Forgotten Sunnahs: Reviving Beloved Practices

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast, fragrant garden. Sunlight dapples through ancient trees, and the air hums with the gentle rustle of leaves. This garden is our Deen, rich with the practices and teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. But over time, some of its paths have become overgrown, its flowers a little hidden. We find ourselves drawn to the well-trodden paths, perhaps missing the unique beauty and profound blessings found on those less traveled.

This is the reality for many of us when we talk about "forgotten sunnahs." These aren't obscure rituals; they are the beautiful, simple, and profoundly impactful ways the Prophet ﷺ lived his life, interacted with others, and connected with Allah. Reviving them isn't just about adding more to our to-do lists; it's about weaving a richer tapestry into our Deen, finding deeper peace, and drawing closer to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and, by extension, to Allah Himself.

The Whispers of the Past: Why Sunnah Matters

Before we explore specific practices, let's remind ourselves why the Sunnah is so central to our faith. The Quran guides us, but it's the Sunnah that shows us how to implement those divine commands in our daily lives. Allah says:

Arabic: قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ Translation: "Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'" Transliteration: Qul in kuntum tuhibbunallaha fattabi'uni yuhbibkumullahu wa yaghfir lakum dhunubakum wallahu ghafurur rahim

— Surah Al-Imran, 3:31

This ayah is a direct command from Allah to follow the Prophet ﷺ. Our love for Allah is demonstrated through our obedience to His Messenger. The Sunnah is the embodiment of that obedience.

Furthermore, the Prophet ﷺ was the living Quran. His actions, sayings, and approvals were a practical exposition of Islamic teachings. When we learn and implement his Sunnah, we are essentially learning from the best teacher and living by the most perfect example.

Unearthing Hidden Gems: Practical Sunnahs to Revive

Many of these "forgotten" sunnahs are small acts, often overlooked in our busy lives. Yet, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized their significance, and they carry immense reward.

The Beauty of Greeting (Salam)

We all know to say "Assalamu Alaikum," but do we truly embody its spirit? The Sunnah goes deeper than a quick exchange.

Giving Salam: The Prophet ﷺ taught us that greeting others is a way to spread peace and love. He said:

Arabic: يُسَلِّمُ الرَّاكِبُ عَلَى المَاشِي، وَالمَاشِي عَلَى القَاعِدِ، وَالقَلِيلُ عَلَى الكَثِيرِ Translation: "The rider should greet the walker, and the walker should greet the one who is sitting, and the small group should greet the large group." Transliteration: Yusallimur rakibu 'alal mashi, wal mashiy 'alal qa'idi, wal qalilu 'alal kathir

— Sahih al-Bukhari 6241, Sahih Muslim 2161

This hadith highlights a beautiful etiquette: the one with a "higher" status (rider vs. walker) or the minority should initiate. This is humility in action. Think about it: how often do we initiate the greeting, especially if we feel we're in a position of less 'rank'?

Responding to Salam: And the response is just as important. A proper response isn't just a muttered "wa alaikum assalam." It's meant to be better or at least equivalent:

Arabic: وَإِذَا حُيِّيْتُمْ بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا Translation: "And when you are greeted with [a greeting of] peace, respond with [an even] better or [at least] similar greeting. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant." Transliteration: Wa idha huyyitum bitahiyyatin fahayyu bi ahsana minha aw ruddoha, innallaha kana 'ala kulli shai'in hasiba

— Surah An-Nisa, 4:86

When we revive these simple acts, we're not just following a sunnah; we're actively fostering community and demonstrating respect, as the Prophet ﷺ taught us.

The Power of a Smile

This one is almost embarrassingly simple, yet profoundly powerful. We often think of Sunnah as complex rituals, but the Prophet's ﷺ interactions were filled with warmth.

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

— Sahih al-Tirmidhi 1956 (Hasan Gharib)

In a world often filled with stress and negativity, a genuine smile can be a lifeline. The Prophet ﷺ, despite the immense pressures he faced, was known for his cheerful disposition. Reviving this sunnah means consciously looking for opportunities to connect with people through a simple, kind smile. It costs nothing but yields immeasurable spiritual and social returns.

