Forgotten Sunnahs: Reviving Beloved Practices Muslims Overlook Today

Imagine this: a gentle breeze rustles the leaves outside, the aroma of freshly brewed tea fills the air, and you're settling down to read. But instead of a novel or news, you pick up a well-worn book of Hadith. You flip through pages, a quiet smile gracing your lips as you recall the simple, profound ways our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived his life. These aren't grand pronouncements or complex rituals; they are the everyday moments, the small gestures, the quiet habits that made his ﷺ Sunnah so beautiful and relatable.

In our modern world, with its relentless pace and constant digital buzz, it’s easy for these beautiful, often simple, practices to fade into the background. We focus on the big acts of worship, the obligatory prayers, the fasting. And those are, of course, the pillars of our faith. But the Sunnah? It's the vibrant tapestry woven around those pillars, the breath of life that makes our faith dynamic and deeply personal. It’s where we find the Prophet's ﷺ love, mercy, and wisdom infused into the very fabric of our days.

When we talk about "forgotten Sunnahs," we're not talking about obscure traditions that are impossible to revive. We're talking about the overlooked gems, the gentle reminders that can transform our daily lives from mundane to meaningful, from disconnected to divinely connected. These are the practices that, when revived, bring us closer to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, and foster a deeper sense of community and compassion among ourselves.

The Power of the Small Gesture

Sometimes, the most impactful practices are the ones that require the least effort but yield the greatest reward. Think about the simple act of smiling. It seems so trivial, doesn't it? Yet, the Prophet ﷺ elevated it to an act of charity.

Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

Arabic: ‏بَسْمُكَ فِي وَجْهِ أَخِيكَ لَكَ صَدَقَةٌ ‏ Translation: "Your smile in the face of your brother is charity." Transliteration: Basmatuka fi wajhi akhika laka sadaqah

— Sahih al-Tirmidhi 1956 (Hasan Lighairihi)

Consider how often we encounter people throughout the day – colleagues, neighbors, family, even strangers. A genuine smile can disarm tension, convey warmth, and acknowledge the humanity in another. It’s a Sunnah that costs nothing but can mean everything to someone feeling isolated or down. It’s also a reflection of an inner state; a smiling face often reflects a heart at peace, a heart that remembers Allah.

Another beautiful, often overlooked Sunnah, is the greeting of peace. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized this repeatedly. He taught us that greeting others with Assalamu Alaikum is a way to spread love and unity.

Arabic: ‏وَإِذَا حُيِّيْتُمْ بَتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّواْ بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا Translation: "And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with what is better than it or [at least] return it equally. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, Accountant." Transliteration: Wa idha huyyitum bitahiyyatin fahuyyu bi ahsana minha aw rudduha, innallaha kana 'ala kulli shay'in hasiba

— Quran, Surah An-Nisa 4:86

This verse and countless Hadith remind us that the way we interact matters. It’s not just about saying the words; it’s about the intention behind them – to bring peace and good wishes to another. How many opportunities do we miss each day to strengthen our bonds through this simple, blessed greeting? How often do we rush past someone, perhaps lost in our own thoughts, forgetting this beautiful way to connect?

Habits for a Peaceful Heart and Home

Beyond social interactions, many Sunnah practices relate to our personal habits and the way we conduct ourselves in our homes. These are the practices that cultivate inner peace and a sense of tranquility.

One such practice is remembering Allah upon entering and leaving the home. This simple act transforms our homes into spaces filled with barakah (blessings).

Arabic: ‏إِذَا دَخَلَ الرَّجُلُ بَيْتَهُ قَالَ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّى أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ الْمَوْلَجِ وَخَيْرَ الْمَخْرَجِ بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ وَلَجْنَا وَبِاسْمِ اللَّهِ خَرَجْنَا وَعَلَى اللَّهِ رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا ‏ Translation: "When a man enters his house, he should say: 'O Allah, I ask You for the best of entering and the best of exiting, in the name of Allah we enter, and in the name of Allah we leave, and upon Allah, our Lord, we depend.'" Transliteration: Allahumma inni as'aluka khayr al-mawlij wa khayr al-makhraj, bismillahi walajna wa bismillahi kharajna, wa 'ala Allahi Rabbina tawakkalna.

— Reported in Abu Dawud (5096) and others. While the exact phrasing here is from some collections, the principle of remembering Allah upon entering and exiting is widely established.

