Sources of Islamic Law

Say, 'O Allah, guide me to the right path and keep me steadfast upon the straight path.' When you mention true guidance, remember the right path. And when you think of the straight (path), remember the straightness of an arrow.

Book 35: Chapter 17: Number 6573

Muslim. (2018) Sahih Muslim. Translated by A. Hameed Siddiqui.

Where do we actually derive Islamic law from? Is it only from the Quran? Or also from hadith? What if something isn't explained in either? These questions are crucial because they determine how we live our lives as Muslims.

Three Sources of Islamic Law: The Quran → Hadith → Ijtihad Some of Mu'adh's companions narrated from Mu'adh that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent him to Yemen. The Prophet asked: "How will you judge when a case comes before you?" He replied: "I will judge according to what is in the Book of Allah." The Prophet asked: "What if it is not in the Book of Allah?" He replied: "Then according to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah." The Prophet asked: "What if it is not in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah?" He replied: "Then I will exercise my own reasoning (ijtihad)." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "All praise is due to Allah, who has made the messenger of the Messenger of Allah suitable for this task."

This hadith provides fundamental guidance on how to determine Islamic law. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught Mu'adh ibn Jabal that three sources of law must be consulted in order. First, the Quran as the primary source; second, the Sunnah of the Messenger if it's not found in the Quran; and third, ijtihad (the reasoning of qualified scholars) if there's no explanation in either of the first two sources. This sequence isn't merely a formality; it's a crucial methodology that preserves the purity of Islam while providing solutions for contemporary issues.