COMSAT UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD,

ABBOTABAD CAMPUS

Subject: Islamic Studies

Assignment Title : The significance of Sunnah as a source of Islamic law, the

impact of obeying the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as highlighted in the Quran,
and how obeying the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) influences a Muslim's daily
life.
Submitted by: AHSAN ULLAH(005)

Submitted to: Sir AQEEL GOHER

Date:14/10/2025

Introduction
In Islamic jurisprudence, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stands as the
second most important source of Islamic law after the Holy Quran. The Sunnah
includes the Prophet's (PBUH) sayings, actions, and tacit approvals, providing
practical guidance for implementing the Quranic teachings. This assignment
explores the significance of Sunnah in Islamic law, examines Quranic verses
emphasizing obedience to the Prophet (PBUH), and discusses how this obedience
shapes every aspect of a Muslim's daily life.

The Significance of Sunnah as a Source of Islamic Law

Definition

The word "Sunnah" linguistically means "path" or "way." In Islamic terminology,

Sunnah refers to everything that is authentically reported from Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) - his words (Qawl), actions (Fi'l), and approvals (Taqrir). The Sunnah is
preserved in collections of Hadith, the most authentic being Sahih al-Bukhari and
Sahih Muslim.

Components of Sunnah

The Sunnah consists of three categories:

1. Sunnah Qawliyyah (Verbal Sunnah): The Prophet's (PBUH) statements

and sayings
2. Sunnah Fi'liyyah (Practical Sunnah): The Prophet's (PBUH) actions and
practices
3. Sunnah Taqririyyah (Tacit Sunnah): Actions performed by companions
that the Prophet (PBUH) witnessed and approved by his silence

The Position of Sunnah in Islamic Law

The Sunnah holds a unique and essential position in Islamic legislation.

The authority of Sunnah in Islam is firmly established in the Quran itself. Allah
(SWT) commands:

"O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in
authority among you" (Quran 4:59)

"Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah
will love you and forgive you your sins'" (Quran 3:31)

"And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has
forbidden you - refrain from" (Quran 59:7)

These verses establish that obeying the Prophet (PBUH) is not optional but
obligatory, and his teachings carry divine [Link] Sunnah is much important
in Islamic law as without it we can not totally understand the Islamic laws because
it clearly explains the Quran.

Imam al-Awza'i, a renowned Islamic scholar, stated: "The Quran needs the Sunnah
more than the Sunnah needs the Quran." This means that while the Quran is the
primary source, it cannot be properly understood and implemented without the
Sunnah.

The renowned scholar Imam al-Shafi'i explained that there are three types of
relationships between Quran and Sunnah:

1. The Sunnah confirms what is in the Quran (e.g., both command prayer
and fasting)
2. The Sunnah explains and elaborates the Quran (e.g., details of worship)
3. The Sunnah adds rulings not found in the Quran (e.g., specific
prohibitions)

We can know the importance of Sunnah in Islamic law through given proof of how
it clarifies all knowledge present inside the Quran.

1. Explanation and Clarification of the Quran

The Qur’an provides the basic principles of Islamic teachings, while the Sunnah
explains and demonstrates how these principles should be practically implemented
in daily life. For example:

In the Quran it is mentioned about prayer:

"And establish prayer" (Quran 2:43)

 But it doesn't specify how many times we should pray, how many rak'ahs, the
times, or the exact method.

We know All about this from Sunnah as The Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated the
complete method, saying:

"Pray as you have seen me praying" (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Similarly, the Quran mentions Zakat, but the Sunnah specifies the nisab (minimum
amount), rates, and categories of wealth subject to Zakat.

2. Specification of General Quranic Commands

The Sunnah also specifies what the Quran mentions about some generally issues
and commands. For instance:

In the Quran it is told about a person who stoles something as:

"As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands" (Quran
5:38)

But the Sunnah specifies clearly that this applies only when the stolen
amount reaches a certain value (quarter of a Dinar) and under specific
conditions , so we know how to react to a situation according to Islamic laws
through Sunnah.

