The Qur’ân and the Sunnah as the Sources of Truth in Conveying the Message of Islâm

From: www.wefound.org

By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

To be successful in our Da’wah (spreading Islam) to non-Muslims, it is imperative that we Du’ât take all the opportunities to seek knowledge of the Truth. We have to read, understand and study the Book of Allâh I and the authentic Ahâdîth (or Sunnah) of His Messenger r. Both the Qur’ân and the Sunnah serve as the best and genuine tools to convey the Truth to the non-Muslims. Our belief and deeds must be based on these two authentic sources of knowledge and guidance.
We have to convey the need to search for knowledge of the Truth to the non-practicing Muslims as well as the non-Muslims. We have to emphasize that what we are going to explain to them is based on the Qur’ân and the Sunnah. We have to explain why the Qur’ân is the Divine Revelation from Allâh I. They have to know that the Qur’ân is complete:
“For We had certainly sent unto them a Book (Qur’ân ) based on knowledge, which We explained in detail, a guide and a Mercy to all who believe.” (7:52)
“…We have sent down to you the Book (Qur’ân ) explaining all things, a guide, a Mercy, and glad tidings to Muslims.” (16:89)
Furthermore, we have to explain to them clearly why we have to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet r. They have to know that to follow the Prophet r is a divine commandment from Allâh I, the Rabb of the worlds:
“Say: ‘If you do love Allâh follow me: Allâh will love you and forgive you your sins for Allâh is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.’” (3:31)
“But no, by your Rabb, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” (4:65)
It is imperative, therefore, that we must strictly adhere to the Qur’ân and the Sunnah. It is a divine commandment that guides us to the Straight Path. Both the Qur’ân and the Sunnah constitute the best guidance for the whole mankind. We have to believe and follow the following teachings from the Qur’ân and the authentic Ahâdîth:
“And if you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allâh and His Messenger.’” (3:31)
“And verily, this is my Straight Path so follow it, and follow not (other paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious.” (6:153)
Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allâh , and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is an error.” (Muslim1885 and Ibn Majah 1/45)
Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r used to say in his prayer after tashahhud, “The most excellent words are the words of Allâh and the most excellent guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad.” (Tirmidhi 956 and Nasa'i)
Hudhaifah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said to us, “Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Qur’ân was revealed and the people read the Qur’ân , (and learned from it) and also learned it from the Sunnah. Both Qur’ân and the Sunnah strengthened their (the faithful believers’) honesty.” (Bukhari 9/381)
All of us have to read Islâmic books that are based on the Qur’ân and authentic Ahâdîth written by Muslim scholars. We have to explain further to the non-Muslims that true knowledge of Islâm consists of the Qur’ân, the Sunnah and the prescriptions rightly deduced from the two:
‘Abdullah Bin ‘Amr t narrated that Allâh’s Messengerr said: “Knowledge consists of three things: the decisive verses (Qur’ân), authentic Hâdîth and prescriptions rightly deduced from the two. What is beside them is superfluous.” (Ibn Majah 1/54 and Abu Dawud 2879)
The Qur’an, especially its Arabic text, shows a distinct form of extreme beauty with rhythmic verses that strike the mind and heart of every sensible reader. Every Surah (chapter) and Âyah (verse) of the Qur’ân expresses eloquence and magnificence. Inviting non-Muslims to Tawhîd using the Qur’ân is not only easy and effective but also very rewarding. We do not have to memorize the whole of the Qur’ân or many Suraat and/or Ayaat in order to convey the Oneness of Allâh. To paraphrase, what the Prophet r said we can convey the message of Tawhîd even in one Ayah.(verse). An example of one Ayah from the Qur’ân which conveys the message of Tawhîd is the Ayatul Kursi (Verse of the Throne), quoted as follows:
“Allâh! There is no god (worthy to be worshipped) but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-subsisting, Supporter of all. No drowsiness can seize Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on the earth. Who is he that can intercede in His presence except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them, for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).” (2:255)
Those who have not memorized the above ayah, may just read it direct from the Qur’ân or from the notes. Allâh the Almighty has instructed us to recite (Ayat or Surat from) the Qur'an which is easy for us (73:20). In addition, the Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah An-Naas are sufficient to convey Tawhîd. It is preferable to read them with Tajwid (right/appropriate reading of the Qur’an) in its original Arabic before giving their translations in the English language or in our own native languages. If possible, we must beautify our reading of the Qur’ân as it is the Sunnah of the Prophet r:
Abdullah bin Mughaffal t narrated: “I saw the Prophet r reciting (Qur'an) while he was riding on his she-camel or camel which was moving, carrying him. He was reciting Surat Fath or part of Surat Fath very softly and in an attractive vibrating tone.” (Bukhari 6/567)
Al Bara narratedt: “I heard the Prophet r reciting Surat at-Tin waz Zaitun (By the Fig and the Olive) in the 'Isha' prayer and I have never heard anybody with a better voice or recitation than his.” (Bukhari 9/636)
We must strive hard to know how to read the Qur’ân beautifully. Allâh and His Messenger r enjoin us to beautify the Qur’ân with our voices as shown in the following injunctions:
