| Arabic | سُنَّة |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | SUN-nah |
| Etymology | From the Arabic root س-ن-ن (s-n-n), meaning to establish a way, to pave a path, or to sharpen/polish. السنة literally means 'a well-trodden path' or 'an أُسس way of life,' reflecting the idea that النبي laid down a clear path for Muslims to follow. |
السنة(سُنَّة) السنة refers to the way, practice, and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). In Islamic jurisprudence, السنة acts are مستحب practices that earn reward when performed but incur no sin when omitted.
سُنَّة
The السنة has two main usages in Islamic discourse. In the broadest sense, it refers to the entire corpus of النبي Muhammad's sayings (hadith), actions, and tacit approvals, forming the second source of Islamic law after القرآن. In the jurisprudential sense, السنة (also called Mandub or Mustahabb) refers to مستحب acts that النبي practiced or encouraged. In الحج, السنة acts include: performing الطواف al-Qudum (arrival الطواف), practicing الرَّمَل (brisk walking in the first three circuits), performing Idtiba (exposing the right shoulder during الطواف), spending the 8th of ذو الحجة in منى, making دعاء between the Rukn Yamani and the الحجر الأسود, drinking زمزم water, and other devotional acts النبي performed. السنة acts are divided into السنة Mu'akkadah (emphasized, regularly practiced by النبي) and السنة Ghair Mu'akkadah (non-emphasized, occasionally practiced). While omitting السنة acts does not require any penalty, scholars strongly encourage following them to earn the greatest reward and to emulate النبي's example.
From the Arabic root س-ن-ن (s-n-n), meaning to establish a way, to pave a path, or to sharpen/polish. السنة literally means 'a well-trodden path' or 'an أُسس way of life,' reflecting the idea that النبي laid down a clear path for Muslims to follow.