In the vast panorama of Islamic values, sunnah holds central position. Since you are here so you might have been curious about the importance of the sunah in Islam and why it holds immense significance in Islamic history. This guide aim to enlighten you in this matter to know everything about the sunnah.
Sunnah is not just a concept but a practical guide for Muslims. It encompasses the real-time actions, examples, and teaching practices the Holy Prophet PBUH set over 1400 years ago. Like the Quran, Sunnah serves as a comprehensive guide, but it’s unique because it implements the Quran’s teachings practically.
Mastering the Quran and the importance of Sunnah is compulsory for the Holistic approach to Islamic practices by people seeking to live righteous lives according to the faithful preaching of Islam. Ultimately, Sunnah serves as an ultimate guiding light to those striving to live according to Islamic values.
What is Importance of Sunnah in Islam?
The Sunnah is immensely important in Islamic values due to its hold on Islamic teachings as a primary source of practical guidance. Its influence over humanity can be recognized as complementing the Quran, Ethical and legal guidance, preservation of the Prophet’s Endowment, and spiritual significance.
Elaborating on the knowledge of the Quran:
The Quran, the last book of Allah, serves as the primary and essential source of guidance for Muslims. However, Sunnah holds immense importance, complementing and elaborating the teachings of the divine message of Allah through the Quran by providing practical demonstrations in everyday life.
Legal and Ethical Guidance:
The Quran provides us with ethical and legal supervision in written form, but Sunnah is the practical execution of what the Quran says, focusing chiefly on social conduct and personal grooming, both ethically and morally.
Preservation of Prophets Legacy:
The only way to endorse and conserve the legacy of Prophet Muhammad PBUH is to follow the principles of Sunnah practically and verbally. It serves as a means of respecting and honoring the footsteps of the last Prophet to gain spiritual purification.
Sources of Sunnah in Islam:
The two main sources of Sunnah are available for followers:
- Hadith
- ijma( Consensus)
Hadith ( Holy Narrations):
Real-time actions, sayings, and practical approvals of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH are narrated as hadiths. Their authenticity is rooted in their collection and preservation in multiple books with proven references. Hadiths are an authentic source of Islamic knowledge and practical facts about the Holy lifestyle.
Authentic source of Hadiths:
When it comes to the authentic source of Hadith, the first names that come to one’s mind are Sahih al Bukhari and Shahi Muslim for their legitimacy. Compiled by competent scholars, these collections are exceedingly regarded as a rigorous tactic covering multiple aspects of life, including worship ethics and social deportment.
“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘I have left among you two things, you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.‘” [Muwatta Malik]
Ijma (Consensus):
Ijma is an undisputed harmony of Islamic scholars on a specified topic at a meticulous time after the eternal rest of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. It is considered a convincing Islamic law on those matters not overtly addressed in the Quran and Sunnah.
Relevance of Sunnah in Muslims Life:
Clarification of Quranic Text:
As the ultimate source of guidance, the Quran provides us with broad and general guiding rules. Its teachings don’t highlight how to act (e.g., Salah) or when to perform it. However, Sunnah, on the other hand, offers detailed and specific practical examples that elaborate on the Quranic text.
For example, the Quran mandates Muslims to offer prayer (salah) but doesn’t elaborate on the method of worship. On the other hand, the Sunnah describes the practical application of salah in precise manners, proper timings, and the number of units for each of the five obligatory prayers. Therefore, without the knowledge of the Sunnah, Muslims would lack the beneficial guidance needed to offer worship correctly.
As in Surah Al-Isra (17:78) Allah says:
- “Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur’an at dawn. Indeed, the recitation of the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed.”
Strengthens Faith and Morals:
Practicing Sunnah daily is not just a routine; it’s a profound journey of spiritual growth and moral development. By following The actions, sayings, and exemplary traits of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, one can align their ethical behavior and unsorted life into sorted ones through divine assistance, nurturing spiritual growth, and moral demeanor.
Benefits of following Sunnah:
Better spiritual growth:
Imitating the actions of Prophet Muhammad PBUH leads to spiritual growth and a deep connection with Allah SWT. For example, daily practicing salah, especially sunnah prayers, builds a deep connection with the creator.
Holistic Well-Being:
Emotional, physical, and mental well-being promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which is only possible by practicing sunnah teachings daily.
As the Holy Prophet PBUH said:
“The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for Adam’s son to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going. If he must fill it, then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for air.”
Reference: [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Guidance in personal and social matters:
Sunnah offers guidance in polishing Islamic spirituality and religious guidance in personal and social affairs. It helps you align personal grooming by promoting harmony, justice, and society’s well-being.
“The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.'”
FAQs about the concept of Sunnah in Islam:
Is there any difference between Sunnah and Hadith?
While Sunnah and Hadith are often used interchangeably, they are distinct concepts. Sunnah refers to the sayings, practices, and approval actions of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, while Hadith specifically refers to the recorded narrations of these actions and sayings.
Is following Sunnah obligatory in Islam?
Although all the Sunnah practices are not mandatory but it is recommended to pursue them for spiritual growth. Sunnah practices are obligatory to get the benefits of both worlds affecting your adherence to Islam.
Are all the Sunnah preserved in their original form?
The preservation of the Sunnah has been a meticulous process carried out by qualified scholars over the centuries. The majority of the Sunnah has been carefully preserved and transmitted. However, there is always ongoing debate about their authenticity and integrity.
Conclusion:
The Sunnah is central to Islam, serving as a practical funnel for those seeking assistance. It is best practice for the individuals who aim to strengthen their faith by fostering a deeper connection with the prophets’ model lives and comprehensive teachings.
Muslims should imitate his spiritual journey and communal harmony to practice kindness, wisdom, and piety in daily life. Do you follow Sunnah in your daily life? Let us know your favourite sunnah in the comment section.