Slides from Dr Mohd. Afandi Bin Awang Hamat, IIUM,UIAM

1. THE SOURCES OF LAW

2. Al-QUR’AN
‫آآآآآ‬
‫آ‬

3. OUTLINE
 Introduction
 Meaning
 Content and arrangement
 Distinctive features of al-Qur’an
 General Classification of verses
 Features of Qur’anic Legislation

4. OUTLINE
Introduction
The Holy Qurán is the most widely read book in the history of
mankind, a source of great inspiration, guidance and
wisdom for millions of Muslims all over the world. It is the
essential point of imaan or faith, and important to the
foundations of an Islamic society being the basis of its
shariah. As such one of the aims of Minhaj-ul-Qurán is to
ensure a continuous link remains between the body of the
Islamic community, the ummah and its heart, with the Holy
Qurán. It is a book not just to be read, but to be studied,
understood and ultimately to followed all of its rulings.

5. AL-QUR’AN
 Literal: Derived from the root word [ ] means ‘reading’ or
‘recitation’.
 Al-Bazdawi, ‘Ali ibn Muhammad [482AH]:
“The book containing the words of Allah (WAHYI) revealed
to the Prophet s.a.w. Muhammad s.a.w. in Arabic and
transmitted to us by continuous testimony [tawatur] wihout
doubt”

6. The Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet (saw)
in a variety of different ways.
1. In the form of dreams:
Prophet Muhammad (saw) would sometimes receive
divine revelations of the Holy Qur’an in the form of
dreams. Ayesha (ra) narrates that the beginning of Wahi
began in the form of true dreams. Whenever the Holy
Prophet (saw) would see a dream its true meaning and
significance it would become clear by the morning
(Bukhari).
Manner and Forms of Revelation

7. 2. Revelation revealed directly into the heart :
The Holy Prophet (saw) also used to receive revelation
directly into the heart. Imaam Hakim narrates that
the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “Angel Gibraeel
conveyed a message into my heart. That no man can
die until his ‘rizk’ or resources have been completed.
So Man should fear God and try all means to achieve
his resources. If there is a delay in receiving your due
then do not go astray to achieve it for whatever you
will receive will be through Allah and what he has
already ordained”[12].
Manner and Forms of Revelation

8. 3. Revelation disclosed upon the sound of a bell:
Another method of revelation was at the sound of a
bell. The Holy Prophet (saw) would hear the ringing of
a bell or a musical sweet sound, which would be
immediately followed by divine revelation. According
to Hadrat Ayesha (r.a) once the divine revelation
began, Angel Gibraeel (a.s) would come at various
times with different ayahs of the Qur’an. According to
her, the Holy Prophet (saw) himself stated that:
“Sometimes wahi comes to me after a bell rings and
that is a heavy time for me”. (Bukhari)
Manner and Forms of Revelation

9. This method of revelation appears to be the most
difficult type for the Holy Prophet (saw) to bear. If he
(saw) was mounted on a camel and received
revelation after the ringing of a bell, the camel would
be unable to bear its weight and be forced to come
down upon its knees. On another occasion it is
narrated by Zaid bin Thabit (r.a) that the Holy
Prophet’s (saw) thigh was resting on his thigh at the
time of receiving wahi. The force of the revelation was
so strong that it felt as if his own thigh was breaking.
Ayesha (r.a) also reports that during these occasions
the Holy Prophet’s (saw) brow would sweat or that his
face would become very red.
Manner and Forms of Revelation

10. 4. Revelation Brought by an Angel in the Form of a Man:
One of the most common ways of receiving revelation was through Angel
Gibraeel (as). The Holy Qur’an states:
Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gibraeel – for he brings down the
(revelation) to thy heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went
before , and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe, - Whoever
is an enemy to Allah and His angels and apostles, to Gibraeel and
Michale, - Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject faith”( Al-Baqarah:
2:97-98)
Angel Gibraeel (a.s) would sometimes come to the Holy Prophet (saw) in
the form of a man. Ummi Salma (r.a) reports that: “once I saw Dhaya
Qalbi in front of the Prophet (saw) talking to him. The Prophet (saw) then
asked me: “Do you know who this man is?” I replied: “That was Dhaya
Qalbi” By God I thought it was him but the Prophet of God (saw) later
announced in his Kutbah it was the Angle Gibraeel”.
Manner and Forms of Revelation

