Irshad as-Sari: Commentary on Sharh as-Sunnah by al-Barbahari – al-Najmi [French]

Islam Is the Sunnah, and the Sunnah Is Islam is an in-depth commentary on the doctrinal epistle Sharh as-Sunnah by Imam al-Barbahari, a major figure of the Sunni tradition. Through a line-by-line explanation, Shaykh Ahmad Ibn Yahya An-Najmi clarifies the foundational principles of the Sunnah and shows that authentic Islam rests on sincere adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah as understood and practiced by the earliest generations of Muslims.

From the opening pages, the book highlights the central role of scholars in transmitting the religion and stresses the importance of recognizing their role in preserving sound belief and practice. The reader is invited to view the Sunnah not as a secondary set of practices, but as the essential framework for understanding Islam, inseparable from revelation and its correct application.

Thus, the commentary follows Imam al-Barbahari’s concise statements methodically, explaining them, setting them in context, and drawing out their key lessons. The author brings out the doctrinal coherence of the Sunni path, grounded in fidelity to the revealed texts and in the understanding of the Companions and those who followed them. He also states clearly that any innovation introduced into the religion breaks with this path and leads to misguidance whenever it contradicts established foundations.

Moreover, a significant part of the book is devoted to questions of manhaj, meaning religious and behavioral methodology. The commentary emphasizes community cohesion and adherence to the collective way of the Muslims, while warning against the causes of division and turmoil. In this perspective, Islam Is the Sunnah, and the Sunnah Is Islam reminds the reader that uprightness depends on faithfulness to transmitted principles and on their balanced application.

On the doctrinal level, the work addresses several essential points of belief, including the distinction between the way of Ahl al-Sunnah and that of certain theological trends that appeared in Islamic history. These passages aim to clarify the foundations of orthodox belief without unnecessary polemics, by returning to the landmarks transmitted by the earliest scholars. The book also places strong emphasis on respecting the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ and maintaining proper etiquette toward them.

Finally, the book touches on themes related to religious life and the Hereafter, recalling articles of faith and spiritual teachings that deepen the believer’s awareness. The overall commentary stands out for its progressive, pedagogical approach, making a classic text that can be concise and dense more accessible to today’s reader.

Through its content, Islam Is the Sunnah, and the Sunnah Is Islam offers a solid reference for studying the Sunnah and Sunni creed, providing a structured and faithful understanding of a foundational text. To extend this approach and explore early scholarly landmarks in creed, readers may also consult The Creed of the Early Imams – Texts & Biographies.