Introduction to Al-Sunnah: The Prophetic Way

Slide 1: Title Slide

● Title: Introduction to Al-Sunnah: Understanding the Prophetic Way
● Subtitle: The Second Source of Islamic Guidance
● (Image Suggestion: Calligraphy of "Muhammad Rasulullah" or an image
representing the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.)
Slide 2: What is Al-Sunnah? - Definition
● Linguistic Meaning of Sunnah (‫)ُس َّنة‬:
○ A path, a way, a course, a manner of acting, a tradition, or a precedent.
● Technical (Shar'i) Definition in Islam:
○ Generally refers to everything that is narrated from the Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him - PBUH), including:
■ His sayings (Qawl)
■ His actions (Fi'l)
■ His tacit approvals (Taqrir - things done or said in his presence that he
did not object to)
■ His moral character and physical attributes.
● In essence: The Sunnah is the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) way of life, his
teachings, and his example, which Muslims strive to follow.
Slide 3: Categories of Sunnah (Part 1): Sunnah Qawliyyah (Verbal)
● Definition: The sayings, statements, and utterances of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH). These are what he said on various occasions.
● Examples:
○ On Intentions: "Verily, actions are but by intentions, and every person will
have only what they intended." (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim)
○ On Kindness: "He who is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully
(by Allah)." (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim)
○ On Seeking Knowledge: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every
Muslim." (Narrated by Ibn Majah - classed as Sahih by some)
● Note: These sayings are primarily recorded in Hadith collections.

Slide 4: Categories of Sunnah (Part 2): Sunnah Fi'liyyah (Actions/Deeds)

● Definition: The actions, deeds, and practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This includes how he performed acts of worship and conducted his daily affairs.
● Examples:
 ○ How to Pray (Salah): The companions observed how the Prophet (PBUH)
prayed, including his postures, movements, and recitations. He said, "Pray as
you have seen me praying." (Narrated by Bukhari)
○ How to Perform Hajj (Pilgrimage): He demonstrated the rituals of Hajj, and
Muslims follow his example.
○ His Daily Habits: How he ate, slept, dressed, and interacted with people. For
instance, eating with his right hand, starting with "Bismillah."
Slide 5: Categories of Sunnah (Part 3): Sunnah Taqririyyah (Tacit Approvals)
● Definition: Actions or sayings of the Companions (Sahaba) that were done or
said in the presence of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), or came to his knowledge,
and he did not object to them. His silence or approval is considered a form of
Sunnah.
● Examples:
○ Tayammum after Searching for Water: Two companions performed
Tayammum (dry ablution) when they couldn't find water for prayer. Later,
they found water while the prayer time was still valid. One repeated his prayer
with Wudu, the other did not. The Prophet (PBUH) approved of both actions,
telling the one who didn't repeat, "You have followed the Sunnah and your
prayer is valid," and to the one who repeated, "You will have a double
reward." (Narrated by Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i - classed as Sahih)
○ Eating Dhabb (Mastigure Lizard): When a dhabb was presented to the
Prophet (PBUH), he did not eat it but did not forbid others from eating it,
indicating its permissibility. (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim)
Slide 6: Al-Qur'an and Al-Sunnah: Key Differences

Feature Al-Qur'an Al-Sunnah (primarily

Hadith)

Nature The literal Word of Allah Words, actions, approvals of

(Kalam Allah) Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Revelation Revealed verbatim by Allah to Inspired by Allah, but

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expressed in the Prophet's
via Angel Jibril (PBUH) own words/actions

Recitation Recitation is an act of worship Recitation of Hadith texts is

(Ibadah) itself, used in Salah not an act of worship in the
same ritualistic sense as
 Qur'an

Miraculousness Inimitable (I'jaz) in its Not considered inimitable in

language and content the same way as the Qur'an

Preservation Exactly preserved in wording Preserved through rigorous

and order by Allah (Tawatur in chains of narration (Sanad)
its entirety) and textual criticism (Matn);
authenticity varies (Sahih,
Hasan, Da'if etc.)

Legal Status The primary, foundational The second primary source of

source of Islamic law Islamic law

Slide 7: Why is the Sunnah So Important? (Part 1)

● Obedience to Allah: Obeying the Prophet (PBUH) is obeying Allah.
○ "He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah..." (Qur'an 4:80)
○ "O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger..." (Qur'an
4:59)
● The Best Example to Follow: The Prophet (PBUH) is the perfect role model for
Muslims.
○ "There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent
pattern (Uswa Hasana) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day
and [who] remembers Allah often." (Qur'an 33:21)
● Path to Allah's Love & Forgiveness: Following the Sunnah is a means to attain
Allah's love.
○ "Say (O Muhammad): 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will
love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'"
(Qur'an 3:31)
Slide 8: The Roles of Sunnah in Islam (Part 2)
1. Explains and Clarifies the Qur'an (Tafsir & Bayan):
○ The Sunnah provides details and practical application for general commands
in the Qur'an.
○ Example: The Qur'an commands Salah (prayer), but the Sunnah explains how
to pray (number of Rak'ahs, timings, actions).
○ Example: The Qur'an commands Zakat, but the Sunnah specifies the types of
wealth subject to Zakat, the Nisab (minimum amount), and percentages.
2. Confirms and Emphasizes Rulings in the Qur'an (Ta'kid):
 ○ The Sunnah often reiterates and reinforces principles already mentioned in
the Qur'an (e.g., importance of honesty, kindness to parents).
3. Establishes New Rulings Not Explicitly in the Qur'an (Tashri'):
○ The Sunnah introduces some rulings and practices not detailed in the Qur'an,
based on divine inspiration to the Prophet (PBUH).
○ Example: Prohibition of wearing silk and gold for men, specific dietary
prohibitions like domesticated donkeys.
4. Provides Practical Guidance for Daily Life: The Sunnah covers all aspects of
life, from personal hygiene and etiquette to social interactions and governance.
Slide 9: Conclusion: Embracing the Sunnah
● Indispensable Source: The Sunnah is an integral and indispensable part of
Islam, working hand-in-hand with the Qur'an.
● Understanding Islam: A proper understanding and practice of Islam is
incomplete without reference to the Sunnah.
● Living a Guided Life: Following the Sunnah is key to living a life that is pleasing
to Allah, embodying the best of character, and achieving success in this life and
the Hereafter.
● Your Journey: As you learn about Islam, take the time to learn about the
Prophet's (PBUH) Sunnah from authentic sources.