In a world that constantly bombards us with new trends and fleeting pursuits, the path of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offers timeless wisdom, profound peace, and immense blessings. His life, every action, word, and approval, forms the Sunnah—a beautiful blueprint for living a life pleasing to Allah.
Why should we bother with these everyday Sunnahs? Because following the Prophet (ï·º) is not just an act of obedience; it's a testament of love and a guaranteed path to success in both this world and the Hereafter. Even the simplest actions, when performed with the right intention and following his way, can earn us tremendous rewards, transform our routines into acts of worship, and bring immense barakah (blessings) into our lives.
This guide explores easy Sunnah actions that you can effortlessly integrate into your routine, helping you to revive the Sunnah in your daily life, strengthen your identity as a Muslim, and experience a deeper connection with Allah.
Why Reviving Sunnah Matters
Reviving the Sunnah goes beyond mere ritual; it's a profound spiritual practice with far-reaching benefits:
The Reward of Following the Prophet (ï·º): Allah says in the Qur'an, "Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'" (Quran 3:31). Following his Sunnah is a direct path to earning Allah's love and forgiveness.
A Sign of True Love for the Prophet (ï·º): Our love for the Prophet (ï·º) is not just in words, but in action. By emulating his habits, we express our deep reverence and commitment to his teachings.
How Simple Actions Can Earn Great Reward: Many Sunnahs are simple, daily practices that take seconds but carry monumental weight in Allah's sight. They transform mundane activities into acts of worship.
Strengthening Your Faith: Consciously following the Sunnah keeps Allah and His Messenger at the forefront of your mind, fortifying your Iman (faith).
Sunnahs to Practice Daily (Throughout Your Day)
These are daily Sunnah practices that can be woven into almost every moment.
Saying Bismillah (بِسْÙ…ِ اللَّÙ‡ِ) in Daily Tasks:
The Sunnah: Begin everything with "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah) – before eating, drinking, opening a door, starting work, putting on clothes, etc.
Benefit: It invokes Allah's blessing, purifies your intention, and drives away Shaytan.
Tip: Make it a reflex. Before you physically start an action, let your heart and tongue utter "Bismillah."
Using the Right Hand:
The Sunnah: The Prophet (ï·º) loved to use his right hand for good and pure things, like eating, drinking, shaking hands, and entering the masjid. The left was for less pure things.
Benefit: It's a sign of respect and following the Prophet's preferred way, bringing blessing to your actions.
Tip: Be mindful, especially when eating or passing items. Gently remind yourself if you instinctively use your left.
Smiling:
The Sunnah: The Prophet (ï·º) was often seen smiling. He said, "Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1956)
Benefit: It's an easy act of charity, spreads positivity, and brightens your own mood and the mood of those around you.
Tip: Make eye contact and offer a genuine smile to family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers.
Saying Salam (greeting):
The Sunnah: Say "As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh" (Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you) when meeting a Muslim and upon entering your home (even if no one is there).
Benefit: It's a Dua for peace, increases love among Muslims, and carries great reward.
Tip: Be the first to offer Salam. Say it with a clear voice and a sincere heart.
Using Miswak or Brushing Teeth:
The Sunnah: The Prophet (ï·º) strongly emphasized oral hygiene, using the Miswak regularly. "Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Miswak before every prayer." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Benefit: Cleanses the mouth, pleases Allah, and is a strong Sunnah.
Tip: Keep a Miswak handy, or simply ensure you brush your teeth thoroughly before every prayer.
Sunnahs for Morning & Evening (A Routine for Peace)
Establish these Prophet Muhammad habits at the start and end of your day for spiritual protection and tranquility.
Morning Dua & Routine (after waking up):
The Sunnah: Upon waking, say: "Alhamdulillahil-ladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa ilaihin-nushur." (All praise is for Allah Who gave us life after causing us to die and unto Him is the resurrection). Follow with morning Adhkar (remembrances).
Benefit: Expresses gratitude for renewed life, sets a positive, God-conscious tone for the day.
Tip: Keep a small Adhkar booklet by your bed or use an app. Make it the first thing you do after waking up.
Evening Dhikr:
The Sunnah: Recite evening Adhkar before sunset or before going to sleep. This includes specific verses and phrases for protection.
Benefit: Protects you from evil, brings peace to the heart, and ends your day with remembrance of Allah.
Tip: Establish a consistent time, perhaps after Asr or Maghrib, to sit and recite these.
Sleeping on the Right Side:
The Sunnah: The Prophet (ï·º) used to lie on his right side when going to sleep.
Benefit: It's physically beneficial and a simple act of following the Sunnah.
Tip: Consciously make an effort to start your sleep on your right side.
Reciting Surahs Before Sleep:
The Sunnah: Recite Ayat al-Kursi, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas before sleeping. The Prophet (ï·º) would also cup his hands, recite the last three Surahs, blow into his hands, and then wipe over his body.
Benefit: Provides protection from evil and brings tranquility before rest.
