The Sunna is often used with the Qur'an as a primary source of Islamic law. Describe the ways in which they are used together.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. (a) Candidates should write in detail about the primary sources and how they are used together. Examples should be given. The Qur'an is an authority in Islamic law; it is the word of God; it is not questioned or contradicted by the other sources; the Sunna is the Prophet's example and is recorded in the Hadith; they don't contradict each other; these emphasise and expand on verses in the Qur'an; e.g. zakat; they are used when the Qur'an is silent on a matter; e.g. inheritance given to grandmother, or eating animals with canine teeth; Hadith are important because the Prophet was the final and perfect messenger to follow; Hadith of Mu'adh ibn Jabal; they are interlinked so are the two main (primary) sources.
2. (b) Candidates can agree or disagree with this statement but the main body of their answer should give reasons for their stance. Candidates may say, e.g., that the Qur'an is the book of God and is preserved for all time, but this is not evaluative enough, they have to provide a more detailed explanation. If they disagree with the statement they can say, e.g., that not having the Prophet around makes them need the Qur'an more, or that the stories in it allow Muslims now to connect to God and the Prophet. The best answers will be those giving the most detail and explanation whether they agree or disagree with the statement.