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The term 'Sunnah' has different definitions depending on the discipline from which one approaches the topic. If we are talking about rulings in Islam, such as an action being prohibited (Haram), obligatory (Wajib) or recommended (Sunnah), then in such a case the term Sunnah means the performer of such an action is promised reward while the one who does not do it is not threatened with punishment. So in this case, yes a person has the choice not to do the action which is Sunnah.
However, as an authority of Islamic Law, the definition is whatever comes from the Prophet
other than the Qur'an in speech, actions and tacit approvals. As a source of Islamic Law, it is not an option whether to comply or not, rather we are commanded to accept it and obey it as an integral part of Islam:
“And obey Allaah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:132 – interpretation of the meaning]
"So take whatever the Messenger gives you and keep away from what he forbids you." (Sûrah Al-Hashr 59:7– interpretation of the meaning]
“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful’” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:31 – interpretation of the meaning]
Allah
Himself has clearly stated in many places of the Noble Quran that everyone, regardless of any situation or status, should obey the Prophet
in all times and conditions, and when they do so, then they have achieved obedience to Allah. What is obligatory upon all Muslims is that they do not separate the Quran from the Sunnah; moreover, it is obligatory to follow both of them and to formulate laws using both. This is a safeguard for the people, so that they do not falter and regress, as explained by the Prophet
: “I am leaving behind two things - you will never go astray if you hold fast to them: the Quran and my Sunnah.”[At-Tirmithi]
A great scholar of Islam, Imam Ibnul Qayyim, stated that:
“Muslims are in consensus that anytime a Muslim recognizes a Sunnah in relation to any issue then he has no way but to accept it, practice it and implement it.”
The Qur'an and Sunnah are both revelation from Allaah
, therefore neither is the Sunnah 'new material' added in by someone else, nor is it possible for there to be a contradiction between the two.
Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed. [An-Najm 53:3-4]
The Prophet
said:
“Verily I have been given the Qur’aan and something similar to it along with it. But soon there will be a time when a man will be reclining on his couch with a full stomach, and he will say, ‘You should adhere to this Qur’aan: what you find that it says is permissible, take it as permissible, and what you find it says is forbidden, take it as forbidden.’ But indeed, whatever the Messenger of Allaah forbids is like what Allaah forbids.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2664).
He
also said:
“I have left you upon clear proof, its night is like its day, no one deviates from it except he who’s bound to doom, and whoever amongst you lives for long will see great controversy. So stick to what you know from my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Orthodox, Rightly-guided Caliphs, cling to that with your molar teeth.” [Ahmad]
Finally, some reject the Sunnah because they say that there are flaws in its recording. They claim that too many Hadeeths were fabricated or "projected back," or were not recorded until later generations. Hadeeth and Sunnah scholars have responded to all such claims throughout history. They showed definite evidence that the Hadeeth recording was established at the time when the Prophet
was alive. As for fabricated Hadeeths, the methodology followed by these scholars ensured that none of them was to remain uncovered. Muslims do not accept but the Hadeeths that were proven acceptable under that methodology. Actually, this fact makes Islam unique among all religions. It rendered it immune to corruption and change.
Some material taken from (worth a read for more info):
http://library.islamweb.org/emainpag...f-the-sunnah-i
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