Authority of the Sunnah
By Imam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti
Allah Most High Said, "And whatever the Messenger has given you, take
it; and what
he has forbidden you, refrain from it." [Al-Hashr (59):7]
The Prophet said, "I have not left out anything of which Allah, The Most
High has
Commanded you with except I have apprised you of it. Likewise, I have
not left out
anything of which Allah has Prohibited you from it, except I have
apprised you of it..."
[Al Bayhaqi, 7/76 & others]
Together with the Qur'an, the Sunnah is the pivotal foundation and
primary source of
the Islamic faith. Following both of them is mandated by Allah Himself
and obligated
upon Muslims to adhere and live accordingly. Muslim theology is
established upon
them and remains defective and incomplete should either be forsaken for
they both
explain and interpret each other.
During his time, Imam al-Suyuṭi felt a genuine need to pen this
compelling book
in confuting those who either rejected the Sunnah altogether or did not
grant it
the status and respect it deserves in the religion. He primarily
compiled from the
works of Imam Al-Bayhaqi elucidating the position of Imam Shafi'i, and
firmly laid
out the arguments supporting the Sunnah of the Prophet by outlining its
critical
importance, its authority and implication to one's life.
Salvation therefore lies in embracing the Sunnah fully, for indeed it is
the key to
facilitating our worldly lives and thereafter, unlocking the doors of
Paradise, as
Shadh ibn Yaḥya said perfectly, "There is no better way to Paradise than
the way of
those who have followed the Sunnah."
Pages 172 P/B