Quran and Sunnah The Source of Islamic Rulings
📖Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1327
Some men who were companions of Mu’adh narrated from Mu’adh that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent Mu’adh to Yemen, so he (ﷺ) said:
“How will you judge?”
He said: “I will judge according to what is in Allah’s Book.”
He said: “If it is not in Allah’s Book?”
He said: “Then with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).”
He said: “If it is not in the Sunnah of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)?”
He said: “I will give judgment according to my own reasoning (ijtihad).”
He said: “All praise is due to Allah, the One Who made the messenger of the Messenger of Allah suitable.”
Description:
This hadith highlights the hierarchical process of Islamic judgment and decision-making. When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ appointed Mu’adh ibn Jabal as a judge in Yemen, he tested his approach to legal rulings:
- Primary Source – The Qur’an: If an answer exists in the Qur’an, that is the final word.
- Secondary Source – The Sunnah: If it’s not found in the Qur’an, the next source is the Prophet’s authentic teachings and practices.
- Third Step – Personal Ijtihad (Reasoning): If it is found in neither, then using reason, based on Islamic principles, is permitted.
This step-by-step approach ensures that judgment remains grounded in divine revelation and not personal desires. The Prophet ﷺ praised Mu’adh for his method, confirming it was in line with Islamic scholarship.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 59:7
“And whatever the Messenger gives you – take it; and whatever he forbids you – refrain from it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.”
This verse confirms that obedience to the Prophet ﷺ is an extension of obedience to Allah. His rulings are not based on whims but guided by revelation. Therefore, if the Sunnah clarifies or expands a ruling not explicitly in the Qur’an, it must still be followed. This is the divine framework for shariah-based governance and justice.
📖Quran 4:59
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.”
This verse shows that Qur’an and Sunnah are the ultimate authorities, and when disputes arise, they should be resolved based on them.
📖Quran 5:49
“And judge, [O Muhammad], between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their desires, and beware of them, lest they tempt you away from some of what Allah has revealed to you…”
A clear directive that judgments must align with divine revelation, not personal whims or cultural bias.
📖Quran 16:43
“So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.”
This supports the idea of ijtihad and consulting the knowledgeable when direct answers are not available.