The Art of Sitting

Where and how we sit can also be a Sunnah. It's about respect for ourselves, for others, and for the environment.

Not Sitting Alone in a Circle: There's a specific prohibition against joining a circle of people where you are the only one sitting alone, separate from them. The Prophet ﷺ said:

Arabic: لَا يَجْلِسْ أَحَدُكُمْ وَحْدَهُ بَيْنَ الرَّجُلَيْنِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِمَا Translation: "No man should sit between two people without their permission." Transliteration: La yajlis ahadukum wahdahu baynar rajulaini illa bi idhnihima

— Sahih Abi Dawud 4845 (Sahih)

This teaches us about respecting personal space and the social dynamics within a group. It encourages integration and prevents awkwardness. If you see a gap, ask before filling it. It's a small act that shows consideration.

Sitting with Respect: When sitting in a gathering, the Prophet ﷺ would often sit with his knees drawn up to his chest if there was a need, or in a way that showed humility and readiness. He wouldn't sprawl or disrespect the space.

The Significance of the Toothbrush (Miswak)

This is a classic example of a Sunnah many have revived, but perhaps not everyone knows its full import. The miswak (a twig from a specific tree used for cleaning teeth) was the Prophet's ﷺ constant companion.

Arabic: السِّوَاكُ مَطْهَرَةٌ لِلْفَمِ مَذْهَبَةٌ لِلْفُورِ مَرْضَاةٌ لِلرَّبِّ Translation: "The miswak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord." Transliteration: As-siwaku mat-harratun lil-fam, madh-habatun lil-for, mardatun lir-Rabb

— Sahih al-Bukhari 888

Think about this: an act of physical hygiene is described as pleasing to Allah! This shows how Islam elevates even our daily habits, connecting our physical well-being with our spiritual devotion. Even if you use a toothbrush today, the intent and the spirit of maintaining oral purity as the Prophet ﷺ did can be revived. Many scholars mention that using a toothbrush with the intention of following the Sunnah of oral purification earns the reward.

The Prophetic Way of Drinking

Even something as basic as drinking water was done with intention and care by the Prophet ﷺ.

Drinking in Three Breaths: Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:

Arabic: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتَنَفَّسُ فِي الإِنَاءِ ثَلَاثًا، وَيَقُولُ: إِنَّهُ أَرْوَى وَأَبْرَأُ وَأَمْرَأُ Translation: "Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to drink in three breaths and say: 'It is more wholesome, has more [blessing] and is more satisfying.'" Transliteration: Kana Rasulullahi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallama yatanffasu fil-ina'i thalathan, wa yaqulu: innahu arwa wa abra' wa amra'

— Sahih al-Bukhari 6270

Taking a moment to pause, breathe, and drink deliberately transforms a mundane act into a mindful practice. It aids digestion and prevents gulping, which can cause discomfort. This habit trains us to be present in our actions.

Drinking with the Right Hand: This is a well-known sunnah, but are we consistently applying it?

Arabic: لَا يَأْكُلَنَّ أَحَدُكُمْ بِيَمِينِهِ، وَلَا يَشْرَبْ بِيَمِينِهِ، فَإِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَأْكُلُ بِيَسَارِهِ وَيَشْرَبُ بِيَسَارِهِ Translation: "None of you should eat with your left hand, nor drink with your left hand, for indeed Ash-Shaitan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand." Transliteration: La ya'kulanna ahadukum bi yaminih, wa la yashrab bi yaminih, fa inna Ash-Shaytana ya'kulu bi yasarihi wa yashrabu bi yasarih

— Sahih Muslim 2020

This isn't just about imitation; it's about distinguishing ourselves from the ways of Shaytan and associating our actions with blessings. When we hold our cup with our right hand, we're consciously aligning ourselves with the Prophetic example.

The Subtle Power of Dua (Supplication)

While many of us make dua, there are specific instances and ways the Prophet ﷺ made dua that often get overlooked.

Dua for Small Matters: We often reserve dua for crises. But the Sunnah teaches us to turn to Allah for everything, big or small.

