‘Imitation of Sunnah; the Path of the Nature’

Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah in Zahedan, Shaikh Abdul Hameed started his latest Friday speech by recitation of the holy verses of the Qur’an: «و من یطع الرسول فقد أطاع الله» ،«وما أرسلنا من رسول إلا لیطاع باذن الله» and declared ”Sunnah” the only path that leads to a clean life which is free of deceases.

Talking to thousands of worshipers in the grand Makki mosque of Zahedan, he pointed that all prophets (peace be upon them) were dispatched for the guidance of humanity. Prophets are models for human beings and that is why they were safe from sins (Ma’soum); so that people could follow them in all angles of life.

Mawlana Abdul Hameed divided Sunna of holy prophet (peace & blessings be upon him) into two classes: “habitual” and “devotional” saying that ‘devotional Sunnah’ is whatever the prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) did from worships and Sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated the ways and modalities of worships. So Muslims must imitate the prophet in prayers, hajj and other worships and practice these worships in his way.

The prominent Sunni scholar expressed the second part of Sunna and said, ‘Whatever the prophet (Alaihissalam) used to do as routine is called “habitual Sunna”; practicing such Sunnas is not obligation (wajib) but it is recommended (mostahabb). If someone follows this kind of Sunna, it would lead him/her to the path of the nature and s/he would have a safe and ideal life.’

Khateeb of Sunnis quoted Imam Ghazali (may Allah mercy on him) saying that there are two kinds of nature; “common nature” is the first one and “spiritual nature” comes in second number. Spiritual nature is the gift of Allah Exalted to each and everyone; He created everyone on the way of Tawheed, monotheism, but the person can enjoy its advantages until s/he does not leave requirements of the nature.

The rector of Darululoom Zahedan added more, ‘The second branch of nature is habitual nature. How to eat, drink and sleep is related to this kind of nature. Allah Almighty has bestowed everyone this nature; to have a peaceful and safe life by observing the rules. If we bring Sunnas in our lives, we would gain a calm and clean life.’

Explaining the habitual Sunnas of holy prophet (peace be upon him) by giving examples, Shaikh Abdul Hameed pointed that before Islam Arabs used to stay up till mid night and have soirees; but the prophet (Alaihissalam) forbad them. He guided them to go to bed early, after offering Isha, and wake up before dawn to worship Allah Almighty. Imitation of this Sunnah refreshes the body and comforts it; in addition, the person can worship his Creator.

He underlined that sleeping after Adhan of Fajr till sunrise is disapproved (makrouh). Sleeping in this time makes the person ‘hard-heartened’. It is reported from the prophet Muhammad that sleeping after Fajr prayers causes meager in income. Every Muslim should remember Allah and recite the Qur’an in this period.    

Mawlana Abdul Hameed counted ”reticence” and avoidance from gluttony important parts of habitual Sunnahs. He advised the audience to follow holy prophet in these important routines of the imam of prophets.