HAD101 INTRODUCTION TO SUNNAH

Course Description:

This course provides a basic understanding of the concept of Sunnah, or the Prophetic speeches, practice, and lifestyle which encompasses both the Prophetic sayings and traditions, placing the Sunnah in the proper perspective as a source of legislation.  The course also provides an appreciation of the Sunnah as the driving force behind establishment of the Islamic civilization.

Course Code: HAD101

Credit hours: 3

Pre-Requisites: None

Learning Objectives:

  • Articulate the respective meanings and usages of Sunnah and Hadith, according to scholars of Fiqh, Aqeedah, Hadeeth, and Usoul (Foundation of Fiqh)
  • Ability to explain the importance of the Sunnah as the second source of Sharia, and give proofs establishing its authority from Quranic texts and Prophetic statements.
  • Provide examples and proofs on the importance of hadith in understanding the Quran.
  • Analyze how the different roles of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) indicate the necessity of following the Sunnah.
  • Explain the authority of the Sunnah compared to the authority of the Quran as a source of guidance.
  • Ability to explain how the Sunnah was recorded and preserved from the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) until now.
  • Abilityto explain how the Sunnah is a source of Aqeedah and its relationship with Analogy (Qiyas)
  • Explain the Sunnah in relation to the different schools of thought.
  • Describe with proof, the rulings concerning those who reject the Sunnah.
  • Ability to explain how the Sunnah has been a source of Islamic civilization as a caller for tolerance, open-mindedness, virtues, discipline, cleanliness, and mercy toward Allah’s creatures.

Course Outlines:

  • The Meanings of the Word “Sunnah” and “Hadith”
  • Proofs Establishing the Authority and Importance of the Sunnah
  • The Roles of the Messenger salla Allahu ‘alai hi wa salaam
  • The Authority of the Sunnah vis-a-vis the Qur’an
  • Allah’s Preservation of the Sunnah
  • The Ruling Concerning One Who Rejects the Sunnah
  • The Way of the Sunnah is the Way of Islam