Think about the feeling of peace and security this invocation brings. It’s a conscious act of seeking Allah's protection and blessings for our dwelling place. Conversely, forgetting to do so might leave us vulnerable to negative influences, or simply miss out on the immense barakah that comes from making Allah the center of even our domestic spaces.

Another beautiful Sunnah is sleeping in a state of purity. This isn't just about physical cleanliness; it's about preparing ourselves for rest in a way that is pleasing to Allah, ensuring our sleep itself becomes an act of worship.

Arabic: ‏إِذَا أَتَيْتَ مَضْجَعَكَ فَتَوَضَّأْ وُضُوءَكَ لِلصَّلاَةِ ثُمَّ اضْطَجِعْ عَلَى شِقِّكَ الأَيْمَنِ... Translation: "When you go to your bed, perform ablution like your ablution for prayer, then lie down on your right side..." Transliteration: Idha atayta madja'aka fatawadda'a wudu'aka lis-salati, thumma idtaj' 'ala shiqqika al-ayman...

— Sahih al-Bukhari 699 (parts of a longer hadith)

This hadith, along with others about reciting Surah Al-Mulk before sleep, and the specific supplications, transforms our sleep from mere unconsciousness into a period of spiritual renewal. How many of us just collapse into bed after a long day, without this simple preparation? Reviving this can make our nights more restful and our mornings more energized, both physically and spiritually.

The Sunnah of Eating and Drinking

Our daily sustenance, the food and drink we consume, are also areas where the Prophet ﷺ established beautiful Sunnah practices. These aren't just about manners; they're about gratitude, health, and acknowledging Allah as the Provider.

One of the most fundamental, yet sometimes overlooked, Sunnahs is saying Bismillah before eating and Alhamdulillah after eating.

Arabic: ‏عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا أَكَلَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَقُلْ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ نَسِىَ فِى أَوَّلِهِ فَلْيَقُلْ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَأَوَّلِهِ وَآخِرِهِ ‏" Translation: "When any one of you eats, he should say Bismillah. If he forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, he should say: 'Bismillah awwalahu wa akhirahu' (In the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end)." Transliteration: 'Anin Nabiyyi ﷺ qala: 'Idha akala ahadukum falyqul Bismillah. Fa in nasiya fi awwalihi falyqul: Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu.

— Sahih al-Tirmidhi 1781 (Sahih)

And after eating:

Arabic: ‏عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا رَفَعَ مَائِدَتَهُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ حَمْدًا كَثِيرًا طَيِّبًا مُبَارَكًا فِيهِ غَيْرَ مَكْفِىٍّ وَلاَ مُوَدَّعٍ وَلاَ مُسْتَغْنًى عَنْهُ رَبُّنَا ‏" Translation: "The Prophet ﷺ, when he finished his food, used to say: 'Praise be to Allah, praise much, good and blessed praise. [We say this] not [as a duty] fulfilled, nor [as a matter] of departure, nor [as one] of need, O our Lord.'" Transliteration: Al-hamdu lillahi hamdan kathiran tayyiban mubarakan fihi, ghayra makfiyyin wa la mudaww'in wa la mustaghnan 'anhu Rabbuna.

— Sahih al-Bukhari 5409

These simple phrases acknowledge Allah’s blessings in our food. They help us be mindful that every bite and sip is a gift from Him. By saying Bismillah, we seek His protection from any harm the food might contain and invite barakah. By saying Alhamdulillah, we express gratitude for the sustenance that nourishes us. In a world where food waste is rampant and many go hungry, these expressions of gratitude are particularly poignant.

Another Sunnah related to eating is eating with the right hand. This is a clear directive that promotes hygiene and respect.

Arabic: ‏لاَ تَأْكُلْ بِشِمَالِكَ وَلاَ تَشْرَبْ بِشِمَالِكَ فَإِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَأْكُلُ بِشِمَالِهِ وَيَشْرَبُ بِشِمَالِهِ ‏" Translation: "Do not eat with your left hand, and do not drink with your left hand, for Satan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand." Transliteration: La ta'kul bi shimālika wa la tashrab bi shimālika, fa inna ash-shaytana ya'kulu bi shimālihi wa yashrabu bi shimālihi.

— Sahih Muslim 2020

This isn't just about superstition; it's a practical guideline rooted in how the Prophet ﷺ taught us to maintain purity and order. While we might face situations where using the left hand is unavoidable (e.g., due to injury), the general practice is a Sunnah that keeps us aligned with the Prophet's ﷺ teachings and away from emulating the ways of Satan.

