What is Sunnah, and why is it so central to a Muslim’s life? Simply put, the Sunnah is the practical example set by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—everything he said, did, and approved of. It goes beyond rituals and prayers; it is a complete guide to living in a way that pleases Allah while thriving in everyday life.
Following the Sunnah helps us connect the teachings of the Quran with real-world actions, guiding our personal habits, interactions with others, and even decisions in work and community life. By learning and applying the Sunnah, Muslims can experience spiritual growth, ethical clarity, and a balanced life that harmonizes the demands of Deen and Dunya.
In this article, we will explore what Sunnah truly means, its different types, its importance, and practical ways to implement it in daily life—so that every action we take brings us closer to Allah and reflects the beautiful example of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
What Is Sunnah in Islam?
Sunnah refers to the way of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It includes everything he said, did, or approved of, and serves as a practical guide for Muslims to follow. We learn about the Sunnah mainly through Hadiths—statements and actions of the Prophet passed down by his Companions.
In Islam, the Sunnah complements the Quran. While the Quran lays down the foundation of Islamic law and guidance, the Sunnah explains, clarifies, and sometimes adds practical details that help Muslims apply their faith in daily life. For example, the Quran commands believers to pray, and the Sunnah shows exactly how the Prophet performed those prayers.
Scholars divide the Sunnah into two main types: Sunnah Mu’akkadah (confirmed Sunnah), which the Prophet regularly practiced and strongly encouraged, and Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah (optional Sunnah), which is recommended but not mandatory. Following the Sunnah helps Muslims earn reward, strengthen their faith, and align their lives with the teachings of Islam. The concept of Sunnah also distinguishes between acts done out of devotion to Allah and those done out of habit or cultural custom. For example, the Prophet slept on his right side to follow Allah’s guidance, which is Sunnah, while other habits that were merely customary are not obligatory to follow.
In short, Sunnah is a guiding path. It ensures that Muslims not only understand Islam intellectually but also live it practically, shaping their worship, behavior, and daily choices according to the Prophet’s example.
What are the types of Sunnah?
The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) can be understood through three main types, each helping Muslims connect with his life, teachings, and guidance in different ways.
What is Sunnah Fa‘liyah (Actions of the Prophet)
Sunnah Fa‘liyah refers to the actions that the Prophet regularly performed. These include daily practices, recommended prayers, voluntary fasting, and simple habits that bring one closer to Allah.
For instance:
- Sunnah Prayers: Extra rak‘ahs performed before or after the obligatory prayers, like two rak‘ahs before Fajr or four before Isha. These prayers are highly rewarded and show devotion.
- Sunnah Fasts: Such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, the six days of Shawwal, or the Day of Arafah.
- Daily Practices: Using a siwak for teeth cleaning, saying bismillah before starting anything, reciting morning and evening dhikr, and other small acts that reflect mindfulness and devotion.
These actions are recommended but not mandatory, and following them earns blessings and draws a person closer to Allah.
What is Sunnah Qawliyyah (Sayings of the Prophet)
Sunnah Qawliyyah encompasses all the sayings of the Prophet, recorded in Hadith collections. His words provide guidance on worship, morality, ethics, social interactions, and daily life.
Examples include:
- Character and Ethics: “The most perfect believers are the best in character, and the best of you are the kindest to their families.”
- Practical Guidance: How to perform prayers correctly, rules of fasting, zakat, and other acts of worship.
- Virtues and Rewards: Encouragement to care for orphans, recite certain verses, and follow acts that earn Allah’s pleasure.
These sayings guide Muslims not only in rituals but also in building good character and strong relationships.
What is Sunnah Taqririyyah (Approvals of the Prophet)
Sunnah Taqririyyah refers to actions done by others that the Prophet approved of by remaining silent. This shows their validity and demonstrates flexibility in certain circumstances. For example, if a Companion performed an action in a permissible way and the Prophet did not object, this became an approved Sunnah. It highlights the Prophet’s role in affirming correct practices and guiding the community gently.
Why the Sunnah is Important for Muslims
The Sunnah is much more than a set of practices from the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace and blessings be upon him); it is a guiding light that complements the Quran and helps Muslims live a balanced, meaningful life. Understanding its importance allows believers to follow Islam fully and with clarity.
