classicnews
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ practices, known as Sunnahs, have been overlooked. While obligatory acts of worship remain central, the small, beautiful Sunnahs that enriched daily life often fade into the background. Reviving these forgotten Sunnahs not only strengthens our connection with Allah but also brings barakah (blessings) into our everyday routines.
What Are Sunnahs?
Sunnahs are the actions, sayings, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They guide Muslims in perfecting character, worship, and social conduct. Sunnahs are divided into:
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah): Highly recommended and practiced regularly by the Prophet ﷺ.
- Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah (Non-Emphasized Sunnah): Recommended but not obligatory, often adaptable to circumstances.
Reviving even the small, forgotten Sunnahs can have profound spiritual, mental, and social benefits.
Why Have Some Sunnahs Been Forgotten?
Several factors contribute to this:
- Modern lifestyle pressures: Busy schedules leave little room for reflective practice.
- Cultural influences: Some communities emphasize only ritual obligations.
- Neglect in teaching: Schools and mosques often focus on core obligations rather than smaller Sunnahs.
Yet, these practices were the essence of the Prophet’s ﷺ life and can transform our spiritual and worldly experiences.
Examples of Forgotten Sunnahs
Here are a few beautiful Sunnahs that are often neglected:
- Smiling at Others
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “Your smile for your brother is charity.”
- In a world full of stress, a smile can revive Sunnah and spread positivity.
- Using Miswak (Tooth Stick) Regularly
- Miswak was a daily habit of the Prophet ﷺ, promoting oral hygiene.
- Even today, using a miswak or toothbrush before prayers can follow his example.
- Walking Slowly and Moderately
- Prophet ﷺ walked calmly and encouraged moderation in all things.
- Reviving this habit can help reduce stress and increase mindfulness.
- Supplicating Before Eating
- Saying “Bismillah” before meals and “Alhamdulillah” after meals.
- This simple Sunnah reminds us to be grateful for Allah’s blessings.
- Visiting the Sick
- The Prophet ﷺ regularly visited the ill, offering comfort and prayers.
- Reviving this Sunnah strengthens social bonds and fulfills a spiritual duty.
Practical Steps to Revive Forgotten Sunnahs
- Start Small: Choose one Sunnah and practice it consistently.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the Prophet’s ﷺ life and lesser-known practices.
- Incorporate in Daily Routine: For example, greet people warmly or make extra supplications.
- Teach Others: Sharing knowledge encourages community-wide revival.
- Reflect: Consider the wisdom and benefits behind each Sunnah.
Benefits of Reviving Sunnahs
- Strengthens faith and spirituality.
- Improves social relationships and spreads kindness.
- Enhances personal discipline and mindfulness.
- Brings barakah (blessings) into daily life.
Reviving forgotten Sunnahs is more than a ritual; it is a pathway to living a life closer to the Prophet ﷺ. By embracing these small yet powerful practices, we can enrich our spiritual journey and positively impact those around us.
