Introduction to The Sunnah and Its Position in the Islamic Law (Islaam.Com)
Creator: Dr. Mustafa as-Siba'i
Date: 2007-06-20
Format: text
Identifier: http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=240
Language: en
Source: As-Sunnah wa Makaanatuhaa fit-Tashree` al-Islaamee
Subject: sunnah
Title: Introduction to The Sunnah and Its Position in the Islamic Law (Islaam.Com)
Created on: Wed Jun 20 23:36:16 -0400 2007
Updated on: Wed Jun 20 23:36:16 -0400 2007
Version: 1
Abstract: ... l the day of judgment. And whosoever does a bad Sunnah he will have the punishment from doing it and the punishment of others who practice it" [Muslim] The definition of Sunnah differs, however, depending on the area of Sharee`ah. For example, a scholar in the area of Usool (fundamental principles) will define Sunnah as whatever was reported that Rasoolullaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, did, or permitted to do. As an example of what he said, are the hadeeths which deal with the different Ahkam (regulations) in different contexts, such as his (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) saying: "The reward of deeds depends on intentions..." [Bukhari & Muslim] An example of what he did is that which his Companions have reported of him (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam)) doing in the matters of `Ibaadaat (acts of worship), such as: The way to perform Salaat (prayer), Hajj (pilgrimage), Adab us-Siyaam (etiquette of fasting). An example of what he (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) permitted to do is whenever he kept silent upon seeing the Companions doing things; his (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) silence served as approval; or his acknowledgment to the Companions that they did the right thing. An example of his permission is when the Companions made Ijtihaad (decision by reasoning) during the battle of Bani Quraydha. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Do not pray `Asr till you are at Bani Quraydha" [Bukhari & Muslim] Some of the Companions understood that to mean that they should delay prayer till they reach the place. However, some Companions understood that to mean that they have to hurry, and so they did pray `Asr on time. In neither case did the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) say anyone of them was wrong and he did not reject what they did. Another example where Rasoolullaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said something when he saw an action by a Companion is when Khalod ibn al-Waleed ate a lizar... [Full Article...]
