> “Do they not then reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would surely have found within it much contradiction.” (An-Nisa 4:82)
The Qur’an is a complete, clear, and sufficient book revealed by Allah. Our Lord repeatedly emphasizes in the Qur’an that He has left nothing lacking for people to attain guidance and that this Book alone is sufficient for us:
> “We have not neglected anything in the Book.” (Al-An’am 6:38)
However, unfortunately, while some Muslims believe in the sufficiency of the Qur’an, in practice they fall into contradiction through their attachment to hadiths, sects, and scholarly opinions. This situation leads to confusion in minds and hearts and may result in shirk due to misunderstanding the true source of religion and adopting incompatible beliefs.
Evidence for the Sufficiency of the Qur’an
- The Qur’an is the Sole Source of Guidance
Allah asks those who are not satisfied with the revelation of the Qur’an:
> “Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book which is recited to them?” (Al-Ankabut 29:51)
The Qur’an provides everything necessary for worldly and eternal happiness. Turning to other sources implies denying its sufficiency. - The Mission of Prophet Muhammad: Conveying Revelation
> “I only follow what is revealed to me.” (Al-An’am 6:50)
The mission of the Prophet Muhammad was to convey Allah’s revelation and explain it to people. He fulfilled this duty properly and left us the Qur’an. Considering hadiths as an alternative source to explain the Qur’an contradicts this divine mission. - There is No Contradiction in the Qur’an
> “Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would surely have found within it much contradiction.” (An-Nisa 4:82)
One of the proofs of the divine origin of the Qur’an is its absolute consistency. In contrast, differences in hadiths and sectarian interpretations arise from human error and weakness.
The processes of collecting and writing hadiths, the existence of fabricated narrations, and contradictions between reports demonstrate that these sources do not possess the same certainty as the Qur’an.
Allah states that the only reliable source is the Qur’an:
> “And the Day when We will resurrect among every nation a witness over them from themselves. And We will bring you, as a witness over these. And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.” (An-Nahl 16:89)
Sects represent human interpretations of religion. Their differing rulings and opinions show that they cannot be the original source of religion.
Following anything other than revelation leads to the risk of shirk:
> “Do not worship other than Allah. Indeed, I am to you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings.” (Hud 11:2)
A Muslim is obligated to believe in the sufficiency of the Qur’an. If a person claims that the Qur’an is sufficient yet still follows hadiths and sects, this reflects a contradiction and weakness in belief.
According to the laws of logic, something cannot be both “A” and “not A” at the same time. Likewise, the Qur’an cannot be considered both sufficient and insufficient simultaneously.
The way out of this contradiction is to submit only to the Qur’an and take the following verse as guidance:
> “Do they not then reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would surely have found within it much contradiction.” (An-Nisa 4:82)
Islam is sufficient with the Qur’an. Hadiths and sects cannot be considered primary sources of religion. Muslims must believe in the sufficiency of the Qur’an and adhere only to a revelation-based religion. Otherwise, by adding to Allah’s religion, they risk falling into shirk.
Finally, we must not forget the warning of our Lord:
> “We have not neglected anything in the Book.” (Al-An’am 6:38)
The Qur’an alone is sufficient to understand and live Islam. Seeking other sources besides it questions our faith in Allah and leads us away from the straight path. Reflecting upon and holding firmly to Allah’s Book is the only way to salvation.
