The Foundation and Sources of Islam

Islam: its foundation and its sources

There are only two absolute sources of Islam:

• the Quran 
• and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.

What is Sunnah?

Sunnah is an Arabic word that means habit or usual practice. The Muslim usage of this term refers to the sayings and living habits of Muhammad, the last prophet of Islam.
The Sunnah of Muhammad includes his specific words, habits, practices, and silent approvals. It is significant to the spirituality of Islam because it addresses ways of life dealing with friends, family, and government.
sunnah indeed often stands synonymous to hadith as most of the personality traits of Muhammad are known through descriptions about him, his sayings and his actions, after becoming a prophet at the age of forty.

Guidelines for Islamic Law

According to Muslims, The Quran and the Sunnah are the absolute sources in Islam because they constitute the revelation received by the Prophet  from God. God inspired the Prophet with both the Quran and the Sunnah. Hence, all beliefs and practices are subservient to these foundations: if something is consistent with them, it may be accepted; if something contradicts them, it must be rejected.