The Comprehensive Guide to Essential Sunnahs: A Path to Prophetic Lifestyle
Sections in this guide
1. Sunnahs of Personal Grooming & Attire
Islam promotes cleanliness, modesty, and dignity in personal appearance. The Prophet ﷺ was always well-groomed and presentable, and he encouraged his followers to do the same.
A. Wearing an Imamah (Turban)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Wear the turban, for it increases wisdom.”
(Tabarani, 12118)
Benefits & Rewards:
- Increases Salah reward by 25 times.
- A sign of dignity and honor in Islam.
How to Wear It:
- A cloth wrapped around a cap (taqiyah) is Sunnah.
- The Prophet ﷺ sometimes let the end hang between his shoulders.
B. Keeping a Beard
The Prophet ﷺ commanded:
“Trim the mustache and let the beard grow.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5892)
How to Maintain It:
- Let it grow to a fist-length (below this, trimming is Makruh).
- Trim the mustache short but do not shave it completely.
Rewards:
- Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ.
- A means of differentiating from non-Muslims.
C. Applying Olive Oil (Zayt)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Eat olive oil and apply it, for it is from a blessed tree.”
(Tirmidhi, 1851)
How to Apply Olive Oil:
- Pour into the palm, apply to the eyebrows, below the lip, and on the hair.
- Start with the right side, then the left side.
- Apply before sleeping for nourishment and shine.
Benefits:
- Strengthens hair and prevents baldness.
- Enhances skin glow and prevents dryness.
- Revives the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
D. Surma (Kohl) for the Eyes
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Apply Surma, as it strengthens the eyesight and grows eyelashes.”
(Ibn Majah, 3497)
How to Apply:
- Apply before sleeping (three times in each eye).
- Use pure Ithmid Surma, as recommended by the Prophet ﷺ.
Benefits:
- Strengthens vision and cleanses the eyes.
- A Sunnah practiced by all Prophets.
2. The Seven Sunnahs to Keep Near the Bedside
The Prophet ﷺ kept specific items near his bedside for personal use and spiritual benefits. These items can easily be incorporated into daily life.
A. Miswak (Tooth-stick)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The Miswak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, 5)
How to Use:
- Use before Salah to multiply rewards by 70 times.
- Use before sleeping for cleanliness and Sunnah practice.
B. Perfume (Attar)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Among the things made beloved to me in this world is perfume.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, 5144)
How to Use:
- Apply before Salah, before leaving home, and at gatherings.
- Preferred without alcohol and with natural scents.
C. Mirror & Scissors
Dua when looking in a mirror:
“O Allah, just as You have beautified my outer self, beautify my character.”
(Ibn Sunni, 603)
How to Use:
- Keep a mirror to maintain personal hygiene.
- Trim nails every Friday before Jumu’ah.
3. Essential Sunnahs in Salah & Daily Awrad
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Salah in congregation is twenty-seven times better than Salah performed alone.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 645)
After Salah: Tasbeeh & Dhikr
- 33x SubhanAllah, 33x Alhamdulillah, 34x Allahu Akbar.
- Recite Ayatul Kursi – Ensures protection from Shaytan.
Daily Dhikr & Awrad
- 100x La ilaha illallah – Clears the heart of sins.
- 100x Istighfar – Seeking forgiveness.
- 100x Durood Sharif – Brings closeness to the Prophet ﷺ.
- 100x SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil Azeem – Brings immense rewards.
Special Sunnahs in Worship
- Tahajjud (8 Raka’ats) – The best Nafl prayer.
- Salatul Tasbeeh – Erases past sins.
- Sitting after Asr till Maghrib in silence & reflection.
- Remaining in Wudu as much as possible.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“No one is regular in Salatul Tasbeeh except that his sins, past and future, are forgiven.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 1297)
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“No one makes Wudu and prays two Rak’ahs sincerely, except that Paradise becomes obligatory for him.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, 1486)
4. The Sunnah of Muraqaba (Silent Meditation)
Muraqaba (silent reflection) is a powerful way to maintain spiritual focus.
Before Muraqaba, recite:
- Bismillah (once).
- Astaghfirullah (three times).
- Durood (three times).
Steps in Muraqaba:
- Imagine Allah’s name illuminating your heart.
- Feel Allah’s presence.
- Remain silent and in deep reflection.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A moment of deep reflection is better than a thousand years of worship.”
(Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman, 6750)
5. Conclusion: Reviving the Sunnah in Our Daily Lives
By following these essential Sunnahs, we strengthen our faith, increase rewards, and draw closer to Allah.
Allah says:
“Say (O Muhammad), If you love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:31)
May Allah grant us the ability to revive the Sunnah in our lives. Ameen.
This guide serves as a practical roadmap to incorporating the Prophetic way of life into your daily routine, ensuring spiritual growth, barakah, and closeness to Allah.
