What Is Meant By The Sunnah Of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W)?

[Manahel.fatima]

The word 'Sunnah' derived from the Arabic language which means 'a path or a way'. Though, according to the Islamic terminologies, it is a most important source of rule taken from the sayings, actions and authorizations of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Muslims have firm believe that whatever Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) told and preached, is all according to the divine revelation of Allah Almighty. Most of the people think that Quran is the only divine revelation as it is the literal words of Allah Almighty. It is a wrong thinking as Holy Prophet (PBUH) has preached according to the teachings of Quran. Allah Almighty says in Quran that: "Your companion (Muhammad) is neither astray nor being misled. Nor does he speak of his own desire. It is (only) the revelation with which he is inspired." (Quran, Surah an-Najm 53:2-4)

 

It is imperative for the Muslims to believe on the Quran learning that Holy Prophet (PBUH) has taught and follows his (PBUH) Sunnah whole-heartedly; both are the revelation from the Allah Almighty.

 

It is necessary for the Muslims to follow the actions of Holy Prophet (PBUH) such as how Holy Prophet (PBUH) made ablutions, performed his prayers, and how he made the Hajj pilgrimage etc.

 

The Sunnah is the revelation of Allah Almighty towards His prophet. Allah Almighty says in Quran that: "... We have sent down to him the Book and the wisdom... " (Quran 2:231)

 

In this verse, the word wisdom refers to the Sunnah and Allah Almighty revealed to His Prophet (PBUH) both the Quran and the Sunnah and commanded him to communicate the teaching of both to the people.

 

The main duty of Holy Prophet (PBUH) was to illustrate the meaning of Quranic verses and to give a perfect example for Muslims and these teaching inspire them to practice them in their everyday life. Allah Almighty says in Quran that: "We sent down to you the Advice (i.e. the Qur'an) so that you may explain to the people what has been sent down to them and, so that they may ponder." (Quran, Surah Nahl 16:44)

 

That is why Allah Almighty says that one show his or her obedience by following the Sunnah of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) then it means that they are obeying Allah Almighty too. The commands of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the preventions are also frequently described as obligatory rules upon the believers of the religion. Allah Almighty says in Quran about this: "Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you, refrain from it." (Quran, Surah Hashr 59:7)

 

The revelation that Holy Prophet (PBUH) received from the Allah Almighty are of two types:

 

Informative Revelation: Informative revelations are those revelations that are revealed to Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the form of Quranic verses. Allah says in Quran that: "It is not for a human being that God should speak to him except as revelation or from behind a barrier, or by sending a Messenger who reveals by His leave whatever He wishes. Verily, He is Exalted, All-Wise." (Quran 42:51)

 

Affirmative Revelation: Affirmative revelation means where Holy Prophet (PBUH) used his own judgment in an issue. If his opinion is correct then a revelation would come to him affirming it, but if his opinion about certain mater was incorrect, revelation would come to correct him. The only difference between these two is that the revelation came as a result of an action that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) first performed on his own.

 

To know more about Islam and Sunnah you are invited to this link

 

http://www.quranreading.com/blog/