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Exam Snapshot
What this topic means in Cambridge Paper 1
This topic belongs to the history and importance of the Qur’an: its use in legal thinking and its relationship with Hadith, ijma‘ and qiyas.
Part A [10]
- Requires accurate knowledge of the four sources of Islamic law.
- Explain why the Qur’an is the first and supreme source.
- Show how Hadith, ijma‘ and qiyas work with the Qur’an.
- Use clear examples: prayer, zakat, fasting, intoxicants, inheritance, modern issues.
Part B [4]
- Requires understanding and reasoning.
- Usually asks about the importance of ijma‘/qiyas today or why the Qur’an is central.
- Give judgement and examples, not just definitions.
- Link to new issues faced by Muslims in modern life.
Core Formula
- Qur’an: main authority and foundation.
- Hadith/Sunnah: explains and applies Qur’anic commands.
- Ijma‘: scholarly consensus based on Qur’an and Sunnah.
- Qiyas: analogy from an existing Qur’anic/Sunnah ruling to a new case.
Mark scheme focus in simple words
- Top answers know that the Qur’an is the word of Allah and the basis of Islamic legal rulings.
- Top answers do not treat the four sources as separate lists only; they explain their relationship.
- Hadith should be shown as explaining, expanding and applying Qur’anic commands.
- Ijma‘ and qiyas should be shown as secondary sources that do not contradict the Qur’an.
- Part B must include reasoning and examples of present-day issues.
Big Picture
The full idea in one flow
Learn this sequence first. It is the backbone of almost every answer on legal thinking.
What is legal thinking?
- Legal thinking means working out Islamic rulings for belief, worship, conduct, family life, trade, society and new situations.
- It is not random personal opinion; it is based on recognised sources of Islamic law.
- The Qur’an is always the starting point because it is divine revelation.
- When the Qur’an gives a clear ruling, Muslims accept it as authoritative.
- When the Qur’an gives a general principle, scholars use Hadith, ijma‘ and qiyas to understand and apply it.
The correct order of sources
- 1. Qur’an: first primary source; direct word of Allah.
- 2. Sunnah/Hadith: second primary source; the Prophet’s ﷺ example preserved in reports.
- 3. Ijma‘: consensus of qualified Muslim scholars on a matter.
- 4. Qiyas: analogy from an established ruling to a new issue with the same effective cause.
- Ijma‘ and qiyas are called secondary sources because they depend on the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Qur’anic verse note: This page uses verse references and careful meaning guides only. Students should use the translation printed in the Cambridge paper or a recognised translation approved by their teacher.
Source 1
The Qur’an as the primary source of Islamic law
The Qur’an is the foundation from which all valid Islamic legal thinking begins.
1Why the Qur’an has the highest authorityPrimary source
- The Qur’an is believed by Muslims to be the word of Allah.
- It was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is the final revealed book.
- Its authority is not based on human reasoning, but on divine revelation.
- It is the first source consulted when deciding any Islamic ruling.
- No other legal source can contradict the Qur’an.
- Hadith, ijma‘ and qiyas are accepted only when they agree with Qur’anic teachings and principles.
2How the Qur’an gives lawsDirect + general
- The Qur’an sometimes gives direct rulings, such as commands about fasting, inheritance, marriage, business ethics and justice.
- It sometimes gives general principles, such as justice, mercy, honesty, fulfilment of contracts and obedience to Allah.
- It gives a moral framework for Muslim life, not only a list of legal rules.
- Some Qur’anic commands are broad; Hadith and scholarly reasoning explain how they are applied in detail.
- This is why the Qur’an is both a book of guidance and the foundation of legal thought.
3Examples of Qur’anic legal guidanceUse carefully
- Worship: the Qur’an commands prayer, fasting, zakat and Hajj, while Hadith explains details.
- Fasting: Sura 2:183 is commonly used to show that fasting is prescribed for believers.
- Obedience: Sura 4:59 is commonly used to show obedience to Allah, the Messenger and those in authority.
- Justice: Qur’anic passages command justice, honesty and fair judgement.
- Family law: the Qur’an gives guidance about inheritance, marriage, divorce and family responsibilities.
- Business ethics: the Qur’an warns against riba and commands fairness in dealings.
- Social conduct: the Qur’an teaches respect for parents, care for the needy and moral responsibility.
Translation care: Instead of quoting long translations from memory, write: “The Qur’an teaches...” and give the verse reference if you know it accurately.
