What is the nature of the authority of the Qur’aan according to Muslims?

 

I am taking a course on Religions of the
World, I am having trouble locating the following answer:

What is the nature of the authority of the Qur'an according to Orthodox Islamic tradition?

Praise be to Allaah.

The Qur’aan was revealed by Allaah, may He be
glorified, as a law and a reference as to what is permissible and prohibited, what is
commanded and forbidden, for people to follow, so that they obey its commands and abide by
its prohibitions, take what it allows as permissible and take what it prohibits as
forbidden. The Qur’aan tells us about what happened before and what is yet to come,
and it is a reference for judging between us. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“… We have neglected nothing in the Book…” [al-An’aam 6:38].

After the Revelation was completed, Allaah said (interpretation of the
meaning): “… This day, I have perfected your religion for you…”
[al-Maa’idah 5:3].

The Sunnah [words and deeds of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him)] came to explain and complement the Qur’aan. The Prophet
(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have been given the Qur’aan and
something like it with it.” The phrase “something like it with it” refers
to the Sunnah. (Saheeh hadeeth). Allaah commanded us to refer to these two constitutional
references, when He said (interpretation of the meaning): “…if you differ in
anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger…”
[al-Nisa’ 4:59]. Referring to Allaah means referring to the Qur’aan, and
referring to His Messenger means referring to the Sunnah. The Qur’aan is the primary
source of legislation, then comes the Sunnah. And Allaah knows best.