Authority of the Sunnah
The meaning of the Sunnah

The word Sunnah is a reference to the overall teachings and way of life of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It is the way the of the righteous
predecessors (as-salaf as-saalih). It is the way of life each Muslim across the world strives by.  
It is the map and guideline on how to achieve the ultimate success in this life and the hereafter.

The Qur'aan points to the importance and necessity of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) in numerous places such as in Surah Al-Nisa verse 80 where Allah, the
Mighty and Majestic says:

"Whoever obeys the Messenger verily obeys Allah; but if any turn away, We have not
sent you to watch over their affairs."

In another chapter of the Qur'aan in Surah Al-Fath verse 10, Allah says:

"Lo! Those who swear allegiance to you (O Muhammad), swear allegiance only unto
Allah. The Hand of Allah is above their hands. So whosoever breaks his oath, breaks
it only to his soul's hurt; while whosoever keeps his covenant with Allah, on him will
He bestow immense reward."

Likewise in Saheeh Al-Bukhari and Muslim, it has been recorded that the Messenger of Allah
(peace and blessing be upon him) said,

"Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah.  Whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah."

Therefore, not following the Sunnah or the commands of the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) is exactly the same as not following the commands of Allah.  Ibn Katheer (may Allah
have mercy on him) noted that it is the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) job only
to convey the message and it is up to each person to accept or reject his message. The one
who follows his message will be saved. Hence, whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger
(peace and blessings be upon him)is guided; whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger
harms no one except himself.

It is evident that the Qur'aan itself clearly states that obedience to the Prophet is a must for all
Muslims.  Reference:

Surah Al-Imran verse 132
Surah Al-Anfaal verse 20
Surah Al-Mujaadalah verse 13
Surah Al-Nisa verse 59
Surah Al-Maaidah verse 92

The guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is a blessing from Allah and the best of guidance.  It is the direct path to achieving ultimate
happiness in this life and receiving the Mercy of Allah on the day when nothing else is
considered but your good and bad deeds. The authority and importance of the Sunnah is
established without question. The matter is clear and bright as a shining light.  Muslims across
the world realize this fact.  By the Mercy and Grace of Allah, Allah has provided Muslims with
two perfect and sufficient guides: Al-Qur'aan and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah
(peace and blessings be upon him)both preserved in history until the end of time.  

Let the Sunnah Go Forth
Why We Chose the Sunnah?
Introduction to the Sunnah
The Necessity of Adhering to the Sunnah and Forbidding Defying It
Ahadeeth Collection

It is important to note that the main source of Islamic Shari'ah (Law and Legistlation) is the
Qur'aan, which is revealed in the exact words of Allah, the Exalted, hence, it is termed as Wahy
Matlu or 'Oft-recited Revelation in Allah's Words'. The Qur'aan covers the Divine orders,
guiding principles and other
facts in a general form.  

The second source is Ahadeeth which are the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace
and blessings be upon him).  Ahadeeth inform us about the practical aspects of Divine
commandments for human life and provide explanations and demonstrations of the basic
principles outlined by Allah, the Exalted. In fact, ahadeeth are the sayings, deeds, and
approvals of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) under Divine guidance, so these
are termed as Wahy Ghair Matlu or Wahy Marvi or 'Revelation narrated in the words of the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and are traced back to the Prophet as regards to
their authority. Thus ahadeeth are as necessary to a Muslim as the Qur'aan in order to truly
understand Islam and act according to it.

The Importance of Isnaad
Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (al-Jaami' as-Saheeh)
Saheeh Muslim
Riyad Us-Saliheen - An Nawawi
The Hadith Is Proof Itself In Belief and Laws
A Brief History of the Science of Hadeeth

Search Authentic Hadeeth
Saheeh al-Bukhaaree collection
Saheeh Muslim collection
Forty Hadeeth Qudsi
Forty Hadeeth of Imam An-Nawawi
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