What counts as authority in Islam?

Concept map of Allah at the top, with the Qur'an and Muhammad beneath, hadith explaining the Sunnah, and Sunni and Shi'a emphases compared

In Islam, a source of wisdom gives insight into truth and right living, while a source of authority has a recognised right to guide belief and practice. Muslims agree that Allah is the ultimate authority, but they ask how that guidance is known in everyday life.

Sources of wisdom and authority Lesson