The Sunnah of Clothing and Appearance

Our outer appearance, the way we dress and present ourselves, is also a reflection of our inner state and adherence to the Sunnah. These practices often highlight modesty, cleanliness, and respect.

Consider the Sunnah of wearing clothing on the right side first and taking it off from the left side. This applies to shirts, pants, and other garments.

Arabic: ‏كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُعْجِبُهُ التَّيَمُّنُ فِي تَنَعُّلِهِ وَتَرَجُّلِهِ وَطُهُورِهِ وَفِي شَأْنِهِ كُلِّهِ ‏" Translation: "The Prophet ﷺ liked to start using his right hand for putting on his shoes, combing his hair, purifying himself, and in all his affairs." Transliteration: Kana an-Nabiyyu ﷺ yu'jibuhu at-tayammunu fi tana''ulihi wa tarajjulihi wa tuhurihi wa fi sha'nihi kullihi.

— Sahih al-Bukhari 5927 (paraphrased for context on right-side preference)

This principle of starting with the right side extends to dressing. It’s a small act that brings our actions into conformity with the Prophet’s ﷺ practice, imbuing even something as mundane as getting dressed with a sense of purpose and connection.

Another vital Sunnah is maintaining cleanliness and tidiness. This isn't just about personal hygiene; it's a reflection of faith.

Arabic: ‏عَنْ أَبِي مَلْكَدٍ الْحَضْرَمِيِّ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ لَوْلاَ أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَى أُمَّتِي لأَمَرْتُهُمْ بِالسِّوَاكِ عِنْدَ كُلِّ صَلاَةٍ ‏" Translation: "Were it not that I might impose hardship on my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwak (toothbrush) before every prayer." Transliteration: Lawla an ashuqqa 'ala ummati la amartuhum bis-siwaki 'inda kulli salatin.

— Sahih al-Bukhari 887

The siwak is just one example. The Prophet ﷺ was meticulous about cleanliness. This Sunnah teaches us that cleanliness is not merely a cultural practice, but an integral part of our faith. It impacts our prayers, our interactions, and our overall well-being.

Why These Sunnahs Matter

Reviving these seemingly small, forgotten Sunnahs is more than just a nostalgic pursuit. It’s about reconnecting with the heart of our faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the embodiment of mercy, kindness, and practicality. His Sunnah is a living guide, showing us how to navigate life with grace, strength, and a constant remembrance of Allah.

When we consciously incorporate these practices into our lives, we:

1. Draw closer to Allah: Every act done with the intention of following the Sunnah is an act of worship, earning us Allah’s pleasure.
2. Emulate the best of creation: We strive to mirror the character and actions of the Prophet ﷺ, who is our ultimate role model.
3. Cultivate inner peace and discipline: These habits foster mindfulness, gratitude, and self-control.
4. Strengthen our community: Simple acts of kindness, respect, and greeting weave a stronger social fabric.
5. Gain immense reward: The Prophet ﷺ told us that whoever revives my Sunnah will have a great reward.

Arabic: ‏مَنْ أَحْيَا سُنَّتِي بَعْدَ مَوْتِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ أَجْرُ مَنْ عَمِلَ بِهَا ‏" Translation: "Whoever revives my Sunnah after my death, he will have a reward like those who acted upon it." Transliteration: Man ahya sunnati ba'da mauti fa innahu lahu ajru man 'amila biha.

— Sahih al-Tirmidhi 2617 (Hasan Lighairihi)

This hadith is a powerful motivator. It assures us that our efforts, no matter how small they seem, are recognized and rewarded by Allah.

Taking the First Step

So, where do we begin? Don't feel overwhelmed. Pick one or two Sunnahs that resonate with you. Maybe it’s starting your day with the siwak and a morning supplication. Perhaps it’s consciously saying Bismillah before every meal or making an effort to smile more at people you meet. The key is consistency and sincerity.

Let's make a conscious effort, starting today, to bring these beautiful, beloved practices back into our lives. Let our homes, our interactions, and our very selves reflect the gentle beauty of the Prophet's ﷺ Sunnah. By reviving these forgotten Sunnahs, we don't just change our habits; we enrich our souls and bring a deeper sense of purpose to our lives.

May Allah make it easy for us to follow the Sunnah of His beloved Messenger ﷺ and accept our efforts.