The Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are the two primary and universally accepted sources in all Islamic schools of thought—both Sunni and Shiʿa. There is no Islamic school that rejects the authority of these two sources; differences arise only in the methods of interpretation, transmission, and legal derivation, not in their fundamental legitimacy.

1. The Status of the Qur’an

In all Islamic schools, the Qur’an is:

The first and definitive source of Islam

The ultimate criterion for evaluating beliefs and legal rulings

Superior to all other sources

All schools agree that:

No legal ruling or doctrinal belief can contradict the Qur’an.

2. The Status of the Sunnah

The Sunnah, which consists of the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet ﷺ, is regarded in all Islamic schools as:

The interpreter and explainer of the Qur’an

An independent source alongside the Qur’an

Essential for understanding the details of Islamic law

? Differences arise in transmission:

Shiʿa Islam considers the Sunnah to be transmitted through the Prophet ﷺ and the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family)

Sunni Islam relies on the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions as transmitters

However, the authority of the Sunnah itself is unanimously accepted.

3. The Relationship Between the Qur’an and the Sunnah

According to all Islamic schools:

The Sunnah never contradicts the Qur’an

It explains, specifies, and clarifies Qur’anic teachings

A correct understanding of Islam is impossible without integrating both sources

4. Conclusion

The Qur’an and the Sunnah form the foundational pillars of Islamic law and belief. The unity of Islamic schools is most evident in their shared acceptance of these two sources, while differences stem from diverse scholarly methodologies in understanding and applying them, not from rejection of the Qur’an or the Sunnah.