Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam)
The word Sunnah means a system, a path or an example. In Islam it means the practice of the Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) or the example of his life. The life of Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) is based on the Holy Quran, the book of Allah. It is therefore, a perfect model and example for all people and for all times.
All aspects of the Holy Prophet’s(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) life have been recorded. All his actions and doings for example, how he walked, talked, ate and drank, prayed etc, have been recorded. His whole life, both at home and outside was fully known to his companions. When the Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) started preaching Islam, he had to suffer torture and persecution at the hands of the unbelievers. He was offered all kinds of temptations, but he never compromised. Finally, he had to leave his birth place, Makkah, for the sake of truth.
The Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) was a leader, a teacher, a ruler, husband and friend of all. His Companions loved him dearly. They never hesitated to lay down their lives at his call. His conduct and behaviour impressed even his bitterest enemies. When he had to fight, he fought for the truth.
The Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) practiced what he preached. His life was the perfect example of total obedience to Allah’s commands. His wife, Hazrat Ayesha(razi allah tala anhu) said that the character of the Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) was the Holy Quran. Whatever the Quran likes, the Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) liked and whatever it dislikes, the Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) disliked too.
He was the bravest and most generous of all men. Whenever someone asked him for anything, he would give it at once. He had a very gentle and forgiving nature. Once his companions asked him to curse the unbelievers. He said: “I have not been sent to curse. I have been sent as a mercy.” He always prayed to Allah to forgive his enemies and never cursed anyone.
He was polite and gentle in manners. He talked with grace. He never hurt anyone’s feelings. He would visit the sick and attend funerals. He used to walk with the poor and the slaves. When he met people, he always greeted them first and shook hands. When someone invited him for a meal, he wouldaccept it.
The Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) was just and honest in his dealings. He always spoke the truth. Due to his honesty, the Quraish used to call him Sadiq, the Truthful and Amin, the Trustworthy. He always preferred to do his work with his own hands. He used to mend his own clothes and shoes. He would help his wives in their household work. He always wore simple and clean clothes.
The Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) was a true example of a perfect man. He helped the poor, orphans and widows. He was kind to the weak, travellers and strangers. He was affectionate and loving towards his friends and children. He was forgiving and merciful towards his enemies. He was sincere and honest. The conduct, behaviour and way of life of the Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) is the best example for all human beings to follow in their daily lives.
