The Quran: The First Source

The Quran comes first: The Quran is the first and most authoritative source of Islamic law. Every other source must agree with it. A Hadith that truly contradicts the Quran is not accepted. The Quran gives rulings on prayer, fasting, inheritance, marriage, contracts, and the principles behind all other rulings.

Certain in transmission: We have complete certainty that the Quran we hold today is exactly what was revealed. It was passed on by so many people in every generation — a state called Tawatur — that it cannot have been changed. This is known as Qat'i al-Sudur (certain in transmission).

Meaning needs the Ahl al-Bayt (as): While the Quran's transmission is certain, its meaning is not always immediately clear. Many verses are general, or need explanation. That is why the Prophet (SAW) left us the Two Weighty Things — the Book of Allah and his progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt (as) — who are the true interpreters of the Quran. Shia Usul never reads the Quran in isolation from the Sunna of the Imams (as).

Example

The Quran says, "Establish prayer." That is a clear command — but how many units, and how exactly? The Quran does not spell out every detail. The Sunna of the Prophet (SAW) and the Imams (as) shows us the how. The Quran is the foundation; the Sunna is its living interpreter.

Key Terms

• Al-Kitab (الکتاب) — the Book; the Holy Quran, the first source of law
• Tawatur (تواتر) — mass transmission by so many people that fabrication is impossible
• Qat'i al-Sudur (قطعی الصدور) — certain in transmission, like the Quran

Quran or Hadith

Quran 16:89 — "We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things, and as guidance and mercy." — to be checked. The Quran itself describes its role as the clarifying source of guidance.

Fresh diagram to be drawn: The Quran as a bright light at the top, with rays reaching down to three smaller boxes: "Sunna explains it", "'Aql confirms it", "Ijma' points to it".