Qur'anic Foundation

"Verily, there is in the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) a model pattern for you." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:21)

Scholarly Commentary

This noble verse establishes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the perfect exemplar for all believers in matters of faith, worship, character, and worldly conduct.

Imam Al-Qurtubi states: "This verse obligates following the Prophet in his Sunnah, manners, and noble character traits. His life represents the practical manifestation of the Qur'an."

Ibn Kathir explains: "Allah has made His Messenger a model for the ummah in all affairs, so whatever he commanded must be followed, and whatever he forbade must be avoided."

Practical Application

The Prophet's example encompasses worship rituals, business transactions, family relations, social conduct, and spiritual development.

As Imam Al-Ghazali notes: "Following the Sunnah is the means to attain Allah's pleasure and the path to spiritual excellence in this life and the hereafter."

Related Evidence

Sahih Muslim 1473 a - The Prophet said: "I have left among you two matters which will never lead you astray as long as you hold to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah."