09-23-2006, 03:44 PM
The quran is complete without doubt which commands us to do actions and forbids us from carrying out certain actions.
However, it does not give us detailed information on what steps to take in-order to fulfill the command.
For example, Allah SWT tells us to perform salah, sawm and hajj etc. But the quran does not give us ellaborate detail on how to achieve or carry out these commands. So when we do our salah, we do it because it is a command from Allah SWT and how we do it is based upon the sunnah/hadith of Rasool (SAW). The Qur’aan does not mention how many Rak`ahs (units of prayer) we should make, or how to physically move during prayer, or the time for prayer. Similarly, the Qur’aan does not mention the minimum amount of money to have before giving Zakaat (charity) or the conditions by which to pay it.
Many of our `Ibaadaat cannot be performed without stopping at the explanations related to the regulations, pillars, and conditions of nullification. It is thus a must to return to Rasoolullaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) to know the rules in a comprehensive and clear manner.
So therefore, we cannot follow the quran without following the sunnah as there are many evidences to support this.
"And We have sent down unto thee (also) the Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought." [Qur’aan 16:44]
Allah also made it clear to us that the duty of Rasoolullaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) is to clarify the truth to people when there is a dispute:
"And We sent down the Book to thee for the express purpose, that thou shouldst make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe." [Qur’aan 16:64]
We are obligated to follow any ruling by Rasoolullaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) in any dispute:
"But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make thee judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against Thy decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction." [Qur’aan 4:65]
Therefore, muslims cannot follow attain Allah SWT's pleasure without referring to the sunnah as the quran and sunnah is what makes Islaam just like H2O makes water!