The Virtue of Reviving a Sunnah

Story Time: Being Like Our Best Friend, Prophet Muhammad!

Do you have a best friend you love to play with and try to be like? Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is like our best friend in Islam! Allah sent him to teach us how to be kind, brave, and how to live a happy life that pleases Allah.

Everything Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, did, or even approved of, is called a Sunnah. It's like his special way of doing things! For example, he always used to brush his teeth with a miswak (a natural toothbrush) to keep them clean. He always started things with his right hand. He smiled a lot and was always kind to everyone.

Sometimes, over time, people might forget some of these good ways Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed us. But guess what? When we learn about a Sunnah and start doing it again, it's like we are reviving it! It's like bringing a forgotten treasure back to life! When we do this, Allah loves it, and it shows how much we love Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and want to follow his beautiful example.

It's a way to keep his teachings alive and shining, like a bright light for everyone to see. When we try to be like our best friend Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we learn to be better Muslims and make Allah happy!

This week, we're talking about something really cool: reviving a Sunnah. It's not just about old traditions; it's about bringing the timeless wisdom and beautiful example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) back into our daily lives.

What exactly is a Sunnah? It's everything the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, did, or approved of. It's his lifestyle, his character, his habits, and his teachings. Think of it as a comprehensive guide to living a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life. For example, his emphasis on cleanliness, his kindness to neighbors, his practice of seeking knowledge, or even simple acts like greeting others with a smile.

Why is "reviving" a Sunnah so virtuous? Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself said:

"Whoever revives a Sunnah from my Sunnah and people act upon it, then he will have the reward of all those who act upon it without any decrease in their reward." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

This Hadith highlights an incredible opportunity for continuous reward! When a Sunnah becomes forgotten or less common, and you actively bring it back into practice – and others follow your lead – you get a share in their rewards too. This isn't just about rituals; it's about embodying the prophetic character in our modern lives. It means living with compassion, honesty, humility, and excellence in everything we do, just as he did.

Reviving a Sunnah is a powerful way to express our love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) and a holistic commitment to living Islam. It shows we're not just passive believers but active followers who strive to emulate the greatest example of humanity. It helps us connect with a rich heritage and ensures that the practical wisdom of Islam continues to guide generations.

Our discourse this week centers on the profound virtue of reviving a Sunnah, a concept that transcends mere adherence to rituals, delving into a holistic commitment to embodying the prophetic ideal. It is an expression of our deep love for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a practical means of living Islam as exemplified by its greatest embodiment.

The Sunnah encompasses the entirety of the Prophet's life – his words, actions, silent approvals, and his sublime character (akhlaq). It is the living tafsir (explanation) of the Quran, providing the practical blueprint for divine guidance. Allah states in the Quran:

"And indeed, you are upon a tremendous character." (Quran, 68:4)

And also:

"There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often." (Quran, 33:21)

To "revive a Sunnah" is to resuscitate a practice, an etiquette, a character trait, or a forgotten teaching of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that has become less prevalent in society. The immense reward for this act is highlighted in the Hadith:

"Whoever revives a Sunnah from my Sunnah and people act upon it, then he will have the reward of all those who act upon it without any decrease in their reward. And whoever introduces an evil innovation (bid'ah) which is not approved by Allah and His Messenger, will have the sin of everyone who acts upon it without any decrease in their sins." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

This Hadith illuminates the multiplying effect of good deeds and the profound responsibility of preserving prophetic guidance. Reviving a Sunnah is not simply about personal piety; it's an act of collective benefit, contributing to the spiritual health and moral compass of the Ummah. It guards against innovation (bid'ah) by reinforcing authentic practice and ensures that the light of prophetic wisdom continues to illuminate our lives. It's a conscious effort to align our daily existence with the most perfected human example, fostering spiritual growth, ethical clarity, and a deeper connection to Allah. It demonstrates a commitment to truly live Islam, not just intellectually assent to it.