THE SCOPE OF THE PROPHETIC AUTHORITY
The verses of the Quran quoted in the previous chapter, and the natural conclusions derived there from, arc sufficient to prove the authority of the ‘Sunnah’ of the Holy Prophet (SAWS). Its being a source of Islamic law stands proved on that score. Yet, the Holy Quran has not only stressed upon the ‘obedience of the Messenger’ as a general rule or principle; it has also highlighted the different shades of authority in order to explain the scope of his obedience, and the various spheres where it is to be applied.