Common mistake: Do not write that the Qur’an gives every detail of every modern issue directly. A better answer says: the Qur’an gives direct laws and guiding principles, and the other sources help apply these principles.
Relationship 1
The Qur’an and Hadith/Sunnah
Hadith explains, expands and applies the Qur’an. It never has authority to contradict the Qur’an.
1What Hadith and Sunnah doExplanation
- Sunnah means the Prophet’s ﷺ example, practice and way of life.
- Hadith are reports of the Prophet’s ﷺ sayings, actions and approvals.
- The Prophet ﷺ was the receiver and teacher of the Qur’an.
- His Sunnah shows Muslims how Qur’anic teachings are lived in practice.
- Hadith can explain a Qur’anic command, specify its details, or show its practical application.
- Hadith is especially important where the Qur’an gives a command but not all operational details.
2Examples of Hadith explaining the Qur’anExam examples
- The Qur’an commands Muslims to establish prayer, but the Sunnah shows the method, timings and units of prayer.
- The Qur’an commands zakat, but the Sunnah explains rates, categories and details.
- The Qur’an commands Hajj, but the Prophet’s ﷺ practice explains the rituals step by step.
- The Qur’an gives general moral instructions, while Hadith gives practical examples of how the Prophet ﷺ applied them.
- Some legal details, such as specific applications of inheritance or worship practice, are understood through Hadith.
3Why Hadith cannot contradict the Qur’anKey rule
- The Qur’an is the first and supreme source.
- Hadith is authoritative because the Prophet ﷺ explained and practised the Qur’an.
- A sound understanding of Hadith must agree with the Qur’an’s teachings.
- If a report appears to conflict with the Qur’an, scholars examine its authenticity, wording and interpretation.
- For exam purposes, write: Hadith supports and explains the Qur’an; it does not replace or contradict it.
Relationship 2
The Qur’an and Ijma‘
Ijma‘ is the consensus of qualified scholars and is used when new issues require a ruling based on Qur’anic and Prophetic principles.
1Meaning of Ijma‘Consensus
- Ijma‘ means agreement or consensus.
- In Islamic law, it usually means the agreement of qualified Muslim scholars on a legal issue.
- It is used when the Qur’an and Sunnah do not give an explicit detailed answer to a new situation.
- It is not the opinion of ordinary people; it must be based on knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
- Ijma‘ is a secondary source because it depends on the primary sources.
2How Ijma‘ works with the Qur’anBased on revelation
- Scholars first look at the Qur’an for direct guidance or general principles.
- They then consider the Sunnah/Hadith for explanation and application.
- If the issue is still not directly settled, qualified scholars may agree on a ruling.
- This agreement must remain within Qur’anic values such as justice, protection of life, honesty and obedience to Allah.
- Ijma‘ helps Muslims remain united in situations where individual opinions could create confusion.
3Examples of Ijma‘ for examsUse wisely
- The early Muslim community’s agreement on the need to compile the Qur’an is often used as a historical example of collective decision-making.
- Scholars may use ijma‘ for modern medical, technological or social issues where direct detailed wording is not found in the Qur’an.
- Cambridge-style mark schemes often reward modern examples such as IVF when discussing why ijma‘ may be needed today.
- Do not give a final fatwa in your answer; simply explain that qualified scholars use Qur’an and Sunnah-based reasoning to reach agreement.
Common mistake: Do not define ijma‘ as “everyone voting.” It is the consensus of qualified scholars, guided by the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Relationship 3
The Qur’an and Qiyas
Qiyas is analogy: applying an existing ruling to a new case because both share the same effective cause.
1Meaning of QiyasAnalogy
- Qiyas means analogical reasoning.
- It is used when a new issue has no direct ruling in the Qur’an or Sunnah.
- Scholars compare the new issue with an earlier case that has a known ruling.
- If both cases share the same effective cause, the ruling of the original case is extended to the new case.
- Qiyas is a secondary source because it depends on the Qur’an and Sunnah for the original ruling.
2The four-part qiyas methodA* structure
- Original case: an issue already addressed by Qur’an or Sunnah.
- Original ruling: the known Islamic ruling on that issue.
- Effective cause (‘illah): the reason behind the ruling.
- New case: the modern or new issue that shares the same effective cause.
- New ruling: the ruling is extended to the new case because the cause is the same.
