Duringthe era of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam’), also known as the era of legislation (‘tashree’), thereexist only 2 sources of Islamic Laws, the Quran and the Sunnah. The Quran isthe divine revelation, the literal word of Allah whereas the Sunnah is theapplication of the Quran which acted a blueprint. It includes the words,actions and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam’). The Quran was revealed gradually by Allahto Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel for a period of 23 years startingfrom his prophethood in 609 CE until 623 E.
The sections were revealed by theProphet to solve the problems in Makkah and Madeenah. Many of the Quranicverses were the direct answers to questions raised by the people whetherMuslims or non-Muslims. Besides, some other verses were answer to a particularincident brought to the Prophet (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam’). The Sunnah were revelaed through the similar ways. Forthe Arabs, they were used total freedom. Thus, this method of legislationsuited them well because they would understand the reasons of enacting the law. The Prophet rearranged the sequenceand order of the surahs upon the year of his demise.
The general content of theQuran can be divided in to two phases. The first phase is known as the MakkanPeriod from 609 CE to 6622 CE. The prophethood began in this period and themigration of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam’) to Medina marks the end of this period. The second phaseof this period is the Madeenan Period which started after the Hijrah in 622 CE.The end of this period was signified by the death of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam’).
The basic principles of the Quraniclegislation includes the removal of difficulty. The Islamic system provides manguidance in order to give them an ethical lifestyle. Some authorities claimedthat it creates difficulty for men to live.
However, it was to improve theneeds of the people. It is mean to eliminate unnecessary problems and hardshipsof the men. It can be proven by the verses stated in the Quran. “Allah wishesfor you ease and He does not wish difficulty for you”1, “Allahdoes not burden a soul more than it can bear”2, “Allahwishes to lighten the burden for you, for man was created weak.”3 Andthat “He did not make any difficulty for you in the religion”4For example, legal concessions such as permission to break-fast, shorten andjoin prayers when travelling were enacted together with the divine laws.1 Surah Al-Baqarah (2) :1852 Surah Al-Baqarah (2): 2863 Surah An-Nissa (4): 284 Surah Al-Hajj (22): 78
