The Stairway Of The Sunnah

The Eleventh Point

Indeed, since both friend and foe agree that Muhammed (saw) embodied the highest degree of moral excellence; since, by universal consensus, he is the most distinguished and eminent individual among humanity; since, as demonstrated by thousands of miracles, attested by the Islamic civilization he established and its achievements, and confirmed by the truths of the Qur’an of which he was the herald and interpreter, he is the most perfect human being and the most perfect guide; and since millions of people have, through following him, ascended the degrees of perfection and attained happiness in both this world and the Hereafter, then his Sunnah and conduct are unquestionably the finest examples to emulate, the safest guides to follow, and the soundest principles to adopt.

Fortunate indeed is the one who has a great share in following the Sunnah. Whoever neglects it out of laziness suffers a tremendous loss. Whoever regards it as insignificant commits a grave offense. And whoever criticizes it in a manner that implies denial falls into profound misguidance.

The Second Matter

In the Qur’an, Allah declares:

وَاِنَّكَ لَعَلٰى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ

Moreover, authentic narrations report that the distinguished Companion Aisha (ra) described the Noble Messenger (saw) by saying, “Khulukuhul-Qur’an.” In other words, Muhammed (saw) is the living embodiment of the noble character taught by the Qur’an. He exemplified those virtues more perfectly than anyone else and was created in complete harmony with them.

Even the simplest of people can therefore understand how unfortunate those heedless individuals are who, despite believing in him and belonging to his Ummah, attach little importance to his Sunnah or seek to alter it, when every one of his actions, states, words, and deeds is worthy of being taken as a model for humanity.

The Third Matter

The Noble Messenger (saw) was created with the most balanced character and fashioned in the most perfect manner. Consequently, all his actions and states were marked by moderation and uprightness. His blessed biography clearly shows that he always acted with balance and steadfastness, avoiding both excess (ifrāt) and deficiency (tafrīt).

Indeed, because the Noble Messenger (saw) fulfilled the command,

فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَاۤ اُمِرْتَ

in the most perfect way, istiqāmah was plainly evident in all his actions, words, and conduct.