In Islam, the Qur’an is the central sacred text, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, to fully understand the depth and application of the Qur’an, one must also consider the Sunnah—the teachings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. The Sunnah plays a vital role in complementing the Qur’an by providing practical examples, detailed explanations, and living interpretations of divine guidance.
Understanding the Sunnah
The Sunnah refers to the way the Prophet lived his life and how he implemented the commandments of the Qur’an. It includes his sayings (known as Hadiths), his actions, and his silent approvals of things done in his presence. While the Qur’an provides general guidance and principles, the Sunnah offers context, clarity, and practical implementation.
For example, the Qur’an commands Muslims to “establish prayer” and “give zakat (charity),” but it does not go into detail about how exactly to perform these acts. It is through the Sunnah that Muslims learn how to pray—when, how many times, what to say, and what movements to perform. The same goes for fasting, pilgrimage, and other acts of worship.
Explaining the Qur’an
One of the key ways the Sunnah complements the Qur’an is by explaining it. The Prophet Muhammad was not only the recipient of the revelation but also its first interpreter. He explained the meaning of Qur’anic verses to his companions and showed them how to apply the teachings in everyday life.
For example, the Qur’an instructs believers not to engage in riba (usury or interest), but it is the Sunnah that explains what qualifies as riba, what is permissible in trade, and how to conduct ethical financial transactions. Without the Sunnah, many Qur’anic concepts would remain broad or unclear.
Providing Practical Examples
The Sunnah provides real-life examples of how to implement Qur’anic teachings. The Prophet’s life was a living embodiment of the Qur’an. He demonstrated mercy, justice, patience, and humility—not just through words, but through consistent behavior. Muslims study his biography and traditions not just to admire him, but to emulate him.
For instance, the Qur’an commands believers to be honest and just. The Sunnah shows how the Prophet upheld justice, even when it involved punishing someone close to him. In one famous incident, he refused to let a noblewoman escape punishment for theft simply because of her social status. This example teaches Muslims that justice must be applied equally, as the Qur’an requires.
Filling in the Details
The Qur’an is a book of guidance, not a legal manual or a historical record. It provides essential principles but leaves room for interpretation and detail. The Sunnah fills in these gaps. It gives details on worship, manners, marriage, business, hygiene, and even how to greet others.
For example, the Qur’an mentions general rules about marriage and divorce, but the Sunnah outlines procedures such as the waiting period for a woman after divorce or the conditions for a valid marriage contract. These teachings ensure that Islamic rulings are comprehensive and practical.
Establishing Law and Ethics
The Sunnah also serves as a source of Islamic law alongside the Qur’an. Scholars of Islamic jurisprudence derive rulings by looking at both sources. If something is mentioned in the Qur’an, the Sunnah is used to confirm, elaborate, or sometimes restrict or expand upon it.
Additionally, the Sunnah addresses areas the Qur’an may not directly mention. For example, specific punishments for certain crimes or guidelines on dietary laws often come from the Hadiths. In this way, the Sunnah ensures that the Shariah (Islamic law) remains holistic and functional.
Preserving the Spirit of Islam
The Qur’an lays down timeless principles. The Sunnah preserves the spirit in which those principles were practiced. The Prophet was described by his wife Aisha as “a walking Qur’an”—meaning his character was a reflection of God’s words. By studying his life, Muslims connect emotionally and spiritually to their faith.

Conclusion
The Qur’an is the foundation of Islam, but the Sunnah is its living application. Together, they form a complete guide for Muslims in all aspects of life. The Qur’an provides divine revelation, while the Sunnah demonstrates how to live by it. Without the Sunnah, the message of the Qur’an would remain abstract and open to misinterpretation. With it, the message becomes clear, practical, and timeless.
By following both the Qur’an and the Sunnah, Muslims strive to lead a life that is not only obedient to God but also modeled after the best example ever sent to humanity: the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).