By Soumy Ana

http://www.ummah.net/islam/taqwapalace

Most pictures in this book are: http:// www.clipart.com 2004

What are the Qur'an and the Sunnah ?

The Qur'an is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic source of Islamic teachings and laws. Qur'an deals with a variety of subjects including the basic beliefs of Islam: morality, worship, knowledge, wisdom, Allah and man's relationship, and human relations. Comprehensive teachings upon which sound systems of social justice, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations can be built, are important contents of the Holy Qur'an.

The Qur'an is divided into chapters called Surahs or surats.

Though Prophet Muhammad did not receive a formal education, the Qur'an, as soon as it was revealed to him in the spoken word, was committed to writing by his sribes. In this way, every word was written down and preserved during his lifetime by his Companions. The original and complete text of the Qur'an is in Arabic language and interpretations of its meaning in most of the known languages are available in major libraries and bookstores.

Hadiths are books recording the teaching, sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad

, meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions. Hadith books explain and elaborate the Qur'anic verses; they constitute the Sunnah or a behavior code.

Since prophet Muhammad was a perfect example of what Allah Almighty asked from humans, his example is followed by all his followers, even in the manner of eating, sleeping, etc.