What is Sunnah?

You may be wondering what the Islamic Sunnah is. The Sunnah, to put it simply, is the collection of the Prophet Muhammad's (صلى الله عليه وسلم (blessed sayings, deeds, and practices.

It offers a thorough overview of his fortunate life and serves as an example for other Muslims to aspire too. As a way of putting the Quran into practice, the Sunnah illuminates believers' souls by pointing them in the direction of a morally upright and meaningful existence.

It is appropriate to state that the Sunnah is a guide for us to follow in order to become the finest versions of ourselves as human beings, even though this parallel is not entirely correct.

Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم without a doubt is the best example we can have for living a meaningful and purposeful life, thus we should always try to follow in his footsteps and use his example as a spiritual compass to guide us through spirituality.

According to Utrujj, Imam Ghazali explores the idea of the Sunnah in his book Kitaab Al-Arba'in Fi Usul ad-Din (The Forty Principles of the Religion).

“The key to happiness lies in the Sunnah”

“Itiba as-sunnah as-mifahu as-sa’ada”

Now imagine being able to influence other people to be rewarded for the things they do. You certainly do have that opportunity!

“Whoever revives my Sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise.” [Tirmidhi]

The following are some lovely Sunnahs of the Prophet that a lot of us may not be aware of or have forgotten:

1. Going to sleep and getting up early

“He used to sleep early at night, and get up in its last part to pray, and then return to his bed.” [Bukhari]

The way we sleep has a significant impact on how well we can work during the day. One of the most auspicious times of the day is right after Fajr. Praying the morning salah at the beginning of the day puts you in the right mindset and grants you Barakah. It lets you perform at the best of your abilities all day long.

That being said, as your body needs enough rest, you must go to bed early if you want to get up early. It is simple to get into a terrible cycle of sleeping in late and waking up late when we have a million things to do.

This is particularly valid if you're more interested in pursuing hustle than Barakah culture. We don't get up early enough to complete our to-do list, so one day drags into the next.

Now break that cycle! To be the powerful, prosperous person you want to be, in the name of Allah, get up early and go to bed early.

2. Always wear happy smile

Ibn Jaz reports: “I have not seen anyone who smiled more than the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.”[Tirmidhi]

It has been demonstrated that smiling increases serotonin, a natural antidepressant hormone, making the smiler happier. We undervalue the positive effects that a smile can have on others around us and on ourselves. Building relationships with others around you is greatly aided by this highly contagious trait.

To be productive and accomplish your life goals, you cannot replace the importance of having a positive mindset and outlook. Smiling is an easy, low-cost way to improve your mood and increase feelings of gratitude and contentment.

There's even more reason to smile because our Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be with him) was often seen doing it! So let us adhere to this wonderful sunnah.

3. Utilizing Siwak

“If it were not that it would be difficult on my nation, then I would have ordered them to use the siwak for each prayer.” [Tirmidhi]

Siwak is derived from the Salvadora persica tree and is an excellent way to keep your mouth healthy because it contains a lot of antibacterial properties.

One could argue that there is a strong emphasis on oral cleanliness in Islam given how frequently the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) would have desired us to use the siwak.

When the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) woke up, it is said that he used siwak. Because teeth are so fragile, issues with them can be extremely painful. Thus, this sunnah offers prophylactic steps against a problem that could leave you curled up in bed for several days.

It is simple to follow the sunnah of siwak because it is inexpensive and readily available. It simply and naturally maintains a fresh and clean mouth throughout the day.

4. Keep the 1/3rd rule while eating

"A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one-third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.” [Ibn Majah]

Food has a significant impact on how well your body and brain function, which is an underappreciated reality. This hadith makes it quite evident that overeating is a disgusting trait we ought to avoid. But it's also critical to keep in mind that eating too little can be just as bad for one's health.

In order to function, we need to have a balanced approach towards our meals; our level of food consumption should not leave us feeling exhausted or bloated. We seek shelter in Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) from this evil, which leads to idleness.

