The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not just a set of optional practices; it is the living example of how to worship Allah, how to interact with people, and how to live with purpose. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.”
(Qur’an 33:21)
Yet in our daily lives, many of these Sunnah practices are often forgotten or overlooked. They may seem small, but they carry immense reward and bring blessings into every aspect of our lives. The most neglected Sunnah are often those that shape character, purify the heart, and bring us closer to Allah.
STARTING WITH “BISMILLAH”
How often do we rush into actions eating, leaving the house, beginning work without remembering Allah’s Name? The Prophet ﷺ taught that starting with “Bismillah” brings blessing and protection, while neglecting it opens the door for Shaytan. Something as simple as saying “Bismillah” before daily tasks transforms them into acts of worship.
SPREADING SALAM
Greeting others with As-Salamu ‘Alaykum is a Sunnah that builds love, brotherhood, and unity among Muslims. Yet in our modern lifestyles, many Muslims neglect this practice, replacing it with casual greetings. The Prophet ﷺ said: “You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salam among yourselves.” (Sahih Muslim)
USING THE MISWAK
The miswak was beloved to the Prophet ﷺ, who emphasized its use for cleanliness and spiritual reward. In today’s world, where dental hygiene products abound, this Sunnah is almost forgotten. Yet using the miswak is not just about physical cleanliness it is about reviving a Prophetic practice that brings barakah.
ENTERING AND LEAVING THE HOUSE WITH DU‘A
The Prophet ﷺ taught specific du‘as for entering and leaving the home, ensuring that Allah’s protection remains with the believer and Shaytan is kept away. Many of us step in and out of our homes without this remembrance, missing out on a shield of mercy and safety.
SITTING AND EATING WITH HUMILITY
Simple acts like sitting on the floor to eat, eating with the right hand, and avoiding wastefulness were all part of the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. They remind us of humility and gratitude. In a world of excess and convenience, these practices are often neglected, yet they protect us from arrogance and ingratitude.
MAKING DU‘A FOR OTHERS
The Prophet ﷺ frequently made du‘a for others, and he taught that when a believer prays for their brother or sister in their absence, the angels say, “Ameen, and for you the same.” (Sahih Muslim). This beautiful Sunnah strengthens hearts and spreads mercy, yet is rarely practiced consistently today.
THE POWER OF A SMILE
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Your smile for your brother is a charity.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi). In a time when people are burdened with stress, a smile can be a Sunnah act that lightens hearts and spreads positivity. It requires no effort, yet it is among the most neglected Sunnah in our lives.
CONCLUSION
The most neglected Sunnah are not necessarily the hardest to practice rather, they are often the easiest and simplest, yet the most forgotten in our fast-paced lives. Reviving these Sunnah brings blessings into our homes, softens our hearts, strengthens our communities, and most importantly, draws us closer to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
If we wish to revive our faith, we must start by reviving the Sunnah not just in rituals, but in character, habits, and daily life. What seems like a small Sunnah today may become the very deed that tips the scale in our favor on the Day of Judgment.
