What is Sunnah?
Sunnah refers to the practices, teachings, and traditions established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It serves as a model for Muslims to follow in their daily lives, encompassing both obligatory and non-obligatory matters.
In terms of its classification, Al-Kafi states: The Sunnah is twofold: a Sunnah in obligatory matters, taking which is guidance and leaving it is misguidance; and a Sunnah in non-obligatory matters, taking which is a virtue and leaving it is not a sin.
Al-Kafi 2:176. This highlights the significance of adhering to the Sunnah, as it guides believers in their actions and decisions.
Additionally, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of reviving neglected Sunnah, stating: Whoever revives a Sunnah of mine that had been neglected after me will have a reward similar to the reward of those from the people who act upon it, without diminishing their rewards.
Sunan Ibn Majah 1:210. This narration illustrates the merit of following the Sunnah and encourages Muslims to keep the Prophet's traditions alive in their communities.
Overall, Sunnah plays a crucial role in Islamic life, guiding the moral and ethical conduct of Muslims while providing a framework for worship and daily activities.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 2:176
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 176
The Sunnah is twofold: a Sunnah in obligatory matters, taking which is guidance and leaving it is misguidance; and a Sunnah in non-obligatory matters, taking which is a virtue and leaving it is not a sin. — OR — Three people whose prayers are answered: the pilgrim, so look how you fail to follow him; the fighter in the way of Allah, so look how you fail to follow him; and the sick person—do not anger or distress him. — OR — I asked about the use of a tooth-cleaning twig (siwak) by the fasting person. He said, 'Yes, he may clean his teeth with it any time of the day he wishes.' — OR — Abu al-Hasan (peace be upon him) said to me: God Almighty has allies with the rulers whom He uses to protect His allies. — OR — Regarding a woman divorced who is advanced in age and menstruated once, then her bleeding stopped, he said: She counts the one period and two future months because she has despaired of menstruation. — OR — A woman inherits from the bricks but does not inherit from the quarter share. I asked, 'How does she inherit from the branch but not from the root?' He said to me, 'She has no lineage from them whereby to inherit; rather, she is an outsider among them and only inherits from the branch, not from the root, and no outsider comes among them because of her.'
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Sunan Ibn Majah 1:210
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 1, Hadith 210 · Narrated by kathir ibn Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Awf’s grandfather
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever revives a Sunnah of mine that had been neglected after me will have a reward similar to the reward of those from the people who act upon it, without diminishing their rewards. And whoever innovates a practice which Allah and His Messenger do not approve, he will bear sins equal to those who follow it, without decreasing their sins.
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