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. The Prophet ﷺ asked him: “How will you judge?” Mu’adh replied: “I will judge according to what is in Allah’s Book.” The Prophet ﷺ asked: “If it is not in Allah’s Book?” He replied: “Then with the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, He asked: “If it is not in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ?, Mu’adh replied: “Then I will use my own reasoning (ijtihad).” The Prophet ﷺ said: “All praise is due to Allah, the One Who made the messenger of the Messenger of Allah suitable (for this task).”

Explanation:

This Hadith beautifully outlines the Islamic framework for judgment and decision-making:

• The first reference must always be the Qur’an — Allah’s direct revelation.
• If the solution is not explicitly in the Qur’an, then one must turn to the Sunnah – the practical example and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.
• If still unclear, then Ijtihad (independent reasoning) is allowed – provided that it does not contradict the Qur’an or Sunnah.

This shows the balance in Islam: divine guidance is first, but human reasoning has a place when used with sincerity, knowledge, and within the limits set by revelation.

---

Can We Make Rules If We Don’t Find It in Qur’an or Sunnah?

Yes, when scholars or leaders face a situation where:

• The issue is new or not directly mentioned in Qur’an or Hadith,
• The available texts are not fully understood or applied clearly,
• Or modern challenges arise with no direct precedent —

They are allowed to make decisions using Qiyas (analogy), Ijma (consensus), and Ijtihad (reasoning) as long as:

• It does not contradict any ruling from the Qur’an or Hadith,
• It serves justice and benefit for the people,
• And it is rooted in Islamic values and sound scholarship.

This is how Islamic rulings have remained relevant across centuries, because truth is preserved, and flexibility is allowed where needed.

---

Quranic Context:

📖Quran 4:59
O you who believe! 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.

📖Quran 16:43
And We did not send before you except men to whom We revealed Our message. So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.

This Hadith and Qur’anic foundation together show that Islam is complete, yet flexible, guided by revelation, led by the Sunnah, and applied through wisdom when necessary.