Sheikh Khaled El Gendy, a member of Egypt’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, emphasized that understanding and following the Prophetic Sunnah is an essential practical path to understanding Islam and drawing closer to Allah Almighty.
He explained that the early generations of Muslims used to ask about the Sunnah not merely for knowledge, but in order to put it into practice. The Sunnah provides a practical explanation of the Quran through the words, actions, and example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Khaled El Gendy: The Prophet ﷺ Was the Practical Explanation of the Quran
During televised remarks, Sheikh Khaled El Gendy explained that the Quran was not revealed merely to be recited and memorized. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent to provide a practical model for applying its teachings in everyday life.
He described the Prophet ﷺ as the practical explanation of the Quran, emphasizing that the moral values and rulings contained in the Quran require practical application.
The Prophet’s ﷺ life demonstrated how Muslims should worship Allah, treat others, maintain family relationships, show mercy, uphold justice, and embody good character.
Is the Quran Alone Enough to Reach Allah?
Khaled El Gendy stressed the importance of following the Prophet ﷺ alongside believing in and following the Quran.
He explained that Allah could have revealed the Quran without providing a human model to follow, but the Prophet ﷺ was sent as an example that Muslims could emulate in different aspects of their lives.
The Sunnah therefore helps Muslims understand how Quranic teachings are translated into worship, ethics, social relationships, and daily behavior.
The Importance of Combining the Quran and Sunnah
The Egyptian Islamic scholar emphasized that religious knowledge should not stop at memorization. Instead, it should lead to understanding, action, and positive behavior.
According to his remarks, one of the problems facing some people today is the separation between memorizing religious texts and understanding their meanings or applying them in real life.
A person may memorize the Quran but fail to reflect its teachings through their behavior and dealings with others. This, he explained, creates a gap between religious knowledge and practical conduct.
Khaled El Gendy Warns Against Memorization Without Application
Khaled El Gendy criticized educational approaches that focus heavily on memorization while giving insufficient attention to understanding and practical application.
He emphasized that memorizing the Quran is a great blessing, but its true impact should be reflected in a Muslim’s character, behavior, and treatment of others.
The Quran should therefore not remain merely words memorized by the tongue. Its teachings should influence the heart, behavior, and relationships of the believer.
The Prophetic Sunnah Helps Muslims Understand the Quran
The Sunnah plays an important role in explaining and practically applying the Quran.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not simply the bearer of revelation; he was also a role model in worship, morality, family life, social dealings, and personal conduct.
For this reason, Muslims are encouraged to combine the Quran, the Sunnah, knowledge, and action so that religious understanding becomes a genuine way of life.
The Path to Allah Requires Knowledge and Action
Khaled El Gendy concluded by emphasizing that drawing closer to Allah requires more than theoretical knowledge. It requires following the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and putting Islamic teachings into practice.
The Prophetic Sunnah provides a practical model for implementing the Quran, while genuine religious knowledge should produce good character and righteous action.
Ultimately, the combination of memorization, understanding, practice, and good character allows the teachings of Islam to move from the pages of books into everyday life.
Is following the Quran alone enough?
The Quran is the foundation of Islamic guidance, while the Prophetic Sunnah explains and demonstrates how many of its teachings are to be understood and practiced.
Why is the Prophetic Sunnah important?
The Sunnah records the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings, actions, and practical example, helping Muslims understand and apply Islamic teachings.
What does it mean that the Prophet ﷺ was the practical explanation of the Quran?
It means that the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated Quranic teachings through his worship, character, family relationships, and dealings with people.
Is memorizing the Quran enough?
Memorizing the Quran is a great virtue, but its teachings are intended to be understood, practiced, and reflected in a Muslim’s character and behavior.
What is the relationship between knowledge and action?
Knowledge shows a person what is right, while action turns that knowledge into real-life behavior. True religious learning should therefore lead to practice.
