**2.2 Creativity and innovation: the sunnah of prophet Muhammad (pbuH)**

Prophet Muhammad (pbuH) understood that all answers can be obtained from the Quran and that if any matters required clarification, then Muslims could go to Islamic scholars who are learned in the Quran, Ahadith, and Sunnah. The Prophet (pbuH) required Muslims to be learned and acquire knowledge throughout their lifetime. It is important to explain that many sects—including Salafi, Deobandi, and Wahabi—do not believe in Ahadith and Sunnah but rely solely on the Quran. They believe that any individual can translate the Quran. The Sunni, Sufi, Shia, and Berelvi sects believe the contrary. Such debates have led to segregation between the sects, causing difficulties for dialogue and rapport<sup>5</sup> [11].

To provide an example, the Prophet (pbuH) states: 'O Abu Huraira! I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your longing for the (learning of) Ahadiths.' [12]. It was reported in the same *Hadith* that Umar bin Abdul Aziz wrote to Abu Bakr bin Hazm who stated '*Look for the knowledge of hadith and get it' written, as I am afraid that religious knowledge will vanish and the religious learned men will pass away (die) …* '

Scholars at the time of the Prophet pbuH were afraid that there may be a dispute about the reliance on the *Ahadith* and for that reason asked for the *Ahadith* to be written so that it may never be forgotten. As the Prophet pbuH Himself highlighted the learning of the *Ahadiths* and di not object to learning them qualifies a Muslim to rely upon them for guidance. This same understanding can be applied to all *Ahadiths*.

In relation to the *Sunnah*, the Quran states: '*Your companion (Muhammad) is neither astray nor being misled. Nor does he speak of his own desire. It is (only) the revelation with which he is inspired*' [13]. Therefore, Muslims are required to believe that the *Quran* and *Sunnah*<sup>6</sup> go hand in hand together as their sources of legislated law. The confusion between the sects relation to *Ahadith* and *Sunnah* is just a misunderstanding.

To understand the importance of knowledge in Islam from which creativity is derived, it is important to examine the first revelation to Prophet pbuH which was:

<sup>5</sup> For example, the Prophet (pbuH) states, "O Abu Huraira! I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your longing for the (learning of) Ahadith" [11]. It was reported in the same hadith that Umar bin Abdul Aziz wrote to Abu Bakr bin Hazm, who stated, "Look for the knowledge of hadith and get it written, as I am afraid that religious knowledge will vanish and the religious learned men will pass away (die)" [11].

<sup>6</sup> The Sunnah is the primary source of law, legal ways, orders and acts of worships and statements of the Prophet pbuH that Muslims are to follow.

'*Read in the name of your Lord Who created. He created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is Most Honourable, Who taught (to write) with the pen. Taught man what he knew not.*' [14].

This is a very important revelation as the first revelation in Islam is asking the Prophet (pbuH) to read. By reading this revelation the reader would understand, by understanding the reader would gain knowledge and by gaining knowledge the reader would bring about new ideas and creativity. Allah is then saying '*He created man from a clot*', '*Who taught (to write) with the pen*' and '*Taught man what he knew not*', this is very important as Allah is telling the Prophet (pbuH) His creative nature. He is telling the Prophet (pbuH) that He taught man and provided knowledge and creativity to man as '*pen*' is a creative idea.
