What is Sunnah?

Sunnah means saying, actions, approvals, morals and ethics of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His (PBUH) habits from every aspect of daily life, worship methods and social behaviours are lessons for a better life of Muslims. His (PBUH) teachings are a role for Muslims in changing their life.  It is an important source of guidance after the Quran for every Muslim who wants to correct their faith. For the improvement of character and strengthening the connection with Allah, Sunnah is the best way to improve character. According to Hadith,

"Whoever follows my Sunnah has loved me, and whoever loves me will be with me in paradise."

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Significance of Sunnah

Sunnah strengthens the spiritual connection and encourages the moral development of Muslims. Following Sunnah, Muslims learn how to offer prayers, fast, give zakat, and perform Umrah and Hajj. The teachings of the Prophet guide your daily life ethics such as honesty, kindness, and humility. One who adheres to the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) will be protected from the astray of right.

"I have left with you two things. If you hold onto them, you will never go astray!"

Daily Sunnahs of the Prophet (PBUH)

When waking up

Our Prophet (PBUH) used to rub his face with his hands to remove the traces of sleep. He taught the Dua to Muslims when getting up from sleep in the morning. Following Sunnah brings peace in your life and makes your day stress-free.

"Praise is due to Allah, who gave us life after death and unto Thee resurrection"

(Sahih Muslim)

Entering the bathroom

When you enter the bathroom, remove your ring because the Prophet (PBUH) used to remove His ring when entering the bathroom. Put your left foot while entering and your right foot while leaving the bathroom. Recite this Dua when you exit the bathroom.

“Ghuranak”

(Jami At Tirmidhi 7)

Sunnahs during Wudu

Use miswak before wudu, do not waste too much water, say 'Bismillah', and recite the Dua of Wudu. Follow the Sunnah method of Wudu given below.

• First, wash your hands three times.
• Rinse your mouth three times.
• Wash your nose with your left hand.
• Wash your face thrice.
• Wash your forearm three times.
• Rinse water over the head.
• At the end, wash your left, then right.

Our beloved Prophet (PBHU) used to perform two rak'ahs of nafl after wudu.

Sunnah in wearing clothes

Following the Sunnah of wearing clothes gives you a sense of simplicity in daily life. Always wear clothes from the right side. According to Hadith;

"When you wear your clothes or perform Wudu, begin with your right side."

(Abu Dawood At Tirmidhi)

Prophet Muhammad encouraged Muslims to wear white clothes, as it represents peace.

Sunnah in Fasting

He (PBUH) not only fasts in Ramadan but also in other months, such as every Monday and Thursday, 6 days in Shawwal, 9 days of Dhul Hijjah and the 9th or 10th of Muharram.
Sunnah of meeting people
When you meet people, follow these Sunnahs; always say greetings such as 'As-Salamu Alykum' or 'As-Salaamu Alykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh'. Always keep a smiling face and shake hands.

Sunnah in eating 

Always say Bismillah when you start eating. If you forget, recite 'Bismillahi Fi Awwalahi WA Akhiri'. Start eating with your right hand and eating from your side. Eat the meal using three fingers. Prefer to eat with your family for Barakah. Do not say bad words for food. After finishing the food, lick your fingers.

Sunnah in drinking

Say Bismillah when you drink water. Drink while sitting. Drink with your right hand; take a breathing pause three times while drinking water. Do not exhale into a glass. After drinking, say Allhumdulliah. 

Sunnah for entering/leaving home

When you enter home, say 'salaam' to your family members, and when leaving the home, recite this Dua;

In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might nor power except with Allah.

Benefits of Sunnah

Way of Guidance 

Sunnah serves as a guide to Muslims. It tells us how to do good deeds and how to engage ourselves in virtuous acts. Following the life of the beloved Prophet (PBUH), we can make our lifestyle according to Quran-0 Sunnah. He (PBUH) is a role model for us, as mentioned in the Quran,

That the Prophet is a mercy sent to all mankind

Understanding of Islam

Sunnah gives us a correct understanding of Islam and clears our misunderstandings. It protects us from bid'ah/extremism.

Unity Brotherhood

Following Sunnah, like Salah, fasts and Zakat teach us unity and equality.

Difference between Sunnah and Hadith

Hadith is the conveying of Sunnah in textual report. Sunnah means the practical actions of the Prophet (PBUH).