3. Restriction of Absolute Commands

The Sunnah restricts certain absolute Quranic statements. For example:

● The Quran allows: "Lawful to you are all good foods" (Quran 5:5)
● The Sunnah restricts this by prohibiting eating animals with fangs and birds
with talons (Sahih Muslim)

4. Independent Legislation

The Sunnah establishes rulings on matters not explicitly mentioned in the Quran,
such as:
 ● The prohibition of combining a woman with her paternal or maternal aunt in
marriage (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
● Rules regarding inheritance for grandparents
● Detailed business and commercial transactions

The Impact of Obeying Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Highlighted in the

Quran

The Quran emphasizes obedience to the Prophet (PBUH) in numerous verses,

establishing it as fundamental to faith. Let us examine the key Quranic teachings:

1. Obedience to the Prophet (PBUH) is Obedience to Allah

It is important to obey the Prophet (PBUH) as by this we can truly obey Allah(SWT) as
mentioned in Quran that:

"He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah" (Quran 4:80)

This verse establishes that there is no separation between obeying Allah and
obeying His Messenger (PBUH). The Prophet (PBUH) does not speak from his
own desires but conveys divine revelation. Therefore, rejecting the Prophet's
(PBUH) commands is tantamount to rejecting Allah's commands.

Thus this verse eliminates any false dichotomy where someone claims to follow
the Quran alone while ignoring the Sunnah. Faith requires acceptance of both
sources.

2. Obedience as a Condition of Faith

It is mentioned in the Quran to have faith on Prophet (PBUH) as:

"But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you [O
Muhammad] judge concerning that over which they dispute among
themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have
judged and submit in [full, willing] submission" (Quran 4:65)

This powerful verse sets three conditions for true faith:

● Accepting the Prophet's (PBUH) judgment in disputes

● Finding no resistance or discomfort in the heart against his decision
● Complete and willing submission
Thus it is the mere verbal profession of faith that is insufficient. True belief
requires internal acceptance and external submission to the Prophet's (PBUH)
guidance.

3. Obedience as the Path to Divine Love and Forgiveness

Following Prophet (PBUH) is the only way to reach to Allah (SWT) as mentioned in
Quran:

“Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah
will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful'"
(Quran 3:31)

This verse, known as Ayat al-Mahabbah (the verse of love), establishes a clear
formula: claiming to love Allah requires following the Prophet (PBUH), which
then results in Allah's love for the believer and forgiveness of sins.

It says that following the Prophet (PBUH) is not burdensome ritualism but the
means to achieve the highest spiritual status - being loved by Allah.

4. Obedience Brings Success and Guidance

If we obey the Prophet (PBUH) we can truly become successful in this world and
hereafter. As mentioned in Quran:

"And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy" (Quran
3:132)

"And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great
attainment" (Quran 33:71)

So it impacts us that success in this world and the Hereafter is directly connected to
obedience of the Prophet (PBUH). This obedience brings mercy,succes, blessings,
and ultimate salvation.

5. The Prophet (PBUH) as the Practical Model

By obeying the Prophet (PBUH) we can also seek how to live a good life in this world.
As mentioned in Quran that:

"There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent
pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who]
remembers Allah often" (Quran 33:21)

The word used is "Uswatun Hasanah" an excellent example or model. The

Prophet's (PBUH) entire life serves as a practical demonstration of how to live
according to divine will.

So we can live a good life in light of Islam by following the way our Prophet
(PBUH) lived. Muslims don't merely follow abstract principles but have a living,
breathing example to emulate in every situation like in worship, family life,
business, leadership, and character.

6. Mandatory Acceptance of the Prophet's Commands

We must obey the teaching of the Prophet (PBUH) as His words are the words of
Allah(SWT).

As mentioned in Quran that:

"And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has
forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in
penalty" (Quran 59:7)

This verse establishes a comprehensive principle that whatever the Prophet

(PBUH) commands must be followed, and whatever he forbids must be avoided,
with a warning of divine punishment for disobedience.

This creates a framework where the Prophet's (PBUH) authentic teachings carry
binding authority in all matters.

How Obeying the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Influences a Muslim's Daily

Life

The influence of the Prophet's (PBUH) Sunnah invades every aspect of a Muslim's
existence, from the moment of waking until sleep, covering spiritual, personal,
social, and civic dimensions. Sunnah influence us in every situation by following
which we can live a peaceful life , some of these are given below:

A. Morning Routine and Personal Hygiene

1. Upon Waking

The Prophet (PBUH) taught us specific supplications upon waking which we have
to obey as:

"All praise is for Allah who gave us life after having taken it from us and unto Him
is the resurrection" (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This begins the day with gratitude and remembrance of the life after death, setting
a spiritual tone.

