Types of Sunnah

Sunnah means the way of life or the habitual practice of Prophet Muhammad SAW. Sunnah is the second source of Islamic Law after Al Quran. Literal meaning of Sunnah is ‘a clear and well trodden path or road”.

Sunnah denotes the actions, saying, precepts, deeds, practice etc of Prophet Muhammad SAW that he taught and practically instituted as teacher of Shariah. The Quran says:

 "If you should love Allah, then follow me (Muhammad), so that Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."(QS 3:31)

In its technical sense sunnah has three categories. In hadith terminology it denotes any saying (qul), action (fi'l), approval (taqrîr), whether physical (khilqiyya) or moral (khuluqiyya) ascribed (udifa ila) to the Prophet.

1) Sunnat-ul-Qul - all words, counsels or precepts of the Prophet Muhammad SAW

2) Sunnat-ul-Fi'l - his action, works and daily practices

3) Sunnat-ul-Taqrir - his silence implying a tacit approbation on his part of any individual act committed by his disciples

In the terminology of fiqh or jurisprudence, sunnah can be further divided into:

1) Sunnah al-Huda - Sunnah of Guidance

2) Sunnah al-'Adab - Sunnah of Habit

3) Sunnah Mu'akkada - Emphasized sunnah

4) Sunnah Ghayr Mu'akkada - Non-Emphasized sunnah

Sunnah Mu'akkada which normally falls into the mustahab (mandud/sunat) category deriving from Sunnah al-Huda, is the injunction of Shariah which was regularly fulfilled by the Holy Prophet but was occasionally missed so that it might not become "Fard" (obligatory) for his Ummah or that act which has been emphasized upon by the Shariah.

Mustahab is the injunction of Shariah whose fulfillment is commendable, desirable in Shariah whether it was practised by the Holy Prophet himself or the Muslim scholars liked it even although it has weak certainty and authenticity from an ahadith. It is rewarding to fulfill a Mustahab but no offence if not done.

Sunnah Ghair-Mu'akkada which normally falls into the makruh category deriving from Sunnah al-'Adab, is that injunction of Shariah which has not been emphasized upon but ignoring it is an undesirable act. However, no chastisement or sin has been specified to this effect. Fulfilment of the Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkada will earn believer merits whereas its habitual abandonment invites Divine anger.

Wallahu'alam