Topic Under Discussion Some Questions relating to Sunnah Question Question from United Kingdom In one of your answers you write: "All such acts... [which are a part] of man's inherent knowledge - human nature - are also not a part of the Shari`ah ..." Does this mean that all the acts and directives, which fall under the scope of "man's inherent nature" are not punishable under Islamic Law? Further you write: "There is a tremendous difference between 'consensus' and 'majority'." Can you please explain your understanding of the terms 'consensus' and 'majority'. Of course the English meanings of these words may not hold the same significance in either Arabic or under Islamic terminology. Also, apart from your esteemed teacher, Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, are there any 'classical' scholars or any other more contemporary scholars who hold the same opinion over the status of 'Sunnah' ? salaam `alaykum Razwan Answer It should be remembered that the directives relating to the inherent nature of man are more basic and universal than the directives of the Shari`ah . In fact, it would be correct to say that the corpus of the Shari`ah relies and builds upon the inherent nature of man. Thus, when we say that a particular directive relates to the inherent nature of man, it should not be construed as a directive of lesser significance. Such statements primarily relate to the classification of the various directives entailed in the Qur'an or narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh). As for whether a directive related to the inherent nature of man can be considered as punishable or not, it depends upon the nature of the directive. Those directives, which, even though are based upon the inherent nature of man, have a social implication of the nature of spreading immorality or of depriving someone of his rights, can be considered as punishable under the law of a Muslim state. As for your second question, the words 'majority' and 'consensus' do not have any special connotation in the Islamic literature. The two words are generally used in the Islamic literature in their literal connotation. There is not much of a difference regarding the "status" of 'Sunnah' as it is held by my teacher or as held by the classical or even by most of the contemporary writers. However, there is some difference in the definition of 'Sunnah' , as understood by my teacher when compared to that given by the classical scholars. Nevertheless, the definition of 'Sunnah' proposed by the various scholars is based on their respective understanding of the sources and contents of Islam and, in my opinion, deserves to be considered on the basis of the reasoning presented for or against it. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad December 7, 2001 Answer published by Moiz Amjad Other Discussion(s) related to the Question Is the Method of Determining Sunnah Inconsistent? 'Prohibitions' Mentioned in Sunnah Further Exchange on the Concept of Sunnah A Mistake...