2. Using the Restroom

The Prophet (PBUH) taught to enter with the left foot, saying:

"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from male and female devils" (Sahih al-Bukhari
and Muslim)

He prohibited facing the Qiblah while relieving oneself and taught using the left
hand for cleaning.

This shows that even the most private acts are governed by etiquette, maintaining
consciousness of Allah and promoting hygiene.

3. Personal Cleanliness

By obeying His teachings we will not be ill as the Prophet (PBUH) emphasized:
"Cleanliness is half of faith" (Sahih Muslim)

He taught specific practices to remain healthy as:

● Using Miswak (tooth-stick) regularly:

● "If I had not found it difficult for my ummah, I would have ordered them to
use the Miswak with every prayer" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This makes our mouth clean as it contains most of the bacteria in our body.
 ● Trimming nails, removing body hair, and maintaining grooming, which
makes us feel hygienic.
● Performing Wudu (ablution) with specific steps, which removes all our sins ,
and also doing it five times a day makes us fresh and healthy.

So its emphasis on hygiene, derived from the Prophet's (PBUH) teachings,

contributes to physical health while fulfilling spiritual requirements.

B. Acts of Worship

1. Salah (Prayer)

By obeying the Prophet (PBUH) we pray the five daily prayers and performed
them exactly as the Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated:

● Timings: We pray at Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha specific times he

established.
● Movements: We do specific movements like Standing, bowing, prostrating
in precise sequence like He told us.
● Recitations: We use Specific verses and supplications he taught.
● Number of rak'ahs:We do Exact rak’ahs in each prayer following his
example exactly.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Pray as you have seen me praying" (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Thus without the Prophet's (PBUH) practical demonstration, Muslims wouldn't

know how to perform this central pillar of Islam. Prayer structures the entire day
around remembrance of Allah.

2. Fasting

While the Quran commands fasting, the Sunnah explains all of its aspects like:
 ● Timings: From dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib)
● What breaks the fast and what doesn't
● The etiquettes: eating Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), hastening to break fast

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Eat Suhoor, for indeed there is blessing in Suhoor" (Sahih al-Bukhari

and Muslim)

These details make fasting practical and accessible, while teaching

discipline and spiritual consciousness. So Obeying Him we could do this
pillar of Islam exactly how it should be done.

3. Zakat and Charity

The Prophet (PBUH) also specified all the things about Zakat like::

● Rates: 2.5% on wealth, specific rates for crops, livestock

● Nisab: Minimum amounts requiring Zakat

The Prophet (PBUH) also told about the virtue of voluntary charity:

"Charity does not decrease wealth" (Sahih Muslim)

Thus this creates a social welfare system, ensuring wealth circulation and care for
the poor.

4. Hajj

The Prophet (PBUH) performed Hajj once, teaching all its rituals:

● Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, standing at Arafat, stoning pillars

He said:

"Learn from me your rituals of Hajj" (Sahih Muslim)

Millions of Muslim perform Hajj annually following his exact methodology.

C. Family Life and Relationships

1. Marriage and Spousal Relations

The Prophet (PBUH) provided comprehensive guidance about marriage:

On choosing a spouse He said:

"A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her
beauty, and her religion. So choose the religious woman, may your hands be
rubbed with dust [i.e., may you prosper]" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

On treatment of wives He told us:

"The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best
of you to my wives" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Hasan Sahih)

He helped His wife in household chores, showing housework isn't beneath men
also He never raised his hand against any woman, thus from Him we seek how to
treat our family.

Even on intimacy He provided guidance maintaining privacy while teaching that

intimacy is rewarded:

"In the sexual act of each of you there is a charity" (Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet's (PBUH) example established a model of loving partnership, mutual

respect, and shared responsibility, countering both patriarchal oppression and
modern relationship chaos.

2. Parenting and Children

The Prophet (PBUH) showed exceptional love for children:He would carry his
grandsons Hassan and Hussain on his [Link] shortened prayers when
hearing a child [Link] kissed children publicly , when a Bedouin expressed
surprise, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

"He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy" (Sahih al-Bukhari)

On education He told us to educate our children:

"Every child is born in a state of fitrah (natural disposition), then his parents
make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian" (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This teaching creates nurturing, affectionate parenting while emphasizing moral
and religious education.

