Sunnah in Islam and Opinions

Question

What is the Sunnah in Islam, and why do scholars differ in their opinions regarding it?

Bottom Line

The Sunnah is the Prophet’s ﷺ way; scholars differ because of how they assess and apply it.

Quick Answer

The Sunnah = sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet ﷺ. It explains the Qur’an and guides daily practice. Not every Sunnah was legislation; some were habits, some specific to him ﷺ. Scholarly differences arise from hadith authenticity, interpretation, and methodology.

Key Points

• The Sunnah includes sayings, actions, and tacit approvals of the Prophet ﷺ.
• Actions fall into types: legislative, habitual, mixed, or specific to him ﷺ.
• Scholars differ due to:
  • Access to narrations.
  • Judging authenticity.
  • Interpreting intent (worship vs. custom).
  • Methodological differences between madhhabs.

Detailed Answer

Understanding the Sunnah is not just about theory; it shapes how Muslims live their faith daily. Recognizing why scholars differ protects us from rigidity and cultivates respect across madhhabs. The Prophet’s ﷺ way remains the living guide, but it comes to us through careful transmission, interpretation, and practice. Knowing this helps us appreciate diversity within Islam while still holding firmly to the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Definition and Status

The Sunnah is the second source of law after the Qur’an. Allah says:

“Whatever the Messenger gives you – take.”
Qur’an 59:7

It is the Prophet’s ﷺ living demonstration of Islam.

Components of Sunnah

• Sayings (Qawl): Clear statements like: “Pray as you have seen me pray.”
• Actions (Fi‘l):
  • Legislative: Salah, wudu, Hajj.
  • Habitual: Eating, clothing, and sitting styles.
  • Mixed: Riding in Hajj — both worship and cultural means.
  • Specific: Continuous fasting, more than four wives.
• Tacit Approvals (Taqreer): Silence over a companion’s act showed permissibility.

Why Scholars Differ

• Hadith authenticity: Reports graded differently (sound, weak, fabricated).
• Understanding intent: Was the act worship or a personal habit? Example: stopping at al-Abtah during Hajj.
• Methodology:
  • Hanafis weigh qiyas when hadith are contested.
  • Malikis prioritize the practice of Madinah.
  • Shafi‘is emphasize hadith directly.
  • Hanbali incline to literal application.
• Scope of Sunnah: Some define it narrowly (law only), others broadly (all acts).

Examples of Difference

• Wiping face after du‘a: Recommended by some, discouraged by others.
• Wiping the neck in wudu: Allowed by some, rejected by others.
• Dyeing hair: Praised in some narrations, discouraged if it makes one stand out unnaturally.

Balance

Differences in Sunnah application are ijtihadi (reasoned). Ibn ʿUthaymeen noted: if we labeled every differing opinion as bid‘ah, then all jurists would be innovators, which is false.

What This Means for You

Follow the strongest opinion from trusted scholars. Respect legitimate differences. Do not label others innovators in fiqh matters. Embrace the Sunnah as guidance, while knowing some aspects are flexible.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

• Surah al-Nahl 16:44: The Prophet explains the Qur’an.
• Surah al-Ma’idah 5:67: Convey the message fully.
• Surah al-Hashr 59:7: Whatever the Messenger gives, take.
• Surah al-Ahzab 33:21: The Prophet is the best example.
  

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Hadith

• Sahih al-Bukhari 631: “Pray as you have seen me pray.”
• Sahih Muslim 1297: The Prophet performed Hajj and said, “Take your rites from me.”

Secondary Sources

• Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari: Commentary on Bukhari, Sunnah classifications.
• Ibn ʿUthaymeen, Sharh Zaad al-Mustaqniʿ: On Sunnah and scholarly differences.
• Dr. Muhammad al-Jizani, Maʿalim Usool al-Fiqh: Modern primer on Sunnah methodology.