An Overview of the Characteristics of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al-Jama’ah (Part Three)
The Term Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al Jama’ah in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah
Many hadiths have been narrated from the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, about following the Sunnah and the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them.
1. عن جابر عن النبي صلیاللهعلیهوسلم قال: «أما بعد، فإن خير الحديث كتاب الله و خير الهدي هدي محمد و شر الأمور محدثاتها» Translation: “Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates from the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, that he said: ‘Indeed, the best words are the Book of Allah, the best way is the way of Muhammad, and the worst deeds are innovations in religion.'”
2. On the authority of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, he said: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: «اني قد تركت فيكم شيئين لن تضلوا بعدهما، كتاب الله و سنتی» Translation: “Indeed, I will leave two things among you after me; if you follow them, you will never go astray: 1. Allah’s Book (Qur’an); 2. My tradition and method.”
A question may be raised by some regarding the narrations that mention “Kitab Allah and Ahl al-Bayt” (the Book of Allah and My Ahl al-Bayt). Why is the narration “The Book of Allah and Tradition” preferred?
The proper response to this question was provided by Allama Mahmoud Shaltut, as noted in the magazine according to Mr. Qomi. “Akhbar Al-Karaim of the World Association of Islamic Religions” quotes: “I saw Mr. Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltut, during his commentary, present the hadith of Saqlain in the form that is common among the people of the Sunnah [Book of Allah and Tradition]. From there, I called him and said, ‘Sheikh, this hadith is mentioned in many ways: “کتاب الله و عترتی”.’ The Sheikh replied: ‘In the margin, write: “و جاء في بعض الطرق: ‘کتاب الله وعترتی، ولا شك أن عترته يحملون سنته.”’ Here, Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltut has highlighted a very important point: that the Ahl al-Bayt and the Atrat of the Prophet of Islam, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, are also subjects and followers of the Prophet’s Sunnah. Therefore, the subjects of the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt are considered part of the Holy Prophet’s legacy, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “I am pleased with the Sunnah of my family.” Translation: “Whoever turns away from my way is not from my [Ummah and followers].”
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