FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

The Quran says, “Obey God and obey the Messenger.” (4: 58) “Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain from it.” (59: 7). “You have indeed in the Prophet of God a good example for those of you who look to God and the Last Day, and remember God always.” (33: 21) In the light of these verses, one can infer that following of the Hadith is binding on a believer. The Hadith collection provides us with guidance in matters of legislation. It does not deviate from the Quran. It is in compliance with it. The Quran and the Hadith are the main sources, to which all other sources are secondary. The Book, however, is the first source. The authority of Hadith is increased by the fact that the Prophet Muhammad not only theorized, but also had the opportunity to put the Quranic teachings into practice in all affairs of life, both spiritual and temporal. c) Ijma (Consensus of jurists) Ijma is the third source of Islamic jurisprudence. It is derived from the Arabic word jama (to add) and in Islamic legal terminology, ijma signifies consensus of opinion among the jurists of a particular age on a question of law. Jurists have defined ijma as an ‘agreement of the Muslim jurists of a particular period on any matter or point of Islamic law.” Ijma derives its authority or legal validity from the Quran and Hadith. The Quran says: “Obey God and obey the Prophet and those amongst you who have authority” (4: 57) and also, “Ask the People of the Book, if you do not know. (16: 43) The Prophet Muhammad says: “My followers will never agree upon what is wrong.” Ijma may be based on the Quran, Hadith or analogy. This is the view of all the Sunni schools. That ijma is an essential principle of Sunni jurisprudence, was proven by its use immediately after the death of the Prophet. The Muslim community acted upon it as soon as they were called upon to solve the first and most important constitutional problem that arose on the Prophet’s death. That is, the selection of the head of the community. The election of Abu Bakr to the Caliphate by the votes of the people was based, as is well known, on the principle of ijma. All the Sunnis accept it as a source of Islamic jurisprudence.