Understanding the Quran: The Primary Source of Islamic Law
The Quran: The Primary Source of Islamic Law
There are three primary sources of Islamic law. Out of these, the Quran is considered the first and fundamental source. The Quran is the revealed Book of God. The basic source of Islamic Law is divine revelation, given to us by the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in two forms: the direct words of God (The Quran) and the indirect words of God (The Sunnah). These two forms of revelation are called the roots of Islamic Law. It is the only Book of God which has not been distorted, as He Himself undertook its safety.
Meaning
The term “Quran” is derived from the Arabic word “Qara’a”. The term Quran is used in two meanings:
- (a) As a participle (To Read)
- (b) As an Object (a thing which is read)
Both these meanings technically are attributed to the Quran.
Revelations
The Holy Quran was revealed over approximately twenty-three years, according to the needs of the people. Eighty-six (86) Surahs were revealed in Makkah, and are called Makkan Surahs. Twenty-eight (28) Surahs were revealed in Medina, and are called Madani Surahs. The first revelation came to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when he was forty years of age.
The following verse of Surah “Al-Alaq” was revealed to him:
“Read in the name of the Lord, who created man from a clot”.
Names of the Quran
There are 55 alternative names of the Holy Quran, such as:
- (i) Al-Kitab
- (ii) Al-Furqan
- (iii) Al-Noor
- (iv) Al-Mobeen
- (v) Al-Hadith
Compilation of the Quran
The Holy Quran was completely compiled in written form during the lifetime of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
Quranic References:
- (i) “We are responsible for its compilation”. (75:17)
- (ii) “Only the clean should touch it”. (56:79)
Salient Features of the Quran
- (i) Unlimited
- (ii) Comprehensive
- (iii) Absolute
- (iv) Unconditional
- (v) Dynamic
- (vi) Organic
- (vii) Duty of Protection
Contents of the Holy Quran
Following are some contents of the Holy Quran:
(a) Stories
The Quran narrates the stories of past prophets and people, and the punishment inflicted on the wicked in the past. For instance, the story of Hazrat Musa, Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat Isa, Hazrat Yousef, and the people of the cave, etc.
(b) Seen and Unseen
The Holy Quran lets us know about the seen and unseen: Allah, the Angels, the life after death, the Day of Judgement, Paradise and Hell, and so forth.
(c) Creation of the Universe
The Holy Quran gives an account of the Heavens, Earth, and of man himself.
(d) Code of Life
The Holy Quran is a complete code of behavior, with good injunctions and teachings regarding social, lawful, economic, and political matters.
Ahkam in the Holy Quran
Two main categories of Hukm have been classified by Muslim Jurists:
Hukm Taklifi
To create an obligation for the commission or omission of an act.
Hukm Wadi
To provide a criterion for judging whether an act performed is valid or not.
Conclusion
To conclude, it can be stated that the Holy Quran consists of such directions and commands of God, which are indiscriminately the same for all portions of human society and all regions of the world. The reality is that no other book has so far provided and interpreted laws in such a definite and impartial manner as the Holy Quran has. Due to these features and the above-mentioned ones, the Holy Quran is considered the first primary or fundamental source of Islamic Law.