned in the Quran in these words, “And eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of dawn.”
• When companions were unable to understrand this verse, the Prophet (PBUH) clarified by saying that, “The white thread refers to the day and the black thread refers to the night.”

Question 9

How does Hadith create exceptions to inheritance rules in the Qur’an?

Answer 9

• Hadith makes certain exceptions to the general rules as laid down by The holy Quran.
• The Quran made a declaration in general that one may inherit his property to his parents or children.
• “It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves any goods, that he should make a bequest to parents and next of kin.”
• Hadith has created the exception in the rule by declaring that there will be no transfer of inheritance between Muslims and Non-Muslims.
• “A Muslim may not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor a non-Muslim may inherit from a Muslim.”

Question 10

How does Hadith address inheritance for grandmothers?

Answer 10

Hadith are also used when the Quran is silent on a matter, for example, inheritance given to grandmothers is not specifically mentioned in the Quran, but it is explained by Hadith.

Question 11

What dietary rules are elaborated in the Hadith?

Answer 11

• The Qur’an also mentions things that are not to be eaten, but the Hadith provides elaboration, for example, saying that “anything with fangs and talons can’t be eaten.”
• The meat of donkeys being haram is also derived from the Hadith.

Question 12

How does the Hadith serve as tafsir (interpretation) of the Qur’an?

Answer 12

• Hadith explains Quranic verses, helping Muslims understand Allah’s words better.
• For example, fasting hours, penal laws, Zakat details, and dietary rules are clarified through Hadith.