Confirmed Sunnah in Islam

The Confirmed Sunnah in Islam: A Comprehensive Overview

In Islam, the concept of Sunnah refers to the practices, actions, and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which serve as a model for Muslims to follow. The Sunnah is an integral part of Islamic teachings, second only to the Qur’an, and together with the Qur’an, it forms the foundation of Islamic law and ethics. Among the various categories of Sunnah, there exists a distinction between Sunnah that is obligatory, recommended, and those that are highly emphasized or confirmed.

This article focuses on the “confirmed Sunnah” (Sunnah Mu’akkadah), which refers to those practices that were regularly performed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and are considered highly recommended for Muslims to follow. While these actions are not mandatory, their consistent performance is encouraged and emphasized, as they reflect the ideal way of living as prescribed by Islamic tradition.

Definition of Sunnah Mu’akkadah

Sunnah Mu’akkadah refers to those actions or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that he consistently performed and encouraged his followers to do. These acts are not obligatory like the five daily prayers (Salah), but they hold a special status in Islam because of their regularity in the life of the Prophet and the importance attached to them by Islamic scholars.

The word “Mu’akkadah” derives from the Arabic root “عَكَّدَ” (akkada), which means to emphasize, affirm, or confirm. Therefore, the term “Sunnah Mu’akkadah” refers to those acts or practices of the Prophet that have been confirmed and repeatedly practiced, with the aim of demonstrating their significance in Islamic life.

While the performance of these practices may not carry the weight of a fard (obligatory) action, neglecting them without a valid reason is discouraged and can lead to missing out on spiritual benefits. The confirmed Sunnah emphasizes the Prophet’s actions that reflect the ideal model of Islamic conduct.

Importance of Sunnah Mu’akkadah in Islam

The Sunnah serves as a source of guidance for Muslims, offering detailed explanations of the principles and commands found in the Qur’an. While the Qur’an provides the general framework of Islamic teachings, the Sunnah clarifies how these principles should be applied in daily life. The Prophet Muhammad’s life is seen as the perfect example of how to embody the teachings of the Qur’an, and following the Sunnah is seen as following the example of the Prophet himself.

Sunnah Mu’akkadah holds a particularly significant place in Islamic practice. It includes actions that the Prophet performed consistently and that have been given great emphasis in hadith literature. These practices help a Muslim achieve spiritual excellence and closer proximity to Allah. They also serve as a means of strengthening the bond between the Muslim and the prophetic tradition.

Key Examples of Confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah)

1. Sunnah of Prayers (Salah)

   • Before and after the obligatory prayers: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was observed performing certain voluntary prayers, such as the Sunnah prayers before and after the five daily obligatory prayers (Salah). These include:
     • Sunnah Rawatib: The Sunnah prayers attached to the five daily prayers are considered highly emphasized. For example, the two rak’ahs before Fajr, the four rak’ahs before Dhuhr, two rak’ahs after Maghrib, and two rak’ahs after Isha are all examples of confirmed Sunnah prayers.
     • Dhuha (The Forenoon Prayer): This is an additional prayer performed in the morning, generally after sunrise, which the Prophet (PBUH) recommended regularly, although it is not obligatory.

2. The Daily Sunnah Duas (Supplications)

   • The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his daily supplications, which he would recite in specific situations, such as before sleeping, upon waking, and during travel. These duas are a vital part of the Sunnah, as they serve as means of seeking protection and blessings from Allah.
   • Reciting Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255) before sleeping and after prayers is one example of a practice that holds a place in the Sunnah and has been affirmed as a means of gaining protection from harm.

3. The Practice of Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

   • While fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also regularly fasted on Mondays and Thursdays. He explained that deeds are presented to Allah on these days, and he wished for his deeds to be presented while he was in a state of fasting. Thus, fasting on these days is highly encouraged as a Sunnah Mu’akkadah.

4. The Sunnah of Charity (Sadaqah)

   • The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his generosity, often giving charity (sadaqah) in abundance, both in public and private. This included acts of charity that were not only monetary but also in the form of kindness, helping the poor, and assisting others in need.
   • Giving voluntary charity, beyond the obligatory zakat, is an essential practice that is consistently highlighted in the Sunnah and seen as a means of purifying one’s wealth.

5. The Sunnah of Adab (Etiquette)

   • The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) provided numerous examples of how Muslims should behave in daily life. This includes the etiquette of eating, drinking, socializing, and dressing. For instance, eating with the right hand, sitting while drinking, and saying “Bismillah” before eating are all part of the confirmed Sunnah.
   • Likewise, greeting others with “Assalamu Alaikum” and showing respect to elders and parents are highly emphasized as part of Islamic etiquette.

6. The Sunnah of the Hajj Rituals

   • Performing Hajj is an obligation for those who are financially and physically able to do so, but even for those who perform this important pillar of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) actions during the Hajj offer guidance. The confirmed Sunnah of Hajj includes acts such as the Tawaf (the act of walking around the Kaaba), the sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and the stoning of the Jamarat.
   • Even for those who are not performing Hajj, the act of commemorating the sacrifice during Eid al-Adha, which recalls the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, is a highly encouraged Sunnah.

7. The Sunnah of Grooming and Personal Hygiene

   • The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) placed a great emphasis on cleanliness and personal grooming. Regular trimming of nails, cleaning of the teeth with the miswak (tooth-stick), shaving the pubic hair, circumcision, and using perfume were all part of the Prophet’s personal habits that Muslims are encouraged to follow.

8. The Sunnah of Supplicating for the Deceased

   • Muslims are encouraged to pray for the deceased, asking for forgiveness on their behalf. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly prayed for his deceased companions and family members, and this practice is emphasized as a Sunnah.

The Spiritual and Social Benefits of Following the Confirmed Sunnah

Following the Sunnah Mu’akkadah carries both spiritual and social benefits. Spiritually, these practices bring the individual closer to Allah, as they demonstrate a commitment to following the Prophet’s example. They also allow Muslims to emulate the character and morals of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), fostering personal growth in terms of piety, patience, and gratitude.

Socially, the Sunnah promotes harmonious relationships within the community. For instance, the etiquettes of greeting, helping others, and sharing food all contribute to fostering unity and compassion among Muslims. Practicing the confirmed Sunnah also strengthens the bond of love and respect for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), increasing the faith of the individual and the community as a whole.

Conclusion

In Islam, the Sunnah Mu’akkadah represents the most significant actions and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that are not obligatory but are strongly encouraged due to their frequent practice and high status in Islamic tradition. These confirmed Sunnah practices include daily rituals such as the Sunnah prayers, voluntary fasting, charitable acts, and the prophetic etiquette in daily life. By following the Sunnah, Muslims can grow spiritually, refine their character, and live in harmony with others in society.

While the Sunnah Mu’akkadah is not mandatory like the obligatory pillars of Islam, it is highly encouraged for Muslims to practice them, as they offer a path to moral excellence, closeness to Allah, and a deeper understanding of the teachings of Islam. Therefore, integrating these confirmed Sunnah practices into daily life is an important aspect of any Muslim’s faith and a way to strengthen their connection to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).