Which of the following is considered the primary and most authoritative source of Muslim law?

1. Primary Sources of Muslim Law These are considered the fundamental and divine sources of Islamic law. a. The Quran • Definition: The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of Allah as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). • Importance: • It is the most authoritative source of Muslim law. • Contains principles for personal conduct, family matters, inheritance, marriage, and criminal justice. • Examples: • Inheritance law is detailed in Surah An-Nisa. • Marriage rules, including Mehr (dower) and Talaq (divorce), are mentioned in various verses. • Limitations: The Quran primarily lays down broad principles rather than detailed laws, requiring supplementary sources for interpretation. b. The Sunnah (Traditions of the Prophet) • Definition: Sunnah refers to the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). • Components: • Hadiths: Recorded sayings and practices of the Prophet. • Importance: • Explains and supplements the Quran. • Provides examples of how Quranic principles are to be implemented. • Example: The practice of Nikah (marriage) and rules of prayer (Salah) are elaborated in the Sunnah. c. Ijma (Consensus) • Definition: Ijma is the consensus of learned Islamic scholars (Ulema) on a legal issue that is not explicitly addressed in the Quran or Sunnah. • Importance: • It serves as a tool for the collective interpretation of Islamic law. • Helps adapt Islamic law to changing circumstances. • Example: Rules related to modern banking and insurance practices are often based on Ijma. d. Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning) • Definition: Qiyas is the process of applying principles established in the Quran and Sunnah to new situations through analogy. • Importance: • Addresses contemporary issues not explicitly covered in the Quran or Sunnah. • Ensures the relevance of Islamic law in modern contexts. • Example: The prohibition of alcohol is extended to drugs through Qiyas, as both intoxicate and harm the individual.