Sunnah or Culture

What changes in Islam and what doesn’t

Qiyas is a secondary source of Islam.

Principles for Differentiation

1. Explicit Command or Prohibition:
   • If the Prophet explicitly commanded or prohibited something, it is understood to be part of the religion, not merely a cultural practice.
2. Continuity of Practice:
   • If a practice continued among the companions and the early generations without disagreement or objection, it is more likely to be considered Sunnah rather than mere culture.
3. Contextual Analysis:
   • The context in which the Prophet performed an act is crucial. If it was common among the Arabs and was not corrected or commented upon by the Prophet, it could be a cultural practice.
4. General Welfare (Maslaha):
   • Acts that serve a clear and general welfare and ethical purpose, aligning with Islamic values and principles, are more likely to be considered Sunnah.
5. Reasoning (‘Illah) Behind the Act:
   • When a clear reasoning can be derived from the action or the saying that aligns with Islamic values and legal maxims, it is more likely to be considered as part of the Sunnah.
6. Frequency and Consistency:
   • Acts that the Prophet did consistently and encouraged are likely to be considered Sunnah, while those that he did sporadically and did not emphasize might be cultural or specific to his personal preference.

Example:

• Eating with Three Fingers:
  • The Prophet often ate with three fingers. This is considered a Sunnah, but it is also understood in the context of the culture and the available eating utensils of the time. Thus, eating with more than three fingers or using a spoon does not contradict the Sunnah, as the underlying objective is to eat modestly and not wastefully.