3Common qiyas example: intoxicantsExam-friendly
- The Qur’an prohibits intoxicants/wine.
- The effective cause is intoxication and harm to judgement, worship and society.
- Modern narcotic drugs were not named in the Qur’an in the same modern form.
- By qiyas, scholars may prohibit drugs because they share the cause of intoxication/harm.
- This example is frequently used because it clearly shows how Qur’anic principles apply to new situations.
4Limits of QiyasImportant
- Qiyas cannot be used against a clear Qur’anic ruling.
- It must be used by qualified scholars, not by personal guesswork.
- The new case must genuinely share the same effective cause as the original case.
- Qiyas is useful but must remain controlled by revelation.
- In exam answers, show that qiyas is flexible but not independent from the Qur’an.
Examples Bank
Examples students can use in answers
Use examples carefully and only where they directly answer the question.
Qur’an + Hadith examples
- Prayer: Qur’an commands prayer; Sunnah shows method and details.
- Zakat: Qur’an commands zakat; Hadith explains rates and practical details.
- Hajj: Qur’an commands pilgrimage; Prophet’s ﷺ practice explains rituals.
- Fasting: Qur’an prescribes fasting; Sunnah explains start/end times and related rules.
- Moral conduct: Qur’an commands justice and kindness; Sunnah shows living examples.
Qur’an + Ijma‘ examples
- Compilation of Qur’an: early community accepted a collective decision to preserve revelation.
- Modern medicine: scholars may discuss new medical issues using Qur’anic principles of life, dignity and protection.
- Modern technology: scholars may reach consensus on issues not present in early Islam.
- Community unity: ijma‘ prevents Muslims from following random individual opinions.
Qur’an + Qiyas examples
- Drugs/narcotics: compared with intoxicants due to shared cause of intoxication/harm.
- New financial practices: examined in light of Qur’anic principles on riba, fairness and exploitation.
- New social issues: compared with existing rulings where the cause is similar.
- Modern consumer products: judged through analogy when no direct text names them.
Verse references to remember
- 4:59: obedience to Allah, the Messenger and those in authority.
- 2:183: fasting prescribed for believers.
- 2:275: warning against riba.
- 4:11: inheritance guidance.
- 5:90: intoxicants and gambling as harmful practices.
Verse translation care: Mention references only when you are confident. Do not invent wording. In the exam, use the wording printed in the question paper or a recognised translation learned from your teacher.
Comparison
How the Qur’an works with the other three sources
This comparison helps students answer “relationship” questions clearly.
Qur’an + Hadith
- Hadith explains Qur’anic commands.
- Hadith gives details of worship and conduct.
- Hadith shows the Prophet’s ﷺ practical example.
- Hadith cannot contradict the Qur’an.
Qur’an + Ijma‘
- Ijma‘ uses Qur’anic principles.
- Scholars agree on issues not explicitly detailed.
- It helps Muslim unity.
- It must remain within Qur’anic and Prophetic guidance.
Qur’an + Qiyas
- Qiyas extends an existing ruling to a new issue.
- The original ruling comes from Qur’an or Sunnah.
- The same effective cause must exist.
- It helps Muslims deal with modern questions.
Past Paper Links
Relevant past-paper question angles
Use these question types to practise. The wording may vary by variant/session, but the core topic is the same.
Question Angle 1: Qur’an with the other three sources
Part A: The Qur’an is the main source of Islamic law. Write an account of how it is used with each of the other three sources. [10]
Part B: Do you think that both ijma‘ and qiyas are equally important for solving present-day issues? Give reasons for your answer. [4]
- Best plan: define Qur’an → explain Hadith → explain ijma‘ → explain qiyas → give examples → show all remain linked to Qur’an.
Question Angle 2: Four sources of Islamic legal thinking
Part A: Briefly describe the four main sources of legal thinking in Islam. [10]
Part B: Why are secondary sources needed when Muslims already have the Qur’an and Sunnah? [4]
- Best plan: primary sources first, then explain how ijma‘ and qiyas help with new issues without contradicting the primary sources.
Question Angle 3: Importance of ijma‘ or qiyas today
Part A: Explain how ijma‘ and qiyas are used in Islamic legal thinking. [10]
Part B: Which of these two sources is more useful for Muslims today? Give reasons. [4]
- Best plan: use modern examples such as medical, technological and social questions, but do not turn the answer into a fatwa.
What examiners usually reward
- Clear definition of each source.