3. Treatment of Parents
The Prophet’s (PBUH) life also tells us how to treat our parents and their status in our
life.
A man asked the Prophet (PBUH): "Who is most deserving of my good
companionship?" He replied: "Your mother." The man asked: "Then who?"
He said: "Your mother." The man asked again: "Then who?" He said: "Your
mother." The man asked: "Then who?" He said: "Then your father" (Sahih
al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This shows that we must respect our parents the way the deserve and alway obey
them and make them happy.

Once the Prophet (PBUH) said:

"May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced!" It was

said: "Who, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: "The one whose parents, one or
both of them, reach old age with him and he does not enter Paradise [by
serving them]" (Sahih Muslim)

This creates societies where elderly parents are honored and cared for, preventing
the isolation and neglect common in some cultures.

D. Social Interactions and Ethics

1. Greeting and Social Courtesy

The Prophet (PBUH) taught us how to greet each other as :

He told about spreading Salam:

"You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until
you love one another. Shall I tell you something that will cause you to love one
another? Spread the greeting of Salam amongst yourselves" (Sahih Muslim)

He also told about shaking hands:

 "When two Muslims meet and shake hands, they are forgiven before they
part" (Sunan Abu Dawud - Hasan)

These simple acts create warm, cohesive communities built on mutual affection
and create harmony.

2. Honesty and Truthfulness

The Prophet (PBUH) was known as "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) even before
prophethood. He said:

"Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A

man continues to tell the truth until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful
person" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

He also told Bout hypocrite as:

"The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a
promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted with something, he betrays
that trust" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

So following Him we can create a culture of integrity in personal relationships,

business, and governance with trust and honesty.

3. Neighborly Rights

The Prophet (PBUH) also said about the rights of neighbors ,The Prophet (PBUH)
said:

"Jibril kept advising me to be good to my neighbor until I thought he would

make him an inheritor" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

HE also told that:

"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor"
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Thus following His path builds a strong, supportive community where people care
for those living nearby regardless of religion or ethnicity.

4. Generosity and Helping Others

He also told us about the importance of helping needy people: The Prophet (PBUH)
said:
 "The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity" (Jami'
at-Tirmidhi - Hasan Sahih)
HE also said that:
"Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of the world, Allah
will relieve him of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Resurrection"
(Sahih Muslim)

This motivates us to continue charitable acts and community service and help
needy people near us..

E. Business and Economic Dealings

1. Honest Trade
He also explained about trading , how to trade and its rules. The Prophet (PBUH)
said:
"The truthful, trustworthy merchant will be with the Prophets, the truthful
and the martyrs" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Hasan)

He prohibited things in trade like::

● Deception in trade.
● Hoarding to create artificial scarcity.
● Interest (Riba).
● Selling what one doesn't possess.
● Fraud and false advertising
● Thus His teachings promote ethical business practices, preventing
exploitation and ensuring fair markets.

2. Fair Wages
His life also told how to treat workers. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries" (Sunan Ibn Majah -
Hasan)

Thus in this way we ensure workers' rights and dignified treatment of laborers.

3. Prohibition of Interest
The Prophet (PBUH) also emphasize the bad things like interest, following Quranic
prohibition, the Prophet (PBUH) emphasized:
"Allah has cursed the one who consumes Riba, the one who gives it, the one
who writes it down, and the two who witness it" (Sahih Muslim)

This creates an alternative economic system based on profit-sharing and risk-

sharing rather than exploitation.

F. Food and Eating Etiquette

The Prophet (PBUH) also taught us comprehensive eating etiquette like:

1. Before eating: Say "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah).

2. Eating method: Use the right hand, eat from what is nearest.
3. Quantity: He told how much we should eat:

"A human being has not filled any vessel worse than his stomach. It is
sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going"
(Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Sahih).

4. After eating:HE also told us the supplication to say after having our meal
as:

"Praise be to Allah who fed me this and provided it for me without any
might or power from myself" (Sunan Abu Dawud and Jami' at-
Tirmidhi - Hasan).

