5 Ways to Follow the Sunnah

5 Simple Ways to Follow the Sunnah in Everyday Life
Living by the Sunnah doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five easy, impactful ways to incorporate the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) teachings into your daily life.

“Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If you (really) love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

[Quran: Chapter 3, Verse 31]

1. Start Your Day with Fajr Prayer and Positive Intentions

One of the most beloved practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was to start the day early. Beginning with Fajr prayer not only fulfills an important act of worship, but it also sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead. This early start allows time for reflection, recitation of Qur’an, and making a fresh, positive intention for the day. Consider setting your alarm a bit earlier to include even a few minutes of quiet meditation or dhikr, and see how it adds calm and clarity to your morning.

Tip: You could keep a small notebook near your prayer mat to jot down any intentions or goals for the day. This can help you stay mindful and remember your purpose throughout the day.

2. Practice Gratitude in Small Actions

The Sunnah encourages us to be grateful to Allah for both big and small blessings. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized gratitude in words, actions, and even in his outlook on life. A simple habit you can adopt is expressing thanks throughout the day—whether it’s saying “Alhamdulillah” (All praise belongs to Allah) for a meal, good health, or even a nice breeze. Expressing gratitude makes us more aware of the countless blessings around us.

Example: After each meal, you could pause and say a quick prayer of thanks. It’s a small act but a powerful reminder to appreciate the food and resources you have.

3. Embrace Good Manners and Kindness Towards Others

One of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) most notable qualities was his character—his kindness, gentleness, and patience with people. Following the Sunnah means treating others with respect, offering a helping hand, and avoiding harsh or hurtful words. You can practice this by listening without interrupting, showing respect to elders, and even smiling more, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that a smile is charity.

Small Act: Next time you meet someone, make it a habit to greet them warmly, with a smile. A small gesture like this can brighten someone’s day, and it also reflects the gentleness of our Prophet (peace be upon him).

4. Maintain Cleanliness and Orderliness

Cleanliness is highly emphasized in Islam, and it’s a significant part of the Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would regularly perform wudu (ablution) and encouraged others to maintain cleanliness in all aspects of life, from personal hygiene to living spaces. Simple practices, such as washing hands before eating, brushing teeth, or keeping your home tidy, are not only hygienic but also align with the Prophet’s lifestyle.

Try This: Dedicate a few minutes each day to tidying up your surroundings or organizing your personal space. It’s a simple way to follow the Sunnah and helps create a more peaceful environment.

5. Incorporate Sunnah Foods in Your Diet

The Prophet (peace be upon him) had a simple, balanced diet, often including dates, honey, olive oil, and barley. Including these foods occasionally can be a gentle reminder of the blessings in the Sunnah and is also a way to connect with the lifestyle of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Dates, for example, are highly nutritious and were a staple in the Prophet’s diet. Adding a few dates to your meals, especially during suhoor in Ramadan, is a beautiful way to align with his practice.

Suggestion: Try starting your day with a few dates and a glass of water. It’s a Sunnah habit and also a healthy start to the day!

Conclusion: Making the Sunnah Part of Your Daily Life

Following the Sunnah is about weaving these practices naturally into your life, step by step. You don’t need to make dramatic changes; instead, try focusing on small, consistent actions. By incorporating these practices, you bring the spirit of the Prophet’s teachings into your life in a way that feels genuine and sustainable.