what is sunnah

What Is Sunnah? Understanding the Meaning of Sunnah

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Have you ever wondered about the word “Sunnah” and why it’s super important in Islam? Well, you’re in the right place to find out! This blog is here to help you understand what Sunnah means, from its basic definition to why it matters so much to Muslims. We’ll explore what the word really means and look at its role in Islam.

what is sunnah

Sunnah Meaning and Definition

The word ” Sunnah” is an Arabic word. Its literal meaning is ‘a road’, a path’ or ‘a way’. It is way of life that comes from the teachings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The plural of Sunnah is Sunan.
Sunnah is like the user manual for being a good Muslim. It’s everything the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, did, liked, or didn’t like. It’s like having a role model to copy in every way to be a good person and live by Islamic values i.e. live like a Muslim.

Sunnah In Islam

Islam has two primary sources. The first one is the Qur’an and the second source is Prophet Muhammad’s Peace be upon him teachings. These teachings include his words, actions and silent approval. All these acts of his are termed as Sunnah. In Islamic terms these teachings are called as Hadith.

Importance of Sunnah in the Light of Qur’an

Following the Sunnah, or the way of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his actions and sayings are considered an essential part of Islamic tradition and guidance. The following verses from the Qur’an mention the significance of following the Sunnah:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌۭ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا {٢١}

Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah SWT and the Last Day, and remembers Allah SWT often.

Explanation: This verse highlights that the Prophet Muhammad صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم is an exemplary role model for all believers. His actions, sayings, and way of life serve as a source of guidance for those who place their trust in Allah and the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the importance of following his Sunnah.

Surah Al-Ahzab
(The Confederates),
Quran 33:21

Surah Ale Imran
(The Family of Imran),
Quran 3:31

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحْبِبْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ ٣١

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “If you ˹sincerely˺ love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Explanation: This verse reinforces that love for Allah is demonstrated by following the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). By doing so, believers can earn Allah’s love and seek His forgiveness, underscoring the importance of adhering to the Sunnah as a means of expressing one’s devotion.

Types of Sunnah

Sunnah is roughly translated as the traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم. There are three types of Sunnah:

  • The Sayings of the Prophet – Sunnah Qawliyyah/Hadith
    For Example: In Sahih Bukhari Book Of Adhan Vol. 1:631
    ” The Prophet (ﷺ) then added, “Pray as you have seen me praying. “
  • The Actions of the Prophet – Sunnah Al Filiyya
    For Example: In Sahih Bukhari Book Of Adhan Vol. 1:736
    Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar:
    I saw that whenever Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) stood for the prayer, he used to raise both his hands up to the shoulders, and used to do the same on saying the Takbir for bowing and on raising his head from it and used to say, “Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah“.
  • Practices Prevailing at the Time of the Prophet which he did not oppose or prohibit – Sunnah Taqrīriyyah
    Narrated Qays ibn Amr: The Messenger of Allah صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم saw a person praying after the congregational prayer at dawn was over. The Messenger of Allah صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم said:
    There are two rak’ahs of the dawn prayer (i. e. the prescribed rak’ahs).
    The man replied: I did not pray the two rak’ahs before the dawn prayer. Hence I offered them now. The Messenger of Allah kept silent.
    The fact that he remained silent shows that he approved it. Because if something is wrong it is the duty of the Prophet to correct it.

Of all these three types, the Sunnah that is considered the most high is Sunnah Qawliyyah because these are the mentions and commands of the Prophet صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم himself.

Hadith about Sunnah

Narrated Anas:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said “None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind.”
Sahih Al Bukhari – 15
Book 2 Hadith 8

This Hadith emphasizes that a Muslim’s faith remains incomplete, and they cannot attain the level of faith that secures entry into Paradise without facing punishment, unless they prioritize their love for the Prophet صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم over their love for their children, parents, and all others.

This prioritization is deeply significant because loving the Messenger of Allah equates to loving Allah Himself. Genuine love for Allah and His Messenger is not mere sentiment or words; it is rooted in obediently following the principles of Shariah (Islamic law) and refraining from what it prohibits.

True love is demonstrated through action and adherence to the teachings of Islam.

Hope you found this information useful. Please share it with your near and dear ones and Let Us Revive The Sunnah.

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