1. CLARYFING THE QURAN
While the Quran is the ultimate source of guidance, some verses can be broad or general. The Sunnah provides practical examples and context, showing how the Prophet applied these teachings in real-life situations. This makes it easier for Muslims to understand the Quran and implement its principles in everyday life.
2. PRESERVING THE PROPHET’S LEGACY
Following the Sunnah ensures that the practices and teachings of Prophet Muhammad are carried forward through generations. Every act, from his daily habits to his words of wisdom, serves as a timeless model for Muslims worldwide, helping maintain a connection to the origins of Islam.
3. Guiding Personal Conduct:
The Sunnah covers every aspect of life—how we eat, sleep, interact with others, and manage personal hygiene. It acts as a moral compass, showing believers how to make ethical choices and build good character. Whether it’s showing kindness, honesty, patience, or respect, the Sunnah provides clear examples to follow.
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By practicing the Sunnah, Muslims not only follow the Prophet’s guidance but also draw closer to Allah. Each recommended action, prayer, or habit becomes an opportunity to gain Allah’s pleasure and deepen one’s spiritual awareness.
5. Practical Everyday Guidance:
The Sunnah is not just for rituals—it offers advice for real-world situations, from family life and friendships to business dealings and social responsibilities. By incorporating these practices, Muslims lead lives that are ethically sound, spiritually fulfilling, and socially responsible.
In short, the Sunnah is essential because it bridges the gap between knowing Islamic teachings and living them. It makes faith tangible, practical, and inspiring, helping Muslims navigate life with wisdom, balance, and devotion.
Common Misconceptions About Sunnah
Many people misunderstand the Sunnah, thinking it is optional, unreliable, or limited to the Prophet’s words. In reality, the Sunnah is the complete model of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) life and serves as the second source of Islamic guidance after the Quran. Here are some common misconceptions and the truth behind them:
1. “The Quran is enough; we don’t need the Sunnah.”
While the Quran is the ultimate source of guidance, it repeatedly instructs Muslims to follow the Prophet’s example. The Sunnah provides the practical application of Quranic teachings, showing us how to live those lessons in daily life.
2. “Hadiths are unreliable and were recorded centuries later.”
Although some Hadith compilations were written down after the Prophet’s passing, the Sunnah was transmitted orally by the Companions and documented during his lifetime. Generational transmission makes it highly reliable.
3. “The Sunnah only contains spoken words.”
The Sunnah is more than the Prophet’s sayings. It encompasses his entire lifestyle, including rituals, habits, manners, and ethical conduct, covering all areas of life from prayer and fasting to family and social interactions.
4. “The authenticity of the Sunnah is questionable.”
While individual Hadiths can vary in strength, the Sunnah as a whole is established through widespread, continuous transmission across generations, giving it a high degree of certainty comparable to the Quran.
5. “The Sunnah is just an extra addition to the Quran.”
The Sunnah is essential for understanding the Quran fully. It provides context, details, and practical guidance for every aspect of life, helping Muslims implement Islamic teachings in a complete and balanced way.
By understanding these misconceptions, Muslims can appreciate the Sunnah as a living guide, essential for connecting with the Quran and following the Prophet’s path in every aspect of life.
Practical Ways to Follow the Prophet’s Example
For many of us, growing closer to Islam can feel overwhelming, but sometimes the simplest way to strengthen our connection with Allah is by practicing small daily Sunnah acts of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah says:
Family of Imran (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.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
“Whoever revives my Sunnah has loved me, and whoever loves me will be with me in Paradise.” [Tirmidhi]
With this in mind, here are some easy daily Sunnahs that can be practiced in less than a minute, making it simple to incorporate them into your life and strengthen your Emaan.
1. Start your day with a short Dua
Begin the day by praising Allah:
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
“All praise is for Allah who gave us life after taking it from us and to Him is the return.”
This sets a tone of gratitude and mindfulness for the rest of your day.
2. Use Siwak at least once a day
Oral hygiene was an important Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Using Siwak even once a day brings us closer to his daily practices and keeps us physically and spiritually refreshed.
3. Respond to the Adhaan
When you hear the call to prayer, take a moment to reply appropriately. This simple act encourages mindfulness and prepares you for Salah.