Arabic: سَلُوا اللَّهَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ، حَتَّى شِرَاكَ حِذَائِكُمْ، فَإِنَّهُ إِنْ لَمْ يُيَسِّرْ لَكُمْ لَمْ يُيَسِّرْ Translation: "Ask Allah for everything, even the strap of your sandal, for if He does not make it easy, it will not be easy." Transliteration: Salullah kulla shay'in, hatta shiraka hithaa'ikum, fa innahu in lam yuyassir lakum lam yuyassir

— Sahih al-Tirmidhi 2978 (Hasan)

This hadith is a beautiful reminder of Allah's sovereignty over all things. By asking Allah for small things, we constantly acknowledge our dependence on Him and affirm His power. It keeps our hearts connected to Him throughout the day.

Dua upon Waking and Sleeping: These are perhaps two of the most common sunnah duas, yet in the rush of modern life, they can become rote.

Arabic: الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ Translation: "All praise is due to Allah Who revived us after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection." Transliteration: Alhamdulillahilladhi ahyaana ba'da ma amata-na wa ilayhi an-nushoor

— Sahih al-Bukhari 6312

This morning dua is a profound acknowledgment of Allah's power over life and death, a constant reminder of our debt to Him for another day. Similarly, the evening dua before sleep is a beautiful act of entrusting oneself to Allah's protection.

The Forgotten Etiquette of Sneezing

We usually say "Alhamdulillah" when we sneeze, but do we know the full etiquette?

Covering the Mouth: The Prophet ﷺ advised:

Arabic: إِذَا عَطَسَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَقُلْ: الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، وَلْيَقُلْ لَهُ أَخُوهُ أَوْ صَاحِبُهُ: يَرْحَمُكَ اللَّهُ، فَإِذَا قَالَ لَهُ: يَرْحَمُكَ اللَّهُ، فَلْيَقُلْ: يَهْدِيكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيُصْلِحُ بَالَكُمْ Translation: "When one of you sneezes, he should say 'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah), and the Muslims who are with him should say 'Yarhamuk Allah' (May Allah have mercy on you). When they say 'Yarhamuk Allah', he should say 'Yahdikumullah wa yuslih balakum' (May Allah guide you and set your condition right)." Transliteration: Idha 'atas ahadukum falyqul: alhamdulillah, wa lyqul lahu akhuhu aw sahibuhu: yarhamukallah, fa idha qala lahu: yarhamukallah, falyqul: yahdikumullahu wa yuslih balakum

— Sahih al-Bukhari 6224

This exchange is a beautiful micro-community in action. It's an act of collective remembrance of Allah and mutual well-wishing. Reviving this means actively responding when someone sneezes and making that specific dua for them.

Bringing the Sunnah Back into Our Lives

It can feel overwhelming to think about reviving so many practices. But the beauty of the Sunnah is that it's meant to be integrated, not imposed.

Start Small: Pick one or two sunnahs that resonate with you. Perhaps it's the smile, or drinking in three breaths, or initiating salam more often. Consistency with small acts is better than sporadic effort with many.

Set Intentions (Niyyah): The intention is key in Islam. When you perform an act that the Prophet ﷺ did, even if it's a seemingly mundane action, make the intention to follow his example. This transforms ordinary acts into acts of worship.

Educate Yourself: Continue learning about the Sunnah. Read books, listen to lectures, and discuss with knowledgeable friends. The more you understand the wisdom and beauty behind these practices, the more motivated you'll be.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: You won't be perfect overnight. There will be days you forget, days you slip. That's okay. Recognize it, seek forgiveness, and try again. Allah loves the persistent, even if their efforts are small.

Reviving these beloved practices is more than just emulation; it's a journey of love. It's a tangible way to express our love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and through him, our love for Allah. It enriches our Deen, brings barakah into our lives, and reconnects us to the timeless wisdom of our faith.

Let's consciously look for those overgrown paths in our spiritual garden. Let's nurture them with intention and practice. For in reviving these forgotten sunnahs, we don't just bring back practices; we bring back the essence of the Prophetic way, and in doing so, we find a fuller, more vibrant Deen.