The Quran and Sunnah

From IslamOnline Live Fatwa

Salam,
Dear Scholars,
Someone told me that learning Al-Qur'an is obligatory, i.e., the meaning and tafsir of the Qur'an, not just how to recite it. What do you say about this, and could you please elaborate your answer? Does it also apply to learning authentic ahadith? Jazakumullahukhair

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother in Islam, thanks for you good question which is a sign of your good faith and keenness to abide by the primary sources of Shari`ah (Islamic Law) i.e. the Qur'an and Sunnah. May Allah reward you and increase your knowledge.

First of all, we'd like to state that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah. It is the most sacred book. Muslims must respect this book and must honor it.

Five things that the Qur'an demands from every Muslim are as follows:

1. The Muslim is required to believe in the Qur'an,

2. He is required to read it,

3. He is required to understand it,

4. He is required to act upon its teachings, and

5. He is required to convey its teachings to others.

To understand the Qur'an well, you may refer to books of tafsir. Moreover, we are also commanded by the text of the Qur'an to abide by the Prophet's Sunnah, the second source of legislation. This may require some persons to be specialized in the field of Hadith and its sciences. But it is not obligatory on all Muslims to specialize in the sciences of Hadith. However, it is obligatory to follow the Prophet's guidance and Sunnah.

Finally, what should be emphasized is that Muslims are to get the religious knowledge that enables them to know their Lord on a basis of true faith, to know Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), to believe in his Prophethood, and to know that the Qur’an is sent to them from Allah Almighty. They are also to know the principles of the Islamic creed with regard to theology, prophethood, and the Unseen.

You can also read:

The Obligations Muslims Owe the Qur’an

Showing Due Respect When Reading the Qur’an

How Much Knowledge of `Aqeedah Must a Muslim Attain?

Allah Almighty knows best.