11. 5. Revelation Through an Angel in his True Form:
Angel Gibraeel also came to the Holy Prophet (saw) in his
actual angelic form. Hadrat Abdullah ibn Masood (r.a)
narrates that Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “When I
saw Angel Gibraeel he had 600 wings”[18].
6. Revelation Directly from God:
God has directly communicated with some of His
Prophets as with Prophet Musa (a.s) on Mount Toor. The
Holy Prophet (saw) spoke directly with Allah (swt) during
his ascent into the heavens, the Miraj. There, Allah (swt)
gave divine revelation to his Holy Prophet (saw)
concerning the obligatory prayers.
Manner and Forms of Revelation

12. Other Names of the Holy Qur’an
al-nur the light (7:157), al-hukm the judgment (13:37)
al-dhikr the reminder (15:9), al-kitab the scripture (21:10)
al-furqan the criterion (25:1), al-tanzil the revelation (26:192)
Further descriptive titles include mubarak (blessing)[5],
mussadiq (confirmation of truth)[6], mubin (explanation)[7],
hakim (wisdom)[8], majid (glorious)[9] and karim (honoured)
[10]
––AL-QUR’ANAL-QUR’AN

13. According to Muslim Jurists, Qur’an is
a proof of the Prophet-hood of
Muhammad SAW, and the most
authoritative guide for Muslims, and
the first source of the Shari’ah. The
ulama’ are unanimous on this, and
some even say that it is the only
original source and that all other
sources are descriptive or illustrative
to the Qur’an.
––AL-QUR’ANAL-QUR’AN

14. There are 114 chapters/surah and 6666 ayat of
unequal length in the Qur’an. The shortest of
the surah consist of four and the longest of 286
ayat. Each chapter has a separate title. The
longest surah appear first and the surah
become shorter as the text proceeds. Both the
order of the ayat within each surah, and the
sequence of the surah, were re-arranged and
finally determined by the Prophet SAW in the
year of his demise. According to this
arrangement, the Qur’an begins with surah al-
Fatihah and ends with surah al-Nas.
THE AGREED UPONTHE AGREED UPON – AL-QUR’AN– AL-QUR’AN

15.  Number name of the Surah English Translation
 1 al-Fatihah The Opening
 2 al-Baqarah The Cow
 3 Al-Imran The Family Of Imran
 4 an-Nisa' Women
 5 al-Ma'idah The Food
 6 al-An`am The Cattle
 7 al-A`raf The Elevated Places
 8 al-Anfal The Spoils Of War
 9 at-Taubah Repentance
 10 Yunus Jonah
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

16.  11 Hud Hud
 12 Yusuf Joseph
 13 ar-Ra`d The Thunder
 14 Ibrahim Abraham
 15 al-Hijr The Rock
 16 an-Nahl The Bee
 17 Al-Isra The Night Journey
 18 al-Kahf The Cave
 19 Maryam Mary
 20 Ta Ha Ta Ha
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

17.  21 al-Anbiya' The Prophets
 22 al-Hajj The Pilgrimage
 23 al-Mu'minun The Believers
 24 an-Nur The Light
 25 al-Furqan The Criterion
 26 ash-Shu`ara' The Poets
 27 an-Naml The Ant
 28 al-Qasas The Narrative
 29 al-`Ankabut The Spider
 30 ar-Rum The Romans
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

18.  31 Luqman Lukman
 32 as-Sajdah The Adoration
 33 al-Ahzab The Allies
 34 Saba' Sheba
 35 Fatir The Creator
 36 Ya Sin Ya Sin
 37 as-Saffat The Rangers
 38 Sad Sad
 39 az-Zumar The Companies
 40 Ghafir The Forgiving One
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

19.  41 Fussilat Revelations Well Expounded
 42 ash-Shura The Counsel
 43 az-Zukhruf The Embellishment
 44 ad-Dukhan The Evident Smoke
 45 al-Jathiyah The Kneeling
 46 al-Ahqaf The Sandhills
 47 Muhammad Muhammad
 48 al-Fath The Victory
 49 al-Hujurat The Chambers
 50 Qaf Qaf
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

