Quran and Sunnah

The Quran is the sacred book of Muslims, and the final book of guidance from Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel (Jibrail). Every word of the Quran is the Word of Allah(subhanahu wa ta’ala). Revealed over a period of 23 years in the Arabic language, it contains 114 chapters (Surahs) over 6000 verses. Muslims learn to recite it in Arabic and many memorise it completely. Muslims are expected to try their best to understand the Quran and practice its teachings.

The Quran is unrivalled in its recording and preservation. Astonishingly, it has remained unchanged even to a letter for over fourteen centuries. In the Quran Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) addresses human beings directly. Its style cannot be compared with any other book. The Quran deals with man and his ultimate goal in life. Its teachings cover all aspects of this life and the life after death. It contains principles, doctrines and directions for every sphere of human activity. The theme of the Quran broadly consists of three fundamental concepts Tawhid, Risalah and Akhira. The success of human beings on this earth and in the life hereafter depends on belief in the obedience to the teachings of the Quran.

The Sunnah is the example of The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is contained in the books of Ahadith (plural of Hadith), which are a collection of his sayings, actions and the actions approved by him. It shows how to put the Guidance of the Quran into practice. The Ahadith were carefully recorded after the Prophet’s death. Six particular collections have become prominent and are regarded as the most authentic:

• Bukhari
• Muslim
• Tirmidhi
• Abu Dawud
• Nasai
• Ibn Majah