Sunnah

The term Sunnah comes from the root word sanna, which means to pave the way or make a path easily passable, such that it becomes a commonly followed way by everyone afterwards.  Thus Sunnah can be used to describe a street or road or path on which people, animals, and cars travel.  Additionally, it can apply to a prophetic way, i.e.  the law that they brought and taught as an explanation or further clarification of a divinely revealed book.  Normally, the prophetic way includes references to his sayings, actions, physical features and character traits.

From the Islaamic standpoint, Sunnah refers to anything narrated or related about the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, authentically traced to him regarding his speech, actions, traits, and silent approvals.

Each narration is composed of two parts: the isnad and the matn.  The isnad refers to a chain of people who narrated a particular narration.  The matn is the actual text of the narration.  The isnad must comprise upright and sincere individuals whose integrity is unquestionable.

The Speech of Prophet Muhammad

The speech of Prophet Muhammad refers to his sayings.  For example, he said:

“Actions are judged by their intentions; everyone will be rewarded according to his/her intention.  So whoever migrates for the sake of God and His Prophet then his migration will be noted as a migration for the sake of God and His Prophet.  Conversely, one who migrates only to obtain something worldly or to marry a woman, then his migration will be worth what he had intended.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet also said:

“Whoever believes in God and the Last Day, should say something good or keep quiet.”

The above two accounts clearly show that the Prophet spoke these words.  Consequently, these are known as his speech.

The Actions of Prophet Muhammad

His actions pertain to anything he did, as authentically reported by the Sahabah (Companions).  For instance, Hudhayfah reported that whenever the Prophet got up at night, he would clean his teeth with a tooth-stick.  Also Aishah reported that the Prophet loved to do everything starting with the right side - putting on shoes, walking, cleaning himself, and in all his affairs generally.

The Silent Approvals of Prophet Muhammad

His silent approvals on different issues meant his not opposing or minding what he saw, heard or knew of the actions or sayings of his Companions.  On one occasion, for example, the Prophet learned of actions of some of his Companions from other Companions.  Soon after the battle of Khandaq, Prophet Muhammad gave the order to the Companions to move quickly to the tribe of Banu Quraydah, encouraging them to hurry so that perhaps they would pray Asr (the late afternoon prayer) there.  Some of the Companions of the Prophet responded immediately and left without praying Asr.  They arrived after sunset, pitched camp and prayed Asr- after sunset.  At the same time, another group of Companions formulated their judgment differently.  They thought that the Prophet was merely encouraging them to hasten to their destination, rather than to delay Asr until after sunset.  Consequently, they decided to stay in Madinah until they had prayed Asr.  Immediately thereafter, they hastened towards the tribe of Banu Quraydhah.  When the Prophet was told of how each group responded differently to his announcement, he affirmed both judgments.

Physical and Moral Traits of Prophet Muhammad

Everything authentically narrated concerning the Prophet’s complexion and the rest of his physical features is also included in the definition of Sunnah.  Umm Ma’bad described what she saw of the great Prophet.  She said:

“I saw a man, his face radiant with a bright glow, not too thin or too fat, elegant and handsome.  His eyes had a deep black hue with long eyelashes.  His voice was pleasant and his neck long.  He had a thick beard.  His long black eyebrows were beautifully arched and connected to each other.  In silence, he remained dignified, commanding utmost awe and respect.  When he spoke, his speech was brilliant.  Of all people he was the most handsome and the most pleasant, even when approaching from a distance.  In person, he was unique and most admirable.  Graced with eloquent logic, his speech was moderate.  His logical arguments were well organized as though they were a string of gems.  He was not too tall or too short, but exactly in between.  Among three, he appeared the most radiant and most vibrant.  He had companions who affectionately honored him.  When he spoke, they listened to him attentively.  When he gave orders, they were quick to execute them.  They rallied around him guarding him.  He never frowned or spoke frivolously.” (Hakim)

Along with his physical features, his Companions also described his habits and behavior with people.  Once Anas reported:

“I served the Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, for ten years. During that time, he never once said to me as much as ‘Oof’ if I did something wrong. He never asked me, if I had failed to do something, ‘Why did you not do it?,’ and he never said to me, if I had done something wrong, ‘Why did you do it?’”

From the above we can clearly see that when the term Sunnah appears in a general context referring to Prophet Muhammad it comprises anything narrated about the Prophet and authentically traced to him.  Once a Muslim learns of the authenticity of any narration, he/she is obliged to follow and obey it accordingly.  Such obedience is mandated by God as He declares:

“...and obey God and His Prophet and do not turn away when you hear (him speak).” (Quran 8:20)

At times, some Muslims are perplexed when people say that Sunnah is something only recommended and is not mandatory.  Thus they conclude that we are only required to follow the Qur’an and not the Sunnah.  Such an argument results from a gross misunderstanding.  Scholars of Islaamic jurisprudence use the term Sunnah to denote what is authentically established of Prophet Muhammad in deeds which were not subsequently made mandatory by God.

They further hold that this includes any saying of Prophet Muhammad where he encourages Muslims to do a particular task and compliments those who uphold such attributes.  Thus to them, the term Sunnah refers to what is “recommended” and is not mandatory (fard or wajib).

From the above, we can clearly see that the term Sunnah takes on different meanings when used by different Islaamic disciplines.