Salafiilm

What is the Sunnah?#

The Sunnah refers to the way, path, and methodology of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions. It encompasses his teachings, actions, and approvals. Following the Sunnah is essential for understanding and practicing Islam correctly.

Quranic Evidence#

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانتَهُوا

And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from.

Quran 59:7

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ

Say: 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.'

Quran 3:31

Hadith Evidence#

تَرَكْتُ فِيكُمْ أَمْرَيْنِ لَنْ تَضِلُّوا مَا تَمَسَّكْتُمْ بِهِمَا كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَسُنَّةَ نَبِيِّهِ

I have left among you two things which, if you hold fast to them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.

Muwatta Malik

مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌّ

Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it will be rejected.

Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

The Foundation of the Sunnah#

Imam Ahmad begins by establishing that the foundation of the Sunnah is:

• Following the Book of Allah - The Quran is the primary source of guidance
• Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) - His teachings and methodology
• Following the way of the Salaf - The early generations of Muslims

The Three Sources of Guidance#

Key Lessons#

• The Sunnah is essential for understanding and practicing Islam correctly
• Following the Sunnah is a means of gaining Allah’s love and forgiveness
• Innovation in religion is rejected and leads to misguidance
• The way of the Salaf is the safest path to follow