4. Say Bismillah and Salaam when entering your home
Uttering Bismillah on entering your home and Assalamu Alaikum ensures blessings and protection, keeping your space spiritually safe from negative influences.
5. Praise Allah before & after eating
After meals, say:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِى اطْعَمَنَا وَسَقَانَا ، وَجَعَلَنَا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِين
“Praise be to Allah who fed us, gave us drink, and made us Muslims.”
This simple act fosters gratitude for every provision.
6. Sit down while drinking
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged sitting while drinking, promoting mindfulness and proper manners.
7. Recite Ayah-ul-Kursi after every prayer
Reciting this verse strengthens spiritual protection and brings immense reward, keeping your faith strong and connected to Allah.
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌۭ وَلَا نَوْمٌۭ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُۥ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ ٢٥٥
Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺. His Seat1 encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest.2
8. Recite the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night
These verses offer protection and blessings during sleep, guarding against Shaytan and mischief.
9. Make Wudhu before sleeping
Performing Wudhu at night keeps you spiritually pure and transforms sleep into an act of worship.
10. Ask Allah for forgiveness
Taking a moment to say Astaghfirullah throughout the day removes sins and brings peace of heart, following the Prophet’s example of constant repentance.
11. Smile at at least one person daily
Even a single smile can brighten someone’s day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) smiled often, teaching us that small acts of kindness carry great reward.
By incorporating these simple Sunnah practices into your daily routine, you not only earn continuous reward but also cultivate a closer connection to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and live a more mindful, spiritually enriched life.
Living a Balanced Life Through the Prophet’s Teachings
We often hear people talk about “living a balanced life,” but what does it really mean? While some define it as dividing time equally between family, work, friends, and hobbies, in the context of Islam, a truly balanced life is about maintaining harmony between Deen (religion) and Dunya (worldly life).
Finding this balance doesn’t mean overworking ourselves, partying all night, or compromising our values. The truth is simple: Deen is a complete way of life. It already provides guidance on every aspect of both worldly life and the Hereafter. By following the Quran and Sunnah sincerely, we are naturally living a balanced life.
How the Quran and Sunnah Guide Daily Life
The Quran and Sunnah don’t only teach us how to worship Allah, but also how to navigate daily life:
- Caring for family and maintaining strong relationships
- Communicating kindly and ethically with friends and community
- Fulfilling business dealings honestly and earning lawfully
- Serving society and the Muslim Ummah
- Showing compassion to animals and the environment
What is Sunnah in the Prophet’s Example of Balance
Every detail of our daily living has guidance within the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). For example, the Prophet balanced his responsibilities carefully: he spent time with his family, fulfilled his duties to the community, and guided his companions, all without stress or overcomplication.
This understanding transforms the idea of balance from a stressful juggling act into a natural, peaceful way of living. By applying the Quran and Sunnah in our daily choices, we achieve success in this life and in the Hereafter. Truly, following the Sunnah is the key to a balanced, fulfilling life.
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FAQs
1. Is following the Sunnah obligatory like following the Quran?
The Sunnah is essential for understanding and practicing Islam. Some Sunnahs are obligatory when they explain or complete Quranic commands (like prayer), while others are highly recommended but not mandatory. Both bring reward when followed.
2. What is the difference between Sunnah and Hadith?
The Sunnah is the way of the Prophet ﷺ—his sayings, actions, and approvals. Hadiths are the recorded narrations that preserve and transmit that Sunnah to later generations.
3. Do Muslims have to follow everything the Prophet ﷺ did?
Not everything. Acts that were part of his human habits or cultural customs are not obligatory. The focus is on the religious, moral, and ethical practices he taught and encouraged.
4. Why is the Sunnah so important if we already have the Quran?
The Quran provides the foundation, while the Sunnah explains and shows how to apply it in real life. Without the Sunnah, many Quranic commands—like prayer, fasting, and zakat—would remain unclear in practice.
5. How can I start applying the Sunnah in my daily life?
Begin with small, consistent acts—reciting morning and evening duas, saying Bismillah, smiling, using the siwak, or praying Sunnah rak‘ahs. Even the smallest Sunnah, done sincerely, brings reward and strengthens your faith.
