THE QUR’AN, HADITH, SUNNAH

Islamic Texts

The Qur’an

The most sacred text in Islam is called the Qur’an. Followers of Islam believe that the Qur’an is the word of Allah as He intended it.

Muslims believe that the Angel Gabriel dictated the Qur’an to Muhammad, who repeated the exact words from God over and over.

The Angel Gabriel did not visit one night and dictate the entire book, but revealed the word bit by bit so that Muhammad could memorize and share the message as he learned it.

The Qur’an

The Qur’an

The Qur’an was passed down orally, and eventually recorded by his companions and by scholars who collected the full manuscript 15 years later.

It is smaller than the New Testament, about 4/5 of it.

It is divided into 114 chapters or "Sura", arranged in order of length of the Sura.

Most suras begin with “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.”

The Qur’an has not changed since it was first recorded.

The Qur’an at Home

In most Muslim homes, the Qu’ran is carefully wrapped and kept in a high place so nothing is kept on top of it.

Children start learning prayers and teachings at a young age, and many learn Arabic so they can read the Qur’an in its original language.

Qur’an Excerpt

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). 

Qur’ān 049.013

WHAT DOES THIS TELL US?

Qur’an Excerpt

Allah’s call to Muslims is the same as God’s call to Christians, i.e., love, honour, and do what is right.

Interpretation

It was originally believed that the Qur’an did not need interpretation….but as Islam spread to new countries with different cultures and languages, people needed help understanding the teachings.

The Hadith

The Hadith is a book about the prophet Muhammad’s ideas and things of which he approved and used to help followers to understand how life should be lived.

It was partially written by the companions and followers of Muhammad to record the teachings, thoughts and approvals of Muhammad.

The Hadith

Other additions to the Hadith came up to a century later when the oral history verified and recorded in written form.

The book is used to this day, and helps followers to understand how to apply the words and expectations of Allah in daily life. 

The legitimacy of some Hadiths are debated by Islamic scholars.

The Sunnah

The Sunnah is a collection of what the prophet Muhammad said and did as well as the thoughts and actions of the twelve imams that God chose to succeed the prophet.  An imams is an Islamic leader, similar to a priest in Christianity. 

The Sunnah, sometimes confused with the Hadith,  is not followed by all Muslims. 

The book is followed by those that practice Shi’a Islam, and like the Hadith,  helps the follower to understand the rules and regulations of Muslim life, within day-to-day living.

What is Shariah Law?

Shariah is law set out by Allah intended for individuals and society.

Shariah also means the legal rules that help govern Muslim society.

Sources for Shariah Law: The Qur’an, Hadith, Sunna

Shariah Law

How Shariah law is interpreted often reflects the customs and civil laws of each country or culture.

Shariah divides human action into five categories.

Shariah Law

Action Examples/Comments

Obligatory actions or duties

Following the Five Pillars of Islam

Recommended actions Making charitable contributions beyond zakat and doing volunteer work

Neutral actions Neutral actions are not addressed by the Qur’an, Sunna, or Hadith

Discouraged actions Divorce, however no penalty is imposed in Islamic Law

Forbidden actions Murder, theft, adultery

Shariah Law in Canada

In Canada, Shariah is observed in the non-legal moral aspects of a Muslim’s life.

Some people wish to incorporate Shariah law to solve disputes such as family disputes, marriage, and divorce.

Some Canadians, Muslims and non-Muslims fear that the equality of rights of women could be threatened in some cases if shariah replaces civil law on those matters.

Shariah Law

Finding a balance between religious expression and existing legal codes is a multicultural nation is key to religious pluralism!

Huffington Post UK, March 23, 2014 Islamic law will be effectively enshrined in UK law for the first time. Guidance on 'Sharia compliant wills' has been drawn up by The Law Society meaning

high street solicitors can draft documents in line with religious principles, reports the Telegraph.

The wills will be able to deny an equal share of inheritances to women and non-Muslims and children born out of wedlock can be excluded completely.

Nicholas Fluck, president of The Law Society the measures would promote "good practice" but others have condemned the move as risking creating a parallel legal system for UK Muslims.

Baroness Cox said: "This violates everything that we stand for. It would make the Suffragettes turn in their graves. "Everyone has freedom to make their own will and everyone has freedom to let those wills reflect their religious beliefs. "But to have an organisation such as The Law Society seeming to promote or encourage a policy which is inherently gender discriminatory in a way which will have very serious implications for women and possibly for children is a matter of deep concern."

The guidelines were discreetly published earlier this month and distributed to lawyers in England and Wales to "assist solicitors who have been instructed to prepare a valid will, which follows Sharia succession rules" whilst remaining in the current legal framework.

It states: "The male heirs in most cases receive double the amount inherited by a female heir of the same class. "Non-Muslims may not inherit at all, and only Muslim marriages are recognised.

"Similarly, a divorced spouse is no longer a Sharia heir, as the entitlement depends on a valid Muslim marriage existing at the date of death. This means you should amend or delete some standard will clauses."

Currently Sharia Law is not recognised in the British legal system but a number of informal Islamic courts are in operation across the country, generally offering guidance in marriage issues.

Qur’an and Hadith Partner Work

Read excerpts from the Qur’an and Hadith.Summarize and interpret them in your own

words.How are they applicable to YOUR life?