REVIVING THE SUNNAH IN THE NEW YEAR: 10 PROPHETIC PRACTICES
Inspire FM
15th January 2024
As we embark on a new year, it is a perfect moment for us to rekindle our connection with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His life, encapsulated in the Sunnah, offers a timeless guide for spiritual growth and personal development.
In this article, we will delve into ten impactful Sunnahs that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life, bringing both worldly and spiritual success.
1. Sleep on your right side:
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ slept on his right side, a practice that promotes better sleep quality and is beneficial for physical and spiritual well-being.
Al-Bara' bin ‘Azib said, “When Allah’s Messenger ﷺ went to bed, he used to sleep on his right side” (Bukhari).
2. Use miswak to clean your teeth:
Miswak, derived from the Salvadora persica tree, possesses numerous antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for oral hygiene.
Adopting the Sunnah of using miswak not only maintains oral hygiene but also serves as a means of following the Prophet's practices, as encouraged by the Hadith.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "If I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak for every prayer" (Bukhari).
3. Visit the sick:
Reflecting the compassion of the Prophet ﷺ, visiting the sick is a Sunnah that strengthens community bonds and demonstrates care and empathy towards those facing health challenges.
Unfortunately, we often come across people in our family, friends, and acquaintances facing various illnesses. Visiting and spending time with them shows love and strengthens our relationship.
It's worth mentioning that the Prophet ﷺ waited three days before visiting a sick person (Ibn Majah).
4. Do not find fault with food:
Embracing contentment, a Sunnah-based approach to food encourages believers to appreciate and consume what is served without criticizing. This practice fosters gratitude and humility.
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet ﷺ never found fault with food (served to him). If he liked anything, he ate it and if he did not like it he left it (Muslim).
5. Drink in 3 gulps:
Following the Sunnah of moderation while drinking ensures a mindful and healthy approach to hydration, aligning with the Prophet's guidance on maintaining balance in all aspects of life.
It’s been said that the Prophet ﷺ used to take three breaths while drinking (Bukhari).
6. Have a pleasant smile always:
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known for his frequent smiles, a practice that has proven benefits for mental well-being. Smiling not only boosts one's mood but also spreads positivity to those around them.
Ibn Jaz reported: “I have not seen anyone who smiled more than the Messenger of Allah” (Tirmidhi).
7. Speak good or keep silent:
We often find ourselves in situations where we sit and talk about things that do not concern us. This Sunnah advises us to either speak positively or remain silent.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “He who believes in Allah and the Hereafter, if he witnesses any matter he should talk in good terms about it or keep quiet” (Muslim).
The beauty of this sunnah is that it will help you save time and reduce the amount of energy used to contemplate irrelevant matters being discussed, fostering a more productive and harmonious environment.
8. Eat from the side of the plate:
Following the etiquette in dining of the Prophet ﷺ, this Sunnah emphasizes order and consideration when sharing meals.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Blessing descends upon food in its middle, so eat from the sides of the vessel and do not eat from its middle" (Dawud and Tirmidhi).
9. Dust the bed before sleeping:
Incorporating a simple practice into your bedtime routine not only promotes cleanliness but also aligns with the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "When any of you goes to bed, he should shake off (or dust off) his bedsheet because he does not know what might have fallen on it after he had left it" (Bukhari and Muslim).
10. Fast on Mondays and Thursdays:
Fasting on these days, as suggested by the Prophet ﷺ, holds spiritual significance and provides an opportunity for increased devotion, self-discipline, and reflection.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Deeds of people are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays. So I like that my actions be presented while I am fasting" (Tirmidhi).
Incorporating these Sunnahs into our daily lives allows us to walk the path of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and find fulfilment in both this world and the hereafter.
As we embrace the new year, let us commit to reviving these timeless practices, drawing inspiration from the exemplary life of the last Prophet ﷺ.
May the coming year be one of spiritual growth, personal development, and adherence to the beautiful Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
