Qur'an and SunnahSunnah

IMPLEMENTING THE SUNNAH

What does the Qur’an say about this?

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allah’s Apostle SAW said, “Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, disobeys me.” [Bukhari]

Also narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA) that Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Everyone of my Ummah will enter Jannah except those who refuse”. He was asked, “Who will refuse?” He said, “Whoever obeys me, shall enter Jannah, and whosoever disobeys me has refused (to enter Jannah)”. [Al-Bukhari]

The Qur’an contains numerous verses which confirm the joining of the obedience to Allah with the obedience to the Prophet SAW.

Surah Al Nisa states: And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger – those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favour of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions. [4:69]

Verse 80 of Surah Al Nisa further states: “He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah…” [4:80]

Surah Al Anfal advises us in further detail: O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn from him while you hear [his order]. And do not be like those who say, “We have heard,” while they do not hear. Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason. Had Allah known any good in them, He would have made them hear. And if He had made them hear, they would [still] have turned away, while they were refusing. O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.” [8:20 – 8:24]

Later in the same chapter: “O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].” [8:27]

Hence denying the sunnah is akin to denying the command of Allah. While some people dispute this point, the Qur’an is unequivocal in its statements and leaves no avenue for argument.

How much of the sunnah should be obey? Surah Al Ahzab states: It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error. [33:36]

The above makes it clear that following Allah and His Messenger, including the sunnah is not a matter of choice for the believer. It is an obligation, not an option. It is not the right approach when people to pick and choose the sunnah that they like. Following the sunnah is an intrinsic part of the whole Islamic package, it is not fitting for us to run away from the parts of the sunnah that displease or inconvenience us.

How do I implement the Sunnah?

Like many starting points when we try to behave for the betterment of the people around us, the best starting point is with ourselves. To implement the sunnah, we should firstly work on our connection and relationship to Allah.

It is most fitting to apply the sunnah to ourselves first. We have no right to reprimand our family members if our own actions are flawed to begin with. A sincere implementation of the sunnah should increase our humbleness and humility. It should make us understand that when we try to enjoin people to follow the sunnah, it is for their own good, and not for the satisfaction of our egos, our need to win an argument, or to show off our superior knowledge.

We should reflect how generous Allah has been to us, and should praise Allah in abundance for letting us out of the darkness and into the light. We should remember Allah’s vast mercy to us and the great reward that awaits us if we live our lives in His obedience.

The job of the Prophets and Messengers was that of clear notification – both as bearers of glad tidings and as warners: O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp. [33:45-33:46]

How do we, as people of the sunnah, continue the mission of illuminating others out of their darkness? It should be done by kindness and generosity, even to the sinner and those who practice bid’ah. For the only way to lead them is to get close enough to guide them, especially for the elderly whose erroneous habits have already been formed.

For example, Rasulullah SAW used to talk in gentle tones and repeat what he said three times so that people could fully understand his point. He used to talk to people according to their level of understanding and mentality. When he gave advice, it was done with sensitivity to their personal situations and circumstances. He gave knowledge in small doses,

so that the people would be able to implement it into their lives with ease. He kept his lectures short so that people would not get bored of him.

Mostly, he did not spread Islam through rattling off long lists of do’s and don’ts. He did it by instilling love of Allah, to the extent that his followers ended up loving Allah and His Messenger above all else, including their families and even themselves. That is why, when the time came for the implementation of the rules and regulations, they responded willingly.

Bring Back the Compassion

Today, we have to learn to avoid commanding people with harshness; and to be alert to their personal situations. Someone new to Islam for example, may find certain things difficult to do, even if for us it is second nature. As the Muslims who are supposed to guide them, we should be tactful and encouraging. After all, we are all sinners and have also made mistakes in the past.

Many things in Islam are allowed. We want to practice the sunnah for rewards in this life and in the hereafter. We implement the sunnah to seek the pleasure of Allah. Each of our actions – drinking, eating, and even sleeping – are opportunities for us to gain reward. The more we love, the more we will implement the sunnah in our lives, and these are the wonderful opportunities that we want to share with those around us.

We should try to reach out to them and attend to their needs, with compassion, warmth and good behaviour. Instead of taking the hard-line approach, listen to their problems and seek to understand what motivates their behaviour. Understand that a teenage girl views life differently from a middle aged man. Little by little, with empathy, you can win the hearts of the people. If we are harsh Allah will not open the hearts of the people to us.

If we want to be the follower of the sunnah, we cannot afford to give Islam a bad name through our conduct and behaviour. If we do so, we will be the enemy of the sunnah, not its spreader.

As a final note, let us remind ourselves on how the Prophet SAW conducted himself, not just with the Muslims, but with Christians, Jews and non Muslims. It was always with extreme respect, and not with humiliation or attacks on their dignity. He was indeed a mercy for all mankind. This is what sunnah is all about, it is a struggle against our desires and to reach the level of loving Allah and His Messenger.

May Allah instil all these qualities within us and make us worthy of living and spreading the sunnah, ameen.

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