20.  51 ad-Dhariyat The Scatterers
 52 at-Tur The Mountain
 53 an-Najm The Star
 54 al-Qamar The Moon
 55 ar-Rahman The Merciful
 56 al-Waqi`ah That Which is Coming
 57 al-Hadid The Iron
 58 al-Mujadilah She Who Pleaded
 59 al-Hashr The Exile
 60 al-Mumtahanah She Who is Tested
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

21.  61 as-Saff The Ranks
 62 al-Jumu`ah The Day of Congregation
 63 al-Munafiqun The Hypocrites
 64 at-Taghabun The Cheating
 65 at-Talaq, The Divorce
 66 at-Tahrim The Prohibition
 67 al-Mulk The Kingdom
 68 al-Qalam The Pen
 69 al-Haqqah The Inevitable
 70 al-Ma`arij The Ladders
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

22.  71 Nuh Noah
 72 al-Jinn The Jinn
 73 al-Muzammil The Mantled One
 74 al-Mudathir The Clothed One
 75 al-Qiyamah The Resurrection
 76 al-Insan The Man
 77 al-Mursalat The Emissaries
 78 an-Naba' The Tidings
 79 an-Nazi`at Those Who Pull Out
 80 `Abasa He Frowned
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

23.  81 at-Takwir The Cessation
 82 al-Infitar The Cleaving Asunder
 83 al-Mutaffifeen The Defrauders
 84 al-Inshiqaq The Rending
 85 al-Buruj the Constellations
 86 at-Tariq The Night-Comer
 87 al-A`la The Most High
 88 al-Ghashiya The Overwhelming Calamity
 89 al-Fajr The Dawn
 90 al-Balad The City
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

24.  91 ash-Shams The Sun
 92 al-Layl The Night
 93 ad-Duha The Early Hours
 94 ash-Sharh The Expansion
 95 at-Tin The Fig
 96 al-`Alaq The Clot
 97 al-qadr The Majesty
 98 al-Bayyinah The Proof
 99 Az-Zalzala The Shaking
 100 al-`Adiyat The Assaulters
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

25.  101 al-Qari`ah The Terrible Calamity
 102 at-Takathur Worldly Gain
 103 al-`Asr Time
 104 al-Humazah The Slanderer
 105 al-Fil The Elephant
 106 al-Quraish The Quraish
 107 al-Ma`un The Daily Necessaries
 108 al-Kauthar Abundance
 109 al-Kafirun The Unbelievers
 110 an-Nasr The Help
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

26.  111 Al-Masad The Palm Fibre
 112 al-Ikhlas The Sincerity
 113 al-Falaq The Daybreak
 114 an-Nas The Men
LIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’ANLIST OF SURAH IN THE QUR’AN

27. As stated earlier the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an took
place on the 16th Ramadhan, A.D 610. The period of revelation
all together are: 22 years, 2 months and 22 days. There is a
traditional division of the surahs between those that were
revealed in the city of Makkah, (Makki surahs) and those that
were revealed in the city of Madinah (Madani surahs). The
following table highlights the split in the revelation period
between these two cities:
PERIOD YEARS MONTHS DAYS
REVELATION PERIOD 22 2 22
MAKKI PERIOD 12 5 13
MADANI PERIOD 9 9 9
Revelation Period and Division of Qur’anic Surahs

28. The compilation of the Holy Qur’an took place in
three stages:
During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (saw)
During the caliphate of Sayyidina Abu Bakr
During the caliphate of Sayyidina Othman
bin Affan
Compilation of Qur’an

29. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (saw) an imposter called
Musailamatul al-kazzab announced falsely his own Prophethood.
Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) sent a Muslim expedition against him
and a harsh battle took place in 632 A.D (11 A.H) at the place
called Yamamah, during which hundreds of huffaz of al-Qur’an
were killed as syahiid. Sayyidina Umar bin Kattab (RA) became
concerned at the heavy loss of Huffaz of the Quran, fearing that
a large part of the Qur’an could be lost if the rate of martyrdom
increased. He expressed these fears to the Caliph Sayyidina Abu
Bakr (RA) and asked him to compile the Qurán into a
permanent book form. Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) was at first
shocked at the request and said he could not do something that
the Holy Prophet (saw) had never done in his own lifetime.
However Sayyidina Umar (RA) continued to persuade him until
Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) said his heart was opened by Allah
(swt) and he agreed to the suggestion.
Reason For Compilation of Qur’an

