The Abandoned Sunnahs Among Women: A Reflection on Neglected Practices in Islam
In Islam, the 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 in their daily lives. The Sunnah encompasses all aspects of life, from acts of worship and social conduct to personal habits and interactions. For women, the Sunnah provides guidance on a wide range of issues, offering a framework for maintaining balance, modesty, and integrity in a fast-changing world.
However, over time, several practices that were encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and observed by Muslim women in the early generations have gradually been neglected or forgotten. These abandoned or neglected Sunnahs can have significant implications for the lives of Muslim women today, both in their spiritual and everyday lives. It is important to highlight these practices and revitalize them to restore the balance and beauty they bring to daily existence.
The Importance of Following the Sunnah
Before diving into the specific Sunnahs that have been overlooked, it is essential to understand the importance of following the Sunnah in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“You have, in the Messenger of Allah, an excellent example for whoever hopes for the meeting with Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Quran, 33:21)
This verse emphasizes that the Prophet’s life serves as the ultimate example for Muslims. By adhering to the Sunnah, Muslims are not only fulfilling a religious obligation but are also imbuing their lives with moral integrity, personal discipline, and spiritual growth. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cared for all Muslims, especially women, and his practices included specific instructions tailored to women’s needs.
Despite the guidance provided by the Prophet, many practices that were common among women during his time have been lost or forgotten in the modern world, often due to changing cultural norms, societal pressures, and distractions. This article aims to shed light on some of the Sunnahs that have been abandoned and encourage a revival of these practices for the benefit of Muslim women.
1. The Sunnah of Modesty in Dress and Behavior
One of the most important Sunnahs that has been neglected among Muslim women is the practice of modesty in both dress and behavior. While the Quran and Hadith place great emphasis on modesty, many women today fail to adhere to the full spirit of this guidance.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The most complete of the believers in faith is the one with the best character, and the best of you are those who are best to their women.” (Tirmidhi)
This Hadith highlights the critical role of modesty in Islam, which encompasses not just the outward appearance, but also the internal attributes such as humility, respect, and kindness. Unfortunately, many women today neglect the proper attire and the behavior that the Sunnah of modesty encourages, opting for styles that emphasize attraction rather than modesty.
In addition, modesty in behavior is essential, not just in the way one dresses but also in speech and social interactions. The Prophet (PBUH) taught that a Muslim woman should carry herself with dignity and should refrain from behavior that would draw inappropriate attention. This Sunnah has been largely forgotten in the age of social media, where exposure of one’s private life has become the norm.
2. The Sunnah of Seeking Knowledge
Another Sunnah that has been overlooked in contemporary Muslim society is the emphasis on seeking knowledge. Islam places a strong emphasis on acquiring knowledge, not just for men but for women as well. In the early generations of Islam, women were scholars, teachers, and philosophers. However, in many communities today, the pursuit of knowledge, especially religious education, is often seen as a male-dominated sphere.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)
This Hadith signifies that the quest for knowledge is not just a recommendation but a religious duty for both men and women. Women should not shy away from gaining knowledge in all fields—be it religious, scientific, or educational—since such knowledge enhances their ability to contribute to society and enriches their personal lives. Reviving the Sunnah of seeking knowledge can empower women to live more fulfilling lives and to become active contributors to their communities.
3. The Sunnah of Sadaqah (Charity)
Charity, or sadaqah, is another essential practice that was emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), particularly for women. The act of giving, whether through financial means, acts of kindness, or time, is seen as one of the highest forms of worship in Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A woman who gives in charity from what she earns will receive a reward for it, and she will be counted among the righteous.” (Bukhari)
In the contemporary world, it is easy for women to become overwhelmed by their busy lives, and charity may fall by the wayside. However, the practice of sadaqah is a Sunnah that enriches the soul and brings immense blessings to both the giver and the recipient. Revitalizing this practice not only helps the less fortunate but also instills a sense of gratitude and spiritual growth in the individual.
Women are encouraged to engage in various forms of charity, from donating money and resources to volunteering their time and skills for causes that benefit society. The act of giving in Islam is not limited to material wealth but extends to all forms of kindness and generosity, such as offering a smile, helping a neighbor, or providing support to a friend in need.
4. The Sunnah of Nourishing Family Ties
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly emphasized the importance of family and maintaining strong ties of kinship. A woman’s role in her family is highly regarded in Islam, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged women to care for their families with love, patience, and devotion.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best among you to my wives.” (Tirmidhi)
In the context of family, the Sunnah encourages women to maintain positive relationships with their relatives, support one another, and foster an environment of love and respect. Unfortunately, due to modern societal pressures, many women neglect their family roles, focusing instead on professional or personal ambitions at the expense of family relationships.
Maintaining family ties is essential to the spiritual well-being of an individual. Women who follow the Sunnah of nourishing family ties contribute not only to the strength of their immediate families but also to the larger community.
5. The Sunnah of Health and Well-being
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized the importance of taking care of one’s health and well-being. Women, who often prioritize the needs of others above their own, may neglect their health in the process. However, Islam teaches that the body is a trust from Allah, and it is the responsibility of each individual to preserve it.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.” (Bukhari)
Incorporating the Sunnah of physical well-being involves eating nutritious food, engaging in physical activity, maintaining cleanliness, and getting adequate rest. Women should not view taking care of their own health as selfish but as a necessary act of self-preservation that allows them to fulfill their roles as wives, mothers, and active members of the community.
6. The Sunnah of Du’a (Supplication)
The act of supplication, or du’a, is one of the most powerful tools that a Muslim has for seeking guidance, support, and protection from Allah. Women, like men, are encouraged to turn to Allah in prayer and supplication, especially during times of hardship.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When a servant raises his hands, Allah does not turn them back empty.” (Tirmidhi)
The act of making du’a is a way for Muslim women to connect deeply with Allah, seeking His help and guidance in both their personal and spiritual lives. This practice has often been overlooked, as many women are consumed with the demands of daily life. Yet, it is through du’a that one can find solace and direction, strengthening their faith and trust in Allah’s mercy and wisdom.
Conclusion
The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a comprehensive guide for all Muslims, men and women alike. For women, many valuable practices have been abandoned or neglected over time, but they are still as relevant today as they were during the time of the Prophet (PBUH). By reviving these forgotten Sunnahs—such as modesty in dress and behavior, seeking knowledge, giving charity, maintaining family ties, caring for one’s health, and making du’a—Muslim women can enrich their lives spiritually, emotionally, and socially.
These Sunnahs provide a blueprint for leading a balanced, fulfilling life that honors both the individual and the community. As Muslim women, embracing these practices not only brings one closer to Allah but also serves as a source of guidance, strength, and peace in a world that is constantly changing.