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."

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