Authority of the Quran
Question I am taking a course on Religions of the World and I am having trouble locating the following answer: What is the nature of the authority of the Quran according to Orthodox Islamic tradition? Praise be to Allah. The Quran was revealed by Allah, may He be glorified, as a law and a reference…
Question
What is the nature of the authority of the Quran according to Orthodox Islamic tradition?
Praise be to Allah.
The Quran was
revealed by Allah, may He be glorified, as a law and a reference as to what
is permissible and prohibited, what is commanded and forbidden, for people
to follow, so that they obey its commands and abide by its prohibitions,
take what it allows as permissible and take what it prohibits as forbidden.
The Quran tells us about what happened before and what is yet to come, and
it is a reference for judging between us. Allah says (interpretation of the
meaning): “… We have neglected nothing in the Book…” [6:38].
After the
Revelation was completed, Allah said (interpretation of the meaning): “…
This day, I have perfected your religion for you…” [5:3].
The Sunnah [words
and deeds of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] came to
explain and complement the Quran. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah
be upon him) said: “I have been given the Quran and something like it with
it.” The phrase “something like it with it” refers to the Sunnah.
(saheeh/authentic hadeeth).
Allah commanded us
to refer to these two constitutional references, when He said
(interpretation of the meaning): “…if you differ in anything amongst
yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger…” [4:59].
Referring to Allah
means referring to the Quran, and referring to His Messenger means referring
to the sunnah. The Quran is the primary source of legislation, then comes
the sunnah.
And Allah knows
best.
