16. The true Muslim believes in a clear distinction between the Qur’an and the Traditions of Muhammad.

The Qur’an is the word of God whereas the Traditions of Muhammad are the practical interpretations of the Qur’an. The role of Muhammad was to convey the Qur’an as he received it, to interpret it, and to practice it fully. His interpretations and practices produced what is known as the Traditions of Muhammad. They are considered the Second Source of Islam and must be in complete harmony with the First Source, namely the Qur’an, which is the Standard and the Criterion. If there be any contradiction or inconsistency between any of the Traditions and the Qur’an, the Muslim adheres to the Qur’an alone and regards everything else as open to question because no genuine Tradition of Muhammad can ever disagree with the Qur’an or be opposed to it.

The sublime verse, Say: "If you do love God, follow me: God will love you

proclaims in definite fashion just how necessary and important it is to follow the Practices of the Prophet (PBUH). Yes, among the syllogisms of logic, this verse is the most powerful and certain of the sort called hypothetical or conditional syllogisms. It is as follows:

As an example of a hypothetical syllogism it is said in logic: "If the sun comes out, it will be daytime." For a positive result it is said: "The sun has come out. It therefore points to the conclusion that it is now daytime." For a negative result, it is said: "It is not daytime. One therefore draws the conclusion that the sun has not come out." According to logic, these two conclusions, negative and positive, are definite.

In just the same way, the above verse says: "If you love God, you will follow God’s Beloved. If you do not follow him, it points to the conclusion that you do not love God." If a person loves God, it entails following the Practices of God’s Beloved. Yes, one who believes in Almighty God will certainly obey Him. And the most acceptable, the most direct, and the shortest among the ways of obeying Him is without doubt the way God’s Beloved showed and followed.

Yes, it is necessary and self-evident that the All-Generous One of Beauty, Who fills the universe with so many bounties, should want thanks from conscious creatures in return for the bounties. And clearly that All-Wise One of Glory, Who adorns the universe with so many miracles of art, will make the most excellent of conscious creatures His addressee and interpreter, and herald and leader of His servants.