Sunna

Sunna, also transliterated as Sunnah, refers to the way of the Prophet Muhammad and comprises his sayings, deeds, and tacit approvals. Muslims regard the Sunna as a model for living and, alongside the Qur’an, as a primary source of guidance and Islamic law. The Sunna provides elaboration and interpretation of Qur’anic commands and explains ritual practices, ethics, and social conduct.

Most of what is called the Sunna is transmitted through hadith literature, which collects reports about the Prophet’s words and actions. Hadiths are assessed for authenticity through isnad (the chain of transmission) and matn (the text). Major Sunni collections include Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, among others, while Shia Islam also preserves traditions attributed to the Prophet and the Imams.

Scholars categorize the Sunna into statements (aqwal), actions (af’al), and tacit approvals or endorsements (taqrir). In Islamic jurisprudence, the Sunna clarifies and applies Qur’anic injunctions, guiding ritual practices, legal rulings, and daily conduct. While the Qur’an is the authoritative source, many laws and norms are derived from the Sunna and its interpretation by jurists.

There are differences among Islamic traditions regarding authority and emphasis. Sunni jurisprudence tends to rely on authentic hadith and scholarly consensus, while Shia thought places substantial weight on the sayings and actions of the Prophet’s family and the Imams alongside the Qur’an and hadith.

Overall, the Sunna shapes religious practice, ethics, and historical biography, including the Sirah (biographies) of the Prophet’s life.