Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the topic of the Sunnah and the Hadith and we are acquainted with numerous aspects related to it such as the legal status of the Sunnah, importance of the Sunnah, the proofs that depict Sunnah as the source of law and so on and so forth.
What does one mean by Sunnah and Hadith? Sunnah has been defined in various ways by different scholars:
The scholars of Fiqh define Sunnah as an act which is not obligatory but if done, it will be rewarded.
The scholars of Hadith define Sunnah as the actions, statements, tacit approvals and the actual characteristics of the Prophet ﷺ.
The scholars of Aqeedah define Sunnah as what is believed and followed in Islam.
What does one mean by Hadith? According to the shariah, Hadith is the statement of the Prophet ﷺ. Sunnah is preserved in the form of Hadith.
There are 7 proofs which explicitly illustrate the importance of following the Sunnah and that it is something that we cannot do absolutely without. They are as follows:
The infallibility of the Prophets.
The role and purpose of sending of the Prophet ﷺ.
The obedience of the Sahabas to the Prophet ﷺ in any given circumstance which Allah has praised in numerous verses in the Qur'an.
The Quran contains verses that emphasize:
Belief in the Prophet ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ as the explainer of the Qur'an.
The revelation of the Quran and Hiqma (wisdom) which is in reality the Sunnah.
Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ is obligatory.
Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ showcases your true love for Allah.
The status of the Prophet ﷺ and the etiquette that he must be shown.
The Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ that mention the importance of following his Hadith. Some among them are as follows:
The Prophet ﷺ says he has been given something else with the Qur'an which shows that his Sunnah is also an integral part of Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ told the sahabas to preserve the Sunnah and forbade them from lying about it.
Application of basic common sense which makes us comprehend that when even the basic pillars of faith cannot be accomplished without the assistance of the Sunnah, then how can the rest of the things pertaining to Islam see the light of the day without the application of the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Unanimous Consensus also reasserts the fact that Sunnah has to be followed.