5. Sharing food: He also emphasis importance of sharing food as:

"Food for one is enough for two, and food for two is enough for three,
and food for three is enough for four" (Sahih Muslim)

These practices promote moderation, gratitude, hygiene, and communal eating.

G. Conduct in Times of Difficulty

1. Patience in Adversity
The Prophet (PBUH) also told us how to react in uneven situations. The Prophet
(PBUH) himself faced tremendous hardships , poverty, loss of children,
persecution, yet remained patient. He taught us about importance of being patience
in hard situation:

"How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good. If
something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for
him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is
good for him" (Sahih Muslim)

This provides psychological resilience and spiritual comfort during trials.

H. Environmental Consciousness
The Prophet (PBUH) also taught us to protect our environment. The Prophet (PBUH)
taught environmental stewardship and said:

"If the Hour is about to be established and one of you has a palm-seedling in
his hand, if he is able to plant it before the Hour comes, let him plant it"
(Musnad Ahmad - Sahih)

He also prohibited cutting trees unnecessarily and established protected zones

(Hima) where vegetation and wildlife were preserved.

He said:

"Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears
fruit is rewarded" (Musnad Ahmad)

This creates environmental responsibility and sustainable living.

I. Before Sleep

The Prophet (PBUH) taught evening routine we should follow which are:

1. Reciting specific supplications for protection.

2. Reciting Ayat al-Kursi and the last verses of Surah al-Baqarah.
3. Sleeping on the right side.
4. Making Wudu before sleep.
 5. Asking forgiveness for any wrongs committed during the day.

He said:

"When you go to bed, perform ablution as you would for prayer, then lie
down on your right side" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This act ensures the day ends with spiritual reflection and divine protection.

J. Character Development

Perhaps most comprehensively, the Prophet's (PBUH) life teaches character

excellence. Allah described Him:

"And indeed, you are of a great moral character" (Quran 68:4)

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"I have been sent to perfect good character" (Musnad Ahmad and al-Adab al-
Mufrad - Sahih)

Key character traits he exemplified and taught are:

● Humility: Despite being Allah's Messenger, he served others, mended his

own clothes, and sat with the poor.
● Forgiveness: He forgave the people of Makkah who persecuted him for
years.
● Justice: Even with enemies He did justice, as Allah commanded:

"And let not the hatred of a people prevent you from being just"
(Quran 5:8).

● Mercy: He emphasized the importance of mercy , He said:

"Those who show mercy will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful"
(Sunan Abu Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Sahih)

● Patience: In all circumstances, He remained steadfast and taught us to do the

same .
● Gratitude: He taught us to constantly thanking Allah even for small
blessing.
Thus following his character transforms individuals into better human beings,
creating societies built on ethical foundations.

Conclusion

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not merely a historical record but a
living, practical guide that shapes every dimension of a Muslim's existence. Its
significance as a source of Islamic law cannot be overstated. It explains, clarifies,
and complements the Quran, making divine guidance applicable to daily life.

The Quranic emphasis on obeying the Prophet (PBUH) is unambiguous and

emphatic, establishing that true faith requires following his example. This
obedience is not blind submission but rational acceptance that the Prophet
(PBUH), chosen by Allah, provides the best model for human conduct.

The influence of the Prophet's (PBUH) Sunnah on daily life is comprehensive and
transformative. From morning until night, in worship and worldly affairs, in
private and public life, his teachings provide guidance. This creates a holistic way
of life where spirituality is not separated from daily activities but integrated into
every action.

By following the Prophet's (PBUH) example in greeting others, conducting

business, treating family members, caring for the environment, maintaining
personal hygiene, and developing character, Muslims live out their faith
practically. This obedience brings divine love, forgiveness, success in this world,
and salvation in the Hereafter.

The ultimate wisdom is that Allah, knowing human nature best, provided not just
abstract commandments but a living example in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),a
man who lived among people, faced challenges, experienced joys and sorrows, yet
perfectly embodied divine guidance. Following his Sunnah is thus following the
most perfect path to Allah.
References:

● The Holy Quran

● Sahih al-Bukhari
● Sahih Muslim
● Jami' at-Tirmidhi
● Sunan Abu Dawud
● Sunan Ibn Majah
● Musnad Ahmad
● Usul al-Fiqh literature by classical scholars