“Or a little more; and recite the Qur’ân in slow, measured rhythmic tones.” (73:4)
Al-Bara' ibn Azib t narrated that he heard Allâh’s Messenger r say, "Beautify the Qur’ân with your voices, for the beautiful voice increases the beauty of the Qur’an.” (Tirmidhi 2208, Abu Dawud 1463 and Darimi)
Ubaydullah ibn Yazid t said: “Abu Lubabah passed by us and we followed him till he entered his house, and we also entered it. There was a man in a rusty house and in shabby condition. I heard him say: “I heard the Messenger of Allâh r say: “He is not one of us who does not chant the Qur’an.” I (the narrator Abdul Jabbar) said to Ibn Abu Mulaykah: “Abu Muhammad, what do you think if a person does not have pleasant voice?” He said: “He should recite with pleasant voice as much as possible.” (Abu Dawud, 1466)
It is strikingly unique that when we read Allâh’s Book with the right Tajwid and melodious tone we (including other Believers who listen to us, especially those who understand it) cannot help but have misty eyes or have tears overflowing in our eyes. The inimitable words and symphony of the Qur’ân in Arabic when read properly move us to tears and ecstasy. In fact, Allâh the Almighty tells us that there are among the Christians who listen to the Qur’ân whom He guides to the Truth and thus embrace Islam:
“Verily, you will find the strongest among men in enmity to the believers (Muslims) the Jews and those who are polytheists and you will find the nearest in love to the believers those who say: ‘We are Christians.” That is because amongst them are priests and monks, and they are not proud. And when they listen to the Revelation received by the Messenger you will see their eyes overflowing with tears for they recognize the truth. They pray: ‘Our Rabb! We believe; write us down among the witnesses.’” (5:83)
When we read verses from the Qur’ân we do not only show to the non-Muslims the authenticity of the Qur’ân but also for them and those who listen to us to gain some rewards. Allâh the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful will surely reward us every time we read Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah An-Naas as stated in the following Ahâdîth:
Abu Hurairah t narrated that Allâh’s Messengerr said, "The Um (substance) of the Qur’ân is the seven oft-repeated verses (Al-Mathani) and is the Great Quran (i.e. Surat-al-Fatiha)." (Bukhari 6/227)
Abu Darda t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said: “Is any one of you incapable of reciting a third of the Qur’ân in a night? They (the Companions) asked: “How could one recite a third of the Qur’ân (in a night)?” Upon this he (the Prophetr) said: "He is Allâh, the One” (Qur’ân 112) is equivalent to a third of the Qur’an.” (Muslim 1769)
‘Aishah (May Allâh be pleased with her) narrated that whenever Allâh’s Messenger r went to bed, he used to blow on his hands while reciting the Mu'auwidhat (i.e. Suratal-Falaq 113 and Surat-an-Nas 114) and then pass his hands over his body. (Bukhari 8/331)
Abu Musa al Hashari t narrated that the Prophet r said, “The example of a believer who recites the Qur’ân is that of a citron (a citrus fruit) which is good in taste and good in smell. And the believer who does not recite the Qur’ân is like a date which has a good taste but no smell. And the example of an impious person who recites the Qur’ân is that of Ar-Rihana (an aromatic plant) which smells good but is bitter in taste. And the example of an impious person who does not recite the Qur’ân is that of a colocynth which is bitter in taste and has no smell.” (Bukhari 6/538, 9/649 and 7/338)
Abdullah ibn Mas`ud t narrated that the Prophet r said: “Whenever a person recites one letter from the Book of Allâh, one good deed is recorded for him. One good deed is equal to ten good deeds the like of it. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is a letter, but A is a letter L is a letter and M is a letter.” (Tirmidhi, 1003)
By quoting verses from the Holy Qur’an, instead of other sources like the Bible, it is very clear that we earn Allâh’s pleasure and hence, gain His rewards for our soul. We Du’ât must strive to learn and convey Islam using the two authentic sources in Islam. We must remember that the Prophet r inspires us to learn and teach Allâh’s Book. He stresses that if we hold on to the Qur’ân we will never go astray:
Uthman Bin Affan t narrated that the Prophet r said, “The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’ân and teach it.” (Bukhari 6/546)
Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah t narrated that the Prophet r said, “…I have left among you the Book of Allâh , and if you hold fast to it, you would never go astray…” (Muslim 2803.1)
It is for our guidance that we must believe the whole of the Qur’ân . We are not considered to be true believers if we doubt some parts of the Revelation. If we reject any part of it, we will suffer grievous punishment in the Hereafter. Allâh I warns:
. . . Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in. And do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous chastisement for Allâh is not unmindful of what you do. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped. (2:85-86) In our Da’wah, we have to explain to the non-Muslims that the Qur’ân is the only comprehensive book available to mankind for guidance. Allâh I says that nothing has been omitted from it (6:38). It is further explained in detail (11:1 and 6:114). It guides us to believe and obey Muhammad r (3:31-32; 4:170 and 47:33). For our complete guidance, it is necessary for us to follow the Sunnah (Traditions of the Prophet r) because he is Allâh’s universal Messenger to the whole mankind (34:28). He is the Seal of the Prophets (33:40) whom our Creator sent with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to make it prevail over all religions (61:9).