As part of its “Awareness” intellectual campaign, al-Azhar continues its outreach efforts. Dr. Moaz Shalabi—a faculty member at al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Dawah and a member of al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center—addressed misconceptions regarding “Quranic sufficiency.” He refuted claims that the Holy Quran is sufficient without the Prophetic Sunnah, specifically countering the argument that the Sunnah’s necessity is limited only to the details of prayer and Zakah.
Furthermore, Dr. Moaz Shalabi emphasized the clear internal contradiction in these arguments. He noted that they simultaneously claim the Quran is entirely sufficient for all religious matters while also asserting its inability to provide details on certain rituals, which is a logical and academic flaw that undermines the integrity of Shariah texts.
Moreover, the faculty member at al-Azhar University explained that claiming the Quran is sufficient—except for matters of Prayer and Zakah—is a selective and inconsistent approach. He pointed out that the Sunnah was conveyed through the same method of transmission as the Holy Quran, passed down by the same companions and narrators. This confirms that both the Quran and Sunnah share a unified source of revelation and authority.
Notably, the member of al-Azhar Global Fatwa Center clarified that the Sunnah is not a substitute for the Quran, but rather its essential commentary and detailed explanation. He supported this by quoting the Quranic verse: “[We sent them] with clear signs and the Books and We have revealed to you the Remembrance that you may make clear to mankind what has been revealed to them” [Q. 16:44]. He concluded that the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings are integral to divine revelation, as affirmed by Allah: “Nor does he speak out of [his own] desire. It is but a revelation that is revealed.” [Q. 53: 3-4]
Additionally, Dr. Moaz Shalabi noted that the Quran mandates independent obedience to the Prophet (PBUH). Quoting the verses “Obey God, and obey the Messenger” [Q. 4:59], and “And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain [from it]” [Q. 59:7]. These verses establish the Sunnah’s authority across all fields of legislation, rather than limiting its scope to specific acts of worship.
Furthermore, he added that the absence of specific details of certain provisions in the Quran does not imply an inability to explain them. Rather, it is an intentional part of the legislative system, which requires the Prophet (PBUH) to provide both practical and verbal clarification. He likened this to the role of a teacher who explains a curriculum; the teacher’s explanation is essential for understanding, yet it in no way implies a deficiency in the original textbook.
Dr. Shalabi further cautioned against the dangers of such claims, noting that they impact both individual faith and social stability. He emphasized that rejecting the Sunnah inevitably creates skepticism toward all religious legal sources, threatening the very foundations of Shariah.
In addition, he emphasized that the Prophetic Sunnah represents the practical application of the Holy Quran, and that denying it undermines an inherent pillar of the faith. He stressed that Allah Almighty’s preservation of His Book naturally includes the preservation of its explanation, citing the verse: “Verily it is We Who have revealed the Remembrance, and assuredly We will preserve it.” [Q. 15:9]
This campaign reflects al-Azhar’s commitment to correcting misunderstandings and confronting ideological doubts. By utilizing a balanced scholarly approach, it combines traditional religious proofs with logical frameworks to provide a comprehensive response.
