Sacred Writings

The Qur’an

The Qur’an is the most important and sacred book in Islam, it is considered the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
It is divided into 114 chapters (or surahs) which are then divided into verses (ayahs).
Muslims believe the Qur’an to be a complete guide for life. It includes teachings on worship, morality, and guidance on personal conduct.
The Qur’an is written in classical Arabic. Many Muslims aim to learn and recite it in its original language, making it a central part of Islamic worship.
Every surah, except one, begins with “In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful”. This highlights God’s (Allah) merciful and compassionate nature.

Hadith

Hadiths are the sayings and actions of Muhammad and are second in importance only to the Qur’an.
These teachings are used to interpret the Qur’an and apply its teachings to daily life.
Hadiths are collected in different books and there’s no single ‘official’ collection. Two most respected collections are Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Muslims believe the Hadiths offer practical examples of how to live a good, moral life according to Islamic teachings.

The Sunnah

The Sunnah is based on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, and it offers a practical interpretation of the Qur’an.
It includes everything that Muhammad approved, disapproved, did, or encouraged others to do.
Sunni Muslims, in particular, place great importance on the Sunnah and accept it as authoritative and binding.
Sunnah practices, like the five daily prayers, fasting, charity and pilgrimage, are considered crucial in demonstrating a Muslim’s faith.

Tafsir

Tafsir is the interpretation and commentary of the Qur’an.
It provides companion readings and interpretations of the holy verses, giving deeper insights and explanations.
Although not considered as sacred as the Qur’an, Hadith or Sunnah, Tafsir is respected and referred to by Muslims for understanding and interpreting the Qur’an’s teachings.
Notable Tafsir scholars include Ibn Kathir, At-Tabari and Al-Qurtubi.

Sharia Law

Sharia Law is derived primarily from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, it guides all aspects of Muslim life including rituals, family life, business, politics, and crime.
It is the Islamic religious law that governs not only religious rituals, but aspects of day-to-day life in Islam.
Interpretations of Sharia vary between cultures and communities, but it provides a framework for a just society, according to Islamic principles.