The Comprehensive Guide to Essential Sunnahs: A Path to Prophetic Lifestyle
Sections in this guide
1. Sunnahs of Personal Grooming & Attire
Islam promotes cleanliness, modesty, and dignity in personal appearance. The Prophet ï·º was always well-groomed and presentable, and he encouraged his followers to do the same.
A. Wearing an Imamah (Turban)
The Prophet ï·º said:
“Wear the turban, for it increases wisdom.”
(Tabarani, 12118)
Benefits & Rewards:
- Increases Salah reward by 25 times.
- A sign of dignity and honor in Islam.
How to Wear It:
- A cloth wrapped around a cap (taqiyah) is Sunnah.
- The Prophet ï·º sometimes let the end hang between his shoulders.
B. Keeping a Beard
The Prophet ï·º commanded:
“Trim the mustache and let the beard grow.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5892)
How to Maintain It:
- Let it grow to a fist-length (below this, trimming is Makruh).
- Trim the mustache short but do not shave it completely.
Rewards:
- Obedience to the Prophet ï·º.
- A means of differentiating from non-Muslims.
C. Applying Olive Oil (Zayt)
The Prophet ï·º said:
“Eat olive oil and apply it, for it is from a blessed tree.”
(Tirmidhi, 1851)
How to Apply Olive Oil:
- Pour into the palm, apply to the eyebrows, below the lip, and on the hair.
- Start with the right side, then the left side.
- Apply before sleeping for nourishment and shine.
Benefits:
- Strengthens hair and prevents baldness.
- Enhances skin glow and prevents dryness.
- Revives the Sunnah of the Prophet ï·º.
D. Surma (Kohl) for the Eyes
The Prophet ï·º said:
“Apply Surma, as it strengthens the eyesight and grows eyelashes.”
(Ibn Majah, 3497)
How to Apply:
- Apply before sleeping (three times in each eye).
- Use pure Ithmid Surma, as recommended by the Prophet ï·º.
Benefits:
- Strengthens vision and cleanses the eyes.
- A Sunnah practiced by all Prophets.
2. The Seven Sunnahs to Keep Near the Bedside
The Prophet ï·º kept specific items near his bedside for personal use and spiritual benefits. These items can easily be incorporated into daily life.
A. Miswak (Tooth-stick)
The Prophet ï·º said:
“The Miswak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, 5)
How to Use:
- Use before Salah to multiply rewards by 70 times.
- Use before sleeping for cleanliness and Sunnah practice.
B. Perfume (Attar)
The Prophet ï·º said:
“Among the things made beloved to me in this world is perfume.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, 5144)
How to Use:
- Apply before Salah, before leaving home, and at gatherings.
- Preferred without alcohol and with natural scents.
C. Mirror & Scissors
Dua when looking in a mirror:
“O Allah, just as You have beautified my outer self, beautify my character.”
(Ibn Sunni, 603)
How to Use:
- Keep a mirror to maintain personal hygiene.
- Trim nails every Friday before Jumu’ah.
3. Essential Sunnahs in Salah & Daily Awrad
The Prophet ï·º said:
“Salah in congregation is twenty-seven times better than Salah performed alone.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 645)
After Salah: Tasbeeh & Dhikr
- 33x SubhanAllah, 33x Alhamdulillah, 34x Allahu Akbar.
- Recite Ayatul Kursi – Ensures protection from Shaytan.
Daily Dhikr & Awrad
- 100x La ilaha illallah – Clears the heart of sins.
- 100x Istighfar – Seeking forgiveness.
- 100x Durood Sharif – Brings closeness to the Prophet ﷺ.
- 100x SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Azeem – Brings immense rewards.
Special Sunnahs in Worship
- Tahajjud (8 Raka’ats) – The best Nafl prayer.
- Salatul Tasbeeh – Erases past sins.
- Sitting after Asr till Maghrib in silence & reflection.
- Remaining in Wudu as much as possible.
The Prophet ï·º said:
“No one is regular in Salatul Tasbeeh except that his sins, past and future, are forgiven.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 1297)
The Prophet ï·º also said:
“No one makes Wudu and prays two Rak’ahs sincerely, except that Paradise becomes obligatory for him.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, 1486)
4. The Sunnah of Muraqaba (Silent Meditation)
Muraqaba (silent reflection) is a powerful way to maintain spiritual focus.
Before Muraqaba, recite:
- Bismillah (once).
- Astaghfirullah (three times).
- Durood (three times).
Steps in Muraqaba:
- Imagine Allah’s name illuminating your heart.
- Feel Allah’s presence.
- Remain silent and in deep reflection.
The Prophet ï·º said:
“A moment of deep reflection is better than a thousand years of worship.”
(Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman, 6750)
5. Conclusion: Reviving the Sunnah in Our Daily Lives
By following these essential Sunnahs, we strengthen our faith, increase rewards, and draw closer to Allah.
Allah says:
“Say (O Muhammad), If you love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:31)
May Allah grant us the ability to revive the Sunnah in our lives. Ameen.
This guide serves as a practical roadmap to incorporating the Prophetic way of life into your daily routine, ensuring spiritual growth, barakah, and closeness to Allah.
