The Qur'an was revealed as guidance for all people and all times, and Muslims take direction from it together with the example (Sunnah) of the Prophet ﷺ.
Why the Qur'an was revealed
The Qur'an was sent to guide humanity from darkness to light: to teach the worship of the One God, to correct wrong beliefs, to guide behaviour, and to remind people of the life to come. Allah says:
"The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people." (2:185)Its guidance is not limited to one nation or time.
How Muslims take guidance from it
- By reciting and reflecting on its meanings (tadabbur).
- By learning from scholars and reliable explanation (tafsīr), which explains the context and meaning of verses.
- By understanding general principles — such as justice, mercy and honesty — and applying them to new situations.
- By combining verses on a subject rather than taking one verse alone.
The Qur'an and the Sunnah together
The Qur'an is the first and highest source of guidance. The Sunnah — the sayings, actions and approvals of the Prophet ﷺ — is the second source, and it explains and applies the Qur'an. For example, the Qur'an commands ṣalāh, and the Sunnah shows exactly how to pray. Allah says:
"And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them." (16:44)
Guidance for every age
Because its principles are timeless, the Qur'an still guides Muslims today on faith, character and worship. Scholars work carefully to apply its teachings to new questions, always keeping to its clear meanings. In this way the Qur'an remains a living guidance until the Last Day.
Two sources, in order
Muslims do not choose between the Qur'an and the Sunnah — the second explains the first. Naming their order correctly is worth marks.
| The Qur'an | The Sunnah | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | First and highest source | Second source |
| What it is | Allah's revealed word | The sayings, actions and approvals of the Prophet ﷺ |
| Its job | Commands and guides | Explains and applies |
| Worked example | Commands the Muslims to pray | Shows exactly how to pray |
Allah says: “And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them.” (16:44)
Which of these is a sound way to take guidance from the Qur'an?
- Combining all the verses on a subject
- Learning from reliable tafsīr and scholars
- Applying its principles — justice, mercy, honesty — to a new situation
- Taking one verse alone, out of its context
- Ignoring how the Prophet ﷺ actually applied it
- Reciting without ever asking what it means