WEEK 7

The Concept of SUNNATULLAH

The Concept of Sunnatullah

Sunnah here means pathway; it also stands for consistency and order. So Sunnatullah means Gods customary way of acting

(This was Our) way with the messengers We sent before you: you will find no change in Our ways. (17: 77)
"

(Such was) the practice (approved) of Allah among those who lived aforetime: no change wilt thou find in the practice 2 (approved) of Allah. (33: 62)

 The Qur`anic concept of Sunnatullah emanates from the same source on which system of the universe is constructed, i.e. Divine justice. According to the Qur`an, the entire universe was created in extremely balanced system and just order.

 Sunnatullah in this sense, means the absolute and eternal rule that God has prescribed for Himself to deal with His creatures. Through this concept, the Qur`an draws human attention that God inevitably acts in the created world in certain ways which are recognizable by close observation in the natural phenomena as well as in historical events. The Qur`an declares; That is law of God (Sunnatullah), which has taken course aforetime, you will not find any change for the law of God. Therefore, Sunnatullah prescribes kind of universal and unchangeable rules that govern the universe and human history as well.
4

 This character of Sunnatullah establishes two main methodological factors, with regard to the Islamic theory of knowledge: First; physical world is fact; therefore, man should acquire knowledge through observational and empirical methods.

 Second; human history is governed by systematic patterns and rules recognizable to the human intellect, thus, a sustainable civilization can be established only with consideration of these patterns, which can be discovered upon critical examination of disintegrated civilizations and knowledge of reasons that were behind their rise and fall.
6

 However, Sunnatullah does not describe details of natural laws, such as law which prescribes certain medicine to certain disease, because all that can be discovered by human intellect. Instead, it provides principles of science, based on a holistic vision of the world.

Kinds of Sunnatullah
Sunnatullah is categorized based on two main domains: Nature (fq- )and Human (Anfus-.)
1. Sunnatullah in the natural phenomena, which is termed by the Qur`an as Ayatul fq, is also known as Sunan Kawniyyah (universal laws), because it includes the most general laws that govern the cosmic order, such as creation of everything in pairs (Zawjiyyah) and creation of everything in precise measures.
8

2. The second type, with consideration to its subject matter, is Sunnatullah in human domain which is introduced by the Qur`an as Ayatul Anfus, means Gods signs within human self. This type can be understood in two integrative senses: Sunnah that governs human behavior at individual level, and that which governs human society.
9

 Standards of this classification, initially, provide relevant ground to hold that, universality of Divine custom does not necessarily means unity of the order in either domain, i.e. human and non-human.
In other words, characteristics of patterns that govern human history and civilization are not necessarily similar to laws which rule the natural phenomena. Morality, which characterized by free choice and responsibility, is obviously the relevant criteria for this division.
10

Characteristics of Sunnatullah
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Generality Permanence Predictability Exactness Diversity
]43 : ]
But no change wilt thou find in Allah's way (of dealing): no turning off wilt thou find in Allah's way (of dealing).
11

Manifestations of Sunnatullah in Nature

God created nature and then assigned to each heavens its duty :and command

)9( )01( )11( )21( )(

21

"Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two Days? and do ye join equals with Him? He is the Lord of (all) the Worlds." He set on the (earth). Mountains standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measured therein all things to give them nourishment in due proportion, in four Days, in accordance with (the needs of) those who seek (sustenance). Moreover, He Comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly.
13

Cont..
They said: "We do come (together), in willing obedience." So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge. (Fussilat: 9-12).
14

 )73( )83( )93( ( )04( )

And a Sign for them is the Night: We withdraw therefrom the Day, and behold they are plunged in darkness. And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it; that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing. And the Moon, We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law). (Yasin/36: 37-40) 15

 Nature is so well-knit and works with such regularity that is the prime miracle of God, cited untiringly in the Quran.

16

Manifestations of Sunnatullah in Human Nature & History/Civilization

( 137 : ) Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.
17

 ) ( 44 : ( ) Then sent We our messengers in succession: every time there came to a people their messenger, they accused him of falsehood: so We caused them to follow one another (to disaster) and We made them as a tale (that is told): So away with a people that will not believe!
18

 )002( )102( )202(

91

Cont...
So when ye have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allah, as ye used to celebrate the praises of your fathers, yea, with far more heart and soul. There are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us (Thy bounties) in this world!" But they will have no portion in the Hereafter. And there are men who say: "Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire!" To these will be allotted what they have earned; and Allah is quick in account.(2: 200-202)
20

 )81( )91( )02( )12(

12

 If any do wish for the transitory things (of this life), We readily grant them such things as We will, to such persons as We will: in the end have We provided Hell for them: they will burn therein, disgraced and rejected. Those who do wish for the (things of) the Hereafter, and strive therefore with all due striving, and have Faith, they are the ones whose striving is acceptable (to Allah). Of the bounties of thy Lord We bestow freely on all these as well as those: the bounties of thy Lord are not closed (to anyone). See how We have bestowed more on some than on others; but verily the Hereafter is more in rank and gradation and more in excellence. (17: 18-21)
22

The Laws of al-Akhirah (Hereafter)

(123) (124) Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (can prevail): whoever works evil, will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find, besides Allah, any protector or helper. If any do deeds of righteousness, - be they male or female and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them. (4: 123-124)

23

 )93( (40)

O my people! this life of the present is nothing but (temporary) convenience: it is the Hereafter that is the Home that will last. "He that works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof: and he that works a righteous deed - whether man or woman - and is a Believer; such will enter the Garden (of Bliss): therein will they have abundance without measure. (40: 39-40)
24