III.—RULE OF FAITH.
The Muhammadan rule of faith is based upon what are called the four foundations of orthodoxy, namely, the Qurán, or, as it is called, Kalám Ullah, the Word of God; the Hadis (pl. Ahádis), or the traditions of the sayings and practice of Muhammad; Ijmáʾ, or the consent of the Mujtahidín, or learned doctors; and Qiás, or the analogical reasoning of the learned.
In studying the Muhammadan religious system it must be well understood that Islám is not simply the religion of the Qurán, but that all Muhammadans, whether Sunni, Shíaʾh, or Wahhábi, receive the Traditions as an authority in matters of faith and practice. The Sunni Muhammadans arrogate to themselves the title of traditionists; but the Shíaʾhs also receive the Hadís as binding upon them, although they do not acknowledge the same collection of traditions as those received by their opponents. The Wahhábis receive the "six correct books of the Sunnis."
The example of Muhammad is just as binding upon the Muslim, as that of Him who said "Learn of me" is upon the Christian, and very many were the injunctions which the "Prophet" gave as to the transmission of his sayings and practice, and very elaborate is the canon whereby Muslims arrive at what they believe to be the example of their Prophet. If, therefore, the grand and elaborate system of morals as expressed in the law of Islám has failed to raise the standard of morality amongst the nations of the earth which have embraced its creed, it is not unreasonable to conclude that its failure rests in the absence of a living example of truth.