30.  The contents of al-Qur’an are not classified subject-wise. The verses on various
topics appeared in different places, and no particular order can be established in
the sequence of its text.
 The arrangement of verses are fixed () and therefore cannot be violated.
 Al-Qur’an is an a comprehensive guide for all Muslims in all aspect of their life
and must be accepted and implemented in its entirety. Allah SWT said:
85[
Is it that you believe in part of the Scripture, and disbelieve in part? What is the
reward for those among you who do that but humiliation in this life? And on the
Day of Resurrection, they will be assigned to the most severe torment. God is
not unaware of what you do. [al-Baqarah: 85]
––AL-QUR’ANAL-QUR’AN

31. DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF AL-QUR’AN
 The speech and actual Word of Allah
 Revealed in Arabic language in both word and meaning
 Transmitted with continuous testament (mutawatir).
 I’jaz (miracle) of the Qu’ran
 Complete and comprehensive

32.  Actual Word of Allah
The wordings and meanings of al-Qur’an were from Allah, the
Prophet’s task is only to convey the message to mankind.
 Revealed in Arabic (wordings & meaning)
This attributes excludes tafsir and translation of the Qur’an.
Since the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, the translation of it
into any language is not considered as ‘al-Qur’an’ and all the
rulings related to al-Qur’an does not apply to the translations.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF AL-QUR’AN

33.  Transmitted with continuous testament (mutawatir)
Al-Qur’an was transmitted from the Prophet s.a.w to the following
generation by such a large number of people that they cannot be
expected to agree upon a lie, all of them together.
Such kind of transmission implies that there is no doubt about the
authenticity of al-Qur’an as there is clear evidence about its
transmission.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF AL-QUR’AN

34.  The Qur’an is Allah's eternal miracle.
I’jaz means miracle, it refers to inability of the human beings
individually or collectively to bring about something similar to the
Qur’an
I’jaz is an additional proof of the authenticity of al-qur’an and the truth
of the prophet hood of Muhammad s.a.w. Allah SWT said:
"Say, if the whole of mankind and jinns were being together to produce
something similar to this Qur’an, they could not produce something similar to it;
even if they backed-up each other with help and support."
(17.88)
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF AL-QUR’AN

35. Miracle (I’jaz) of the Qur’an
 This is reflected in at least four aspects of the Qur’an:
1. Linguistic excellence
2. Narration of events which took place centuries ago.
Then We caused them to fall into a deep sleep for many years
inside the cave.

36. Inimitability (I’jaz) of the Qur’an
3. Accurate prediction of future events, such as the conquest
of Makkah (al-Fath:27) and the eventual defeat of Persians
by the Roman Empire.
..
The Romans have been defeated, in a nearby land. They will
reverse their defeat with a victory, within a few years: [for]
with God rests all power of decision, first and last.

37. Inimitability (I’jaz) of the Qur’an
4. Scientific discoveries such as:
The development of embryo [al-Mu’minun:12-14]
The fertilization of certain plants by wind [al-Hijr:22)
All life originate from water [al-Anbiya’:30)
5

38. Miracle (I’jaz) of the Qur’an
 Meaning:
O people! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection,
remember that We first created you from dust, then
from a sperm drop, then from clotted blood, then a lump
of flesh, both shaped and unshaped, so that We might
manifest to you [Our power]. We cause what We will to
stay in the womb for an appointed time, then We bring
you forth as infants and then We cause you to grow and
reach full growth. Then, some of you will pass away
early in life, while some of you will reach extreme old
age in which they will know nothing of what they once
knew. You see the earth, dead and barren, but no
sooner do We send down rain upon it than it begins to
stir and swell, and produce every kind of fertile plants..