Tip: Make this a non-negotiable part of your nightly routine.
Sunnahs in Worship
Beyond the obligatory, these Sunnahs for blessings enhance your formal worship.
Sunnah Prayers Before/After Fardh:
The Sunnah: The Prophet (ï·º) consistently prayed voluntary rak'ahs (units of prayer) before and after the obligatory (Fardh) prayers, especially 2 before Fajr, 4 before Dhuhr and 2 after, 2 after Maghrib, and 2 after Isha.
Benefit: They compensate for any shortcomings in our Fardh prayers and earn immense reward.
Tip: Start with the 2 rak'ahs before Fajr, as they are highly emphasized. Gradually add others.
Duas Before and After Salah:
The Sunnah: There are specific Duas to say before starting Salah (Istiftah), in Sujood (as discussed earlier), and after concluding Salah (e.g., Astaghfirullah 3 times, SubhanAllah 33, Alhamdulillah 33, Allahu Akbar 34).
Benefit: Enhances your connection during and after prayer, and earns forgiveness and reward.
Tip: Learn one new Dua related to Salah each week until you've mastered a few.
Short Qunoot or Duas in Witr:
The Sunnah: It's Sunnah to make Dua Qunoot in the last rak'ah of Witr prayer, especially in Ramadan.
Benefit: A powerful supplication seeking Allah's guidance, protection, and blessings.
Tip: Memorize the common Dua Qunoot or simply make Duas in your own words, raising your hands.
Sunnahs in Interaction with Others
The Prophet's interactions were a model of kindness and wisdom. These Sunnah habits for Muslims build stronger communities.
Speaking Kindly:
The Sunnah: The Prophet (ï·º) always spoke with gentleness, compassion, and truth. "Speak good or remain silent." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Benefit: Builds positive relationships, avoids conflict, and is a heavy deed on the scale.
Tip: Pause before you speak, especially if you're feeling angry or frustrated. Choose your words carefully.
Avoiding Argument:
The Sunnah: The Prophet (ï·º) promised a house in Jannah for one who gives up arguing even if he is right. (Sunan Abi Dawud 4800)
Benefit: Preserves peace, avoids resentment, and elevates your status in the sight of Allah.
Tip: Agree to disagree respectfully, or simply disengage from unproductive arguments.
Making Dua for Others:
The Sunnah: When you make Dua for your brother in Islam in his absence, an angel says, "Ameen, and to you the same." (Sahih Muslim 2732a)
Benefit: Brings blessings back to you, strengthens community bonds, and shows compassion.
Tip: Make it a habit to include others in your Duas, especially those who are struggling.
Visiting the Sick:
The Sunnah: The Prophet (ï·º) would visit the sick, and there is immense reward for it. "There is no Muslim who visits a sick Muslim in the morning but seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until evening..." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 969)
Benefit: Fulfills a right of a Muslim upon another, earns great reward, and promotes compassion.
Tip: Reach out to anyone you know who is ill, even a quick message or call can suffice if a visit isn't possible.
Why Reviving the Sunnah is Important Today
In our rapidly changing world, holding onto the Sunnah is more crucial than ever.
Strengthening Identity: In an increasingly globalized and secular world, adhering to the Sunnah helps Muslims maintain their unique identity and values. It’s a constant reminder of who we are and what we stand for.
Bringing Barakah into Life: The Prophet's way is blessed. Following his Sunnah brings barakah (blessings) into our time, wealth, health, and relationships, even in ways we might not expect.
A Path to Loving the Prophet (ï·º): True love involves emulation. The more we strive to adopt his Prophet Muhammad habits, the deeper our love for him becomes, and the more we embody the beautiful teachings of Islam.
Combating Modern Challenges: Many of the Sunnahs, like mindfulness in eating, controlling anger, and prioritizing sincere connection, offer practical solutions to modern problems like stress, consumerism, and superficiality.
Final Thoughts
Reviving the forgotten Sunnahs of our beloved Prophet (ï·º) is not an overwhelming task. It’s a journey of continuous learning and small, consistent steps.
Start with one Sunnah a week: Don't try to implement everything at once. Choose one Sunnah from this list and focus on making it a consistent part of your daily routine for a week. Once it becomes a habit, add another.
Teach it to others: The best way to solidify your own knowledge and earn further reward is to share the Sunnah with your family and friends.
Intentions matter most: Remember, the value of any action in Islam lies in its intention. Make sure your purpose for following the Sunnah is to please Allah and follow His beloved Messenger.
By consciously incorporating these everyday Sunnahs into your life, you are not just performing actions; you are living a blessed life, cultivating a deep connection with Allah, and truly following the Prophet's way.
Call to Action
What's one easy Sunnah action from this list you're excited to revive in your daily life? Or do you have a favorite Sunnah not mentioned here that brings you immense benefit? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
If this guide inspired you to bring more Sunnah into your life, please share it with family and friends who might also want to connect deeper with the Prophet's beautiful way.
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