Definition

1. Noun:
   • The normative way of life for Muslims: In Islam, the Sunnah refers to the body of traditional social and legal customs and practices based on the teachings, actions, and silent approvals (taqrir) of the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered a primary source of religious law and moral guidance, second only to the Qur'an.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Muslim scholars study the Sunnah to understand how to implement the teachings of the Qur'an in daily life.
  • Following the Sunnah is considered essential for living a pious life.

Advanced Usage

• "The Sunnah and the Qur'an": This phrase highlights the two primary sources of Islamic jurisprudence.
  • Islamic law is derived from both the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Variants and Related Words

• Sunni (adj/n): Pertaining to the larger of the two main branches of Islam, which places great emphasis on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Sunni Muslims constitute the majority of the world's Muslim population.
• Hadith (n): A recorded report of the sayings, actions, or approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. The collected hadith literature forms the basis of the Sunnah.
  • Scholars authenticate hadith to ensure they accurately represent the Sunnah.

Synonyms

• Prophetic tradition: The customary practices established by the Prophet Muhammad.
• Way of the Prophet: A descriptive phrase for the Sunnah.

Notes on Meaning

The term Sunnah specifically refers to the model behavior of Prophet Muhammad. It is distinct from Shariah, which is the broader divine law, and from Hadith, which are the individual reports that document the Sunnah. The Sunnah provides practical examples of how to live according to Islamic principles.

Noun

1. (Islam) the way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims on the basis of the teachings and practices of Muhammad and interpretations of the Koran