In this article
Islam is not limited to prayers, fasting and religious gatherings. It is a complete way of life that guides Muslims in every aspect of their daily routine.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed us how to worship Allah, treat others with kindness, eat, drink, sleep, communicate and live with good character.
Following his Sunnah is an important way to strengthen our connection with Allah and bring blessings into our everyday lives.
The beautiful thing about Sunnah is that many practices are simple. They do not require money, special arrangements or much time. Even small actions, when performed sincerely and consistently, can become a source of reward.
Daily Reminder
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.
अल्लाह किसी जान पर उसकी सामर्थ्य से बढ़कर बोझ नहीं डालता।
Meet trials with patience, prayer and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if they are few.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6464; Sahih Muslim 783.
Let’s explore 15 Sunnah practices that Muslims can incorporate into their daily lives.
1. Begin Your Day by Remembering Allah
One of the beautiful Sunnah practices is remembering Allah immediately after waking up.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would praise Allah upon waking and recite:
Arabic:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Transliteration:
Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushur.
Meaning:
All praise belongs to Allah, who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.
This supplication reminds us that waking up is a blessing from Allah and that every new day is another opportunity to do good deeds.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6312.
2. Use Miswak or Clean Your Teeth
Maintaining cleanliness is an important part of Islamic teachings.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regularly used the miswak to clean his teeth, particularly when waking up and before prayer.
He said:
“Were it not that I would burden my Ummah, I would have ordered them to use the Siwak before every prayer.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 887; Sahih Muslim 252.
Muslims can follow this Sunnah by using a traditional miswak or maintaining proper dental hygiene with a toothbrush.
3. Perform Wudu with Care
Wudu is an essential part of preparing for Salah. It is also a beautiful act of purification.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! When you rise to pray, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads and wash your feet up to the ankles.”
Reference: Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:6).
Performing wudu carefully, without wasting water, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the day are important Islamic habits.
4. Pray the Five Daily Salah on Time
Salah is one of the most important obligations in Islam.
A Muslim should make every effort to perform Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha at their prescribed times.
Allah says:
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
Reference: Surah An-Nisa (4:103).
Along with obligatory prayers, Muslims should also make an effort to perform the Sunnah prayers taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever regularly prays twelve voluntary Rak’ahs during the day and night will have a house built for him in Paradise.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 728.
Is this statement true?
Charity decreases a person’s wealth
Prayer may be neglected when life is busy
Deeds are judged by intentions
Every answer includes a Quran or Sahih Hadith reference for further learning.
5. Say Bismillah Before Eating
Eating is a blessing from Allah, and Islam teaches us to begin meals by remembering Him.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed:
“Mention Allah’s Name, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5376; Sahih Muslim 2022.
Before eating, say:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Bismillah.
If you forget to say it at the beginning, the Prophet ﷺ taught us to say:
Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu.
This simple practice turns an ordinary meal into an opportunity to remember Allah.
6. Eat and Drink with the Right Hand
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to eat and drink with their right hand.
He taught that Satan eats and drinks with his left hand.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 2020.
Following this Sunnah during breakfast, lunch, dinner and even when drinking water helps us develop mindfulness in everyday activities.
7. Drink Water in Three Breaths
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught good manners when drinking.
He would drink in three separate breaths rather than drinking continuously in one go.
He also instructed people not to breathe into the drinking vessel.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 2028.
Muslims can follow this practice by drinking calmly, taking breaks between sips and avoiding breathing directly into the vessel.
8. Spread Salam Among People
Saying Salam is one of the most beautiful ways to spread peace and brotherhood.
When meeting another Muslim, greet them with:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ
Assalamu Alaikum.
Meaning: Peace be upon you.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Muslims to spread Salam among one another.
He explained that spreading Salam is a means of developing love among believers.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 54.
Make it a habit to greet family members, friends, neighbours and fellow Muslims with Salam.
9. Smile and Treat Others Kindly
A smile may appear to be a small gesture, but Islam teaches us that even a simple smile can be an act of charity.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity.”
Reference: Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 1956.
A Muslim should try to treat others with kindness, patience and respect.
A gentle smile can improve someone’s day and create stronger relationships within families and communities.
10. Remember Allah Throughout the Day
Dhikr, or remembrance of Allah, should not be limited to Salah.
Muslims can remember Allah while working, travelling, walking or completing everyday activities.
Some simple forms of Dhikr include:
SubhanAllah – Glory be to Allah.
Alhamdulillah – All praise belongs to Allah.
Allahu Akbar – Allah is the Greatest.
Astaghfirullah – I seek forgiveness from Allah.
La ilaha illallah – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember his Lord is like the example of the living and the dead.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6407.