- Correct distinction between primary and secondary sources.
- Explanation that the Qur’an is the highest authority and cannot be contradicted.
- Examples of Hadith explaining Qur’anic commands such as prayer and zakat.
- Examples of ijma‘ dealing with new issues through scholarly agreement.
- Examples of qiyas such as applying the prohibition of intoxicants to modern drugs.
- Reasoned discussion in Part B, especially on why new issues require ijma‘ and qiyas.
A* Answer Route
Maximum content plan for Part A and Part B
Use this as a full answer checklist before writing.
Part A [10]: Full content plan
- Start with a short opening:
- The Qur’an is the first and supreme source of Islamic law.
- All other sources work with it and cannot contradict it.
- Explain the Qur’an:
- word of Allah;
- final revelation;
- contains direct laws and general principles;
- basis of worship, morality, family life, trade and justice;
- first source consulted for rulings.
- Explain Qur’an with Hadith:
- Hadith records the Prophet’s ﷺ sayings and actions;
- Sunnah explains Qur’anic commands;
- prayer, zakat, fasting and Hajj need Prophetic detail;
- Hadith supports and applies the Qur’an;
- Hadith does not contradict Qur’an.
- Explain Qur’an with ijma‘:
- ijma‘ is scholarly consensus;
- used when Qur’an and Sunnah do not give direct detailed ruling;
- must be based on Qur’anic principles;
- helps unity and prevents random opinion;
- can help with modern medical or technological issues.
- Explain Qur’an with qiyas:
- qiyas is analogy;
- starts from existing Qur’anic/Sunnah ruling;
- finds the effective cause;
- applies ruling to new case with same cause;
- example: intoxicants/drugs because of shared intoxication and harm.
- End with outcome:
- The Qur’an remains the foundation of Islamic law, while other sources allow its guidance to be understood and applied in every age.
Part B [4]: Full evaluation plan
- Choose a clear judgement:
- “Ijma‘ and qiyas are very important today because Muslims face new issues not directly named in early texts.”
- Reason 1: New situations:
- Modern medicine, technology and finance raise questions that did not exist in the same form before.
- Scholars need methods to apply Qur’anic principles to these cases.
- Reason 2: Unity:
- Ijma‘ helps Muslims avoid confusion and random personal rulings.
- It gives confidence because qualified scholars agree after studying the sources.
- Reason 3: Flexibility with limits:
- Qiyas shows that Islamic law can respond to new matters.
- But it is controlled by Qur’an and Sunnah, so it is not uncontrolled opinion.
- Balanced point:
- Ijma‘ may create stronger unity, while qiyas may be more useful for individual new cases.
- Both are needed, but neither can overrule the Qur’an.
- Modern link:
- This helps Muslims live faithfully in changing circumstances while remaining connected to revelation.
A* reminder: Part A explains the sources and their relationship. Part B gives a reasoned judgement about why this system matters today.
Common Mistakes
What students should avoid
Do not write this
- “Qiyas means personal opinion.”
- “Ijma‘ means all Muslims vote on a matter.”
- “Hadith can change the Qur’an.”
- “The Qur’an gives no laws, only beliefs.”
- “Modern issues can be solved by anyone using common sense.”
- “Secondary sources are equal to the Qur’an.”
Write this instead
- Qiyas is controlled analogy based on Qur’an/Sunnah rulings.
- Ijma‘ is consensus of qualified scholars.
- Hadith explains and applies the Qur’an.
- The Qur’an gives direct rulings and broad principles.
- Qualified scholars deal with new issues using recognised methods.
- Secondary sources depend on the Qur’an and cannot contradict it.
Sources Consulted
Reliable sources behind these notes
- Cambridge O Level Islamiyat 2058 official syllabus and past-paper resources: Cambridge International Islamiyat 2058
- Cambridge O Level Islamiyat 2058 syllabus section on the use of the Qur’an in legal thinking and its relationship with Hadith, ijma‘ and qiyas.
- Cambridge-style mark-scheme guidance for questions on the Qur’an as main source of Islamic law and its use with Hadith, ijma‘ and qiyas.
- Qur’an references checked carefully through recognised Qur’anic references; students should use the translation printed in their examination paper or approved by their teacher.
- Common O Level Islamiyat exam examples: prayer, zakat, fasting, Hajj, intoxicants, ijma‘ on new issues and qiyas for modern cases.