39. THE MAKKAN AND MADINAN REVELATION
Makkan
 19/30 were revealed during the
Prophet s.a.w. residence in
Makkah.
 The Makkan part of the Qur’an
mainly emphasis on:
a. The topics related to believe,
b. The Oneness of Allah (Tawhid),
c. The necessity of the Prophet
hood of Muhammad s.a.w.,
d. The hereafter, argument with
the unbelievers and their invitation
to Islam.
Medinan
 11/30 were revealed after the
Prophet s.a.w.’s migration to
al-Madinah
 The Madinan part of the
Qur’an comprised legal rules
and regulated the various
aspects of life in the new
environment of al-Madinah.
Example:
Principles regulation of the
political, legal, social,
organization of the family and
economic life of the new
community in Madinah

40.  Al-Quran is complete and comprehensive.
Allah said:
" And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur‘an) as an
exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for
those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims)"
[Al-Nahl:89]
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF AL-QUR’AN

41. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF THE VERSES
IN AL-QUR’AN
 There are different kinds of verses in the Qur’an which can be
classified into four categories as follows:
a. The verses related to the Islamic believe system (aqidah), which
includes the belief in Allah, His Prophet s.a.w.; belief in the Day of
Judgment and other related theme.
b. The verses related to the moral and ethics (akhlaq), which include the
good ethics system that must be upheld and the evil deeds, which
must be avoided.
c. The verses related to the stories of the earlier Prophet s.a.w.s of
Allah a.s. and the previous people (qasas al-Qur’ani) which can be
taken as a lesson for everyone.
d. The verses related to the sayings and doings of the individuals
and his relations with others which are also called ‘Ayat al-ahkam or
the legal verses of the Qur’an.

42. Features of Quranic Legislation

43. Graduality
 Designed to facilitate understanding, implementation and
bringing about effective social reform. This can be observed
form the prohibition of alcoholic drink:
1. First phase
[al-Baqarah: 219]
2. Second phase
[al-Nisa’: 43]
3. Final phase
[al-Maidah: 90]

44. First Phase
They ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling.
Say: “In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them
is greater than their benefit.”
[Al-Baqarah: 219]

45. Second Phase
O you who believe! Approach not As-Salat (the prayer) when you are in a
drunken state until you know (the meaning) of what you utter
[al-Nisa’: 43]

46. Final Phase
O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks),
gambling, Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or
decision) are an abomination of Shaitan's (Satan) handiwork. So
avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be
successful
[al-Maidah: 90]

47. Qat’i and Zanni
 A text of the Qur’ani in conveying a rule may be very clear
and unequivocal which is known as definitive (qat’i) or it may
lend itself to more than one interpretation
speculative/probable (zanni).

48. Concise & Detail (al-ijmal wa'l-tafsil(
 Large part of the Qur’an speaks about general principles and
only small part of the Qur’an lays down specific rules.
 Being the principle source of the Shari’ah, the Qur’an lays
down general guidelines and principles on almost every
major topic of Islamic law.
 The significance about the general of the Qur’an is that it
provides the scope of interpretation, deriving fresh messages
and new principles more suitable for the change of time. The
wisdom for the specifics is that they constitute universal
norms and principles that are essential for existence and
continuation of social order
 It is observed that the Qur’an is specific on matters which
are deemed to be unchangeable, but in matters which are
liable to change, it merely lays down general guidelines

49. REASON OF REVELATION - ASBAB AL-NUZUL
 Asbab al-nuzul refers to the phenomena and events which
are related to the revelation of its particular passages. It
mentions about the reasons for revelation of various verses.
 A supplementary meaning or a shade of expression may at
times reflect the main purpose of a particular text and this
cannot be known without the knowledge of the Asbab al-
nuzul
 Ignorance of Asbab al-nuzul may lead to the omission or
misunderstanding of the injunction of the verse.

50. Miracle (I’jaz) of the Qur’an
 This is reflected in at least four aspects of the Qur’an:
a. Linguistic excellence
b. Narration of events which took place centuries ago.
c. Accurate prediction of future events, such as the conquest of
Makkah (al-Fath:27) and the eventual defeat of Persians by
the Roman Empire.
d. Scientific discoveries such as:
The development of embryo [al-Mu’minun:12-14]
The fertilization of certain plants by wind [al-Hijr:22)
All life originate from water [al-Anbiya’:30)

51. Justification – or Illah (al-Ta’lil(
 ‘Illah refers to the rationale of an injunction or the purpose
of the law.
 There are instances where the Qur’an justifies its rulings
with a reference to the benefits or objectives which they
may serve.
E.g. The Qur’an regulates the distribution of booty among the
needy, the orphans and the wayfarers “so that wealth does not
merely circulate among the wealthy” [al-Hashr :7]
 However, It is observed that some of the Qur’anic rulings
are independent of justification. The believers are supposed
to accept its rulings regardless of whether they can be
rationally explained.

52. FINISH