Instructions:
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Watch the video carefully and take clear, organized notes while watching.
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Review the concepts covered in the video and then attempt all the given exercises independently.
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If you feel stuck on any question, go back to your notes and re-watch the relevant part of the video before moving on.
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Do not skip difficult questions—use your notes to understand the method or concept step by step.
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Write down any questions or confusions in your notebook so you can ask the lecturer during the next class.
Good morning students.
Today we’re going to talk about a very important topic: The Qur’an as the Primary Source of Shari‘ah. In simple words, Shari‘ah means the divine law of Islam—Allah’s guidance for how we should live. It covers everything: worship, morality, family life, business, justice, and even how we treat each other in society. And at the very heart of Shari‘ah is the Qur’an—the direct word of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The Qur’an is our ultimate guidebook. Think of it as the main rulebook that tells Muslims how to live a balanced, fair, and meaningful life. It doesn’t just tell us how to pray or fast; it also guides us in marriage, inheritance, trade, criminal justice, and personal character. For example, in Surah An-Nisa, the Qur’an gives detailed instructions about inheritance so everyone’s rights are protected. In Surah Al-Ma’idah, it gives punishments for theft, ensuring justice in society. At the same time, the Qur’an tells us to be honest, kind, and fair in our dealings. It’s not only about rules—it’s also about building good character.
Now, one of the most powerful things about the Qur’an is how it combines law with morality. For instance, Surah Al-Asr tells us that successful people are those who have faith, do good deeds, speak the truth, and remain patient. Imagine if everyone in your school—or in our society—lived by these four values. Life would be fairer, kinder, and more peaceful. The Qur’an also insists on looking after the poor, the orphans, and those in need. This shows us that Shari‘ah is not just about personal worship, but also about creating a just and caring community.
Of course, while the Qur’an is the primary source, there are also secondary sources of Shari‘ah. These include the Sunnah, which explains and shows how the Prophet (pbuh) lived the Qur’an; Ijma‘, which is agreement among scholars; and Qiyas, which is reasoning by analogy to apply Qur’anic principles to new situations. But remember—these all depend on the Qur’an. Without the Qur’an, they would have no foundation.
Let’s look at some everyday examples. The Qur’an forbids riba (interest), so in business, Muslims are expected to avoid unfair profit systems. It commands honesty in trade, like not cheating in weights and measures, which is still relevant today—you wouldn’t like to buy one kilo of sugar and get only 900 grams, right? It also regulates family matters—marriage, divorce, inheritance—so that families run smoothly and everyone’s rights are respected.
So, why is the Qur’an the primary source of Shari‘ah? Because it has absolute authority—it is the word of Allah, not human opinion. It is universal—it applies to all times and places. And it combines law with moral and spiritual guidance, so that Muslims live not just by rules but also with kindness, justice, and integrity.
To conclude, the Qur’an is the foundation of Shari‘ah. It tells us how to worship, how to behave, how to deal with others, and how to build a fair society. All other sources of Islamic law—Sunnah, Ijma‘, and Qiyas—go back to the Qur’an for their authority.
So, what should you take away from today’s lesson?
The Qur’an is not just a holy book to recite; it is the main source of law, ethics, and guidance in Islam. It teaches us how to connect with Allah, how to live with good character, and how to create fairness and justice in society. If you remember this, you’ve understood the essence of today’s topic.