Can you snooze your way to global conquest? No. Eat a filling, well-balanced dinner that will effectively stifle your appetite.

5. Speak good or remain silent

“He who believes in Allah and the Hereafter, if he witnesses any matter he should talk in good terms about it or keep quiet.” [Muslim]

We frequently find ourselves in circumstances when we sit and discuss unrelated topics. If not hours we squander valuable minutes, conversing about topics that don't add to our knowledge, character, or anything else.

Sadly, the urge to gossip causes the conversation to drag on when disparaging someone or something. The beauty of this particular sunnah is that it will assist you save time and lessen the amount of energy spent to consider unimportant issues being mentioned.

This time and energy could be better used reading the Qur'an, completing important duties, or speaking only good things in the dunya and akhirah, for the benefit of oneself and others.

6. Hijama (Cupping)

“If there is any healing in your medicines, then it is in cupping, a gulp of honey or branding with fire (cauterization) that suits the ailment, but I don’t like to be (cauterized) branded with fire.” [Bukhari]

Cupping would be a regular occurrence for the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him). Throughout history, several nations have employed this type of therapy. T

oxins in the blood are eliminated by cupping. Reproductive disorders, joint discomfort and migraines have all been found to respond well to cupping as per studies.

By relieving a person of ideas that interfere with their capacity to perform their everyday responsibilities, this can be used as a therapeutic tool against stress.

7. Paying visits to Sick

“Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set free the captives.” [Bukhari]

The teachings of the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) consistently emphasize the need of caring out for others.

Sadly, we constantly hear about family members, friends and acquaintances in our social network being tested for a major or minor illness. Spending time and going to see them offers two main advantages. You show someone you love them, which immediately strengthens the ties of friendship or kinship.

Furthermore, witnessing someone who is not able to perform as effectively as they usually can serve as a powerful reminder of the gift of health. While we're running around at home and at work, we frequently take something for granted or even ignore it.

Thus, the next time you hear of someone's illness, do your utmost to do more than wish them a speedy recovery; instead, follow a Sunnah that has been forgotten, make an attempt to be there for them in person and offer comfort.

8. Sit when eat or drink

It was narrated from Anasؓ : “The Prophet ﷺ prohibited that a man should drink while standing.” (Qatadah said) So it was said: “And eating?” He (Anas) said: “That is worse.” [Tirmidhi]

A person's eating habits are slowed down when they sit down to intentionally eat, which lowers the quantity they are likely to ingest and the harmful speed at which they do so.

As previously stated, eating mindfully keeps one's stomach from becoming too big for them to carry. Significantly, sharing meals as a family—which necessitates sitting is an essential component in developing bonds.

9. Sleep on your right side

“When Allah’s Messenger ﷺ went to bed, he used to sleep on his right side.”[Bukhari]

Analyzing your sleep routine is one of the most important things to do if you want to have a successful, fortunate day.

The manner in which the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) devoted his days was what made him the most successful, his approach to sleep also contributed to his role as our leader and guide. The secret to unlocking a productive morning is to walk in his footsteps.

10. Say Salam/Bismillah before entering a house

“If a person mentions the Name of Allah upon entering his house or eating, Satan says, addressing his followers: ‘You will find nowhere to spend the night and no dinner.’ But if he enters without mentioning the Name of Allah, Satan says (to his followers); ‘You have found (a place) to spend the night in, and if he does not mention the Name of Allah at the time of eating, Satan says: ‘You have found (a place) to spend the night in as well as food.”‘ [Muslim]

We all know that Shaytan creates distractions to bring us to destruction, so none of us want him to enter our houses. As such, it is vitally necessary to run away from his wicked ways. Saying the Name of Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He) as soon as we enter our homes is essential to keeping our doors closed from the enemy.

Shaytan opposes production and success, his ultimate desire is to have us fail in our path with Allah subḥānahu wa ta'āla (glorified and exalted be He). He will squeeze into whatever opening that catches his eye, therefore, take the Sunnah's recommended actions against him. Never give up to the opposition!