Virtues of the Qur'an - Sahih al-Bukhari 5019

This narration from Ibn Abbas and Muhammad bin Al-Hanafiyya establishes the supreme authority and completeness of the Qur'an as the primary source of guidance. When asked whether the Prophet (ﷺ) left anything beyond the Qur'an, both eminent companions affirmed that he left nothing except what is contained between the two bindings of the Qur'an.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith emphasizes that the Qur'an constitutes the complete and perfect revelation from Allah, containing all fundamental principles of faith, law, and guidance necessary for humanity. The expression "between the two bindings" signifies the entirety of the revealed text as compiled in the mus'haf.

Ibn Abbas, being the cousin of the Prophet and renowned interpreter of the Qur'an, and Muhammad bin Al-Hanafiyya, the learned son of Ali ibn Abi Talib, both confirm that no supplementary scripture or written revelation exists beyond the Qur'an. This does not negate the Sunnah, but rather indicates that all authentic prophetic teachings derive their authority from and must align with the Qur'anic framework.

Legal and Theological Implications

This narration serves as a foundational principle in Islamic jurisprudence, affirming that no religious obligation can be established without basis in the Qur'an either explicitly or implicitly. All secondary sources like Hadith and scholarly consensus must be rooted in Qur'anic principles.

The response also guards against unauthorized additions to the religion, ensuring that no extraneous texts are elevated to the status of revelation. It confirms the finality of the Qur'anic message and the perfection of Islamic guidance as preserved between the two covers of the divine book.