11. Help Your Family with Household Responsibilities
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not only a Messenger of Allah but also an excellent example of kindness within the family.
When Aisha (RA) was asked about the Prophet’s behaviour at home, she explained that he used to serve his family, and when the time for prayer came, he would go out for prayer.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 676.
Helping with household work, caring for children, respecting one’s spouse and treating family members gently are valuable ways to follow the Prophet’s example.
12. Give Charity, Even If It Is Small
Charity is not limited to giving large amounts of money.
A Muslim can give charity according to their ability.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Protect yourself from the Fire, even if it is by giving half a date in charity.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1417; Sahih Muslim 1016.
You can practise charity by:
Helping someone in need.
Giving food to a hungry person.
Supporting an orphan.
Giving a small amount of money to someone who needs it.
Removing something harmful from a public pathway.
Never underestimate a small good deed.
13. Control Your Anger and Speak Good Words
Islam teaches Muslims to control their anger and avoid hurting others through their words.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ repeatedly advised a man who asked him for advice:
“Do not become angry.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6116.
He also said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6018; Sahih Muslim 47.
Avoid arguments, backbiting, insults and unnecessary negative conversations.
A Muslim’s character should reflect patience, honesty and kindness.
14. Recite the Sunnah Supplications Before Sleeping
Before going to bed, Muslims should remember Allah and prepare for sleep with the Sunnah practices of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Some recommended practices include:
Performing Wudu before sleeping.
Dusting off the bed before lying down.
Sleeping on the right side.
Reciting the prescribed supplications.
Reciting Ayat al-Kursi.
The Prophet ﷺ instructed Al-Bara’ ibn Azib (RA) to perform Wudu before going to bed and lie down on his right side.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 247; Sahih Muslim 2710.
Another simple supplication before sleeping is:
اللَّهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya.
Meaning:
O Allah, in Your Name I die and I live.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6314.
15. Recite the Three Quls in the Morning and Evening
Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas are known as the three Quls.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed Muslims to recite these three Surahs three times in the morning and evening.
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 5082; Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 3575.
These Surahs are important parts of the daily remembrance of Allah and are also recited before sleeping.
Make them part of your morning and evening routine.
How to Make These 15 Sunnah Practices Part of Your Daily Routine
You do not need to start practising all 15 Sunnahs at once.
Begin with a few simple habits and gradually incorporate more into your daily life.
Here is a simple daily checklist:
Morning
Thank Allah after waking up.
Clean your teeth using miswak or a toothbrush.
Perform Wudu and pray Fajr.
Recite morning Adhkar and the three Quls.
During the Day
Perform all five Salah on time.
Say Bismillah before eating.
Eat and drink with the right hand.
Spread Salam and smile at others.
Remember Allah through Dhikr.
Help your family and give charity.
Control your anger and speak good words.
Evening and Night
Recite evening Adhkar and the three Quls.
Perform Isha prayer.
Make Wudu before sleeping.
Recite the sleeping supplications.
Sleep on your right side.
Conclusion
Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not just about performing religious rituals. It is about bringing his beautiful teachings into every part of our lives.
From remembering Allah after waking up to showing kindness to others and reciting supplications before sleeping, every small Sunnah can help us develop a stronger connection with our Creator.
Remember, consistency is more important than trying to do everything at once.
Start with one Sunnah today, practise it regularly and gradually make the Prophetic way a natural part of your life.
May Allah guide us to follow the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, accept our good deeds and grant us the opportunity to live our lives according to Islam.
Ameen.
Daily Reminder
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.
अल्लाह किसी जान पर उसकी सामर्थ्य से बढ़कर बोझ नहीं डालता।
Meet trials with patience, prayer and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most important Sunnah practices to follow daily?
Some important daily Sunnah practices include remembering Allah, using miswak, performing Salah, saying Bismillah before eating, eating with the right hand, spreading Salam, showing kindness and reciting supplications.
2. Can small Sunnah actions bring rewards?
Yes. Islam encourages consistent good deeds, even when they are small. The Prophet ﷺ taught that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those performed regularly, even if they are few.
3. Is following the Sunnah compulsory for every Muslim?
Not every Sunnah action has the same Islamic ruling. Some teachings are obligatory, while others are recommended or voluntary. Muslims should distinguish between obligatory duties and recommended Prophetic practices.
4. How can beginners start following the Sunnah?
Start with simple habits such as saying Bismillah before meals, greeting others with Salam, remembering Allah and following the Sunnah etiquette of sleeping. Gradually incorporate more practices into your daily routine.
5. Why is following Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah important?
Following the authentic Sunnah helps Muslims understand and practise Islam as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah says in Surah Aal-Imran (3:31) that if we love Allah, we should follow the Messenger.
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