Meaning Of SUNNAH

The Sunnah has been defined by the scholars of the science of Hadîth as follows:
“A word spoken, or an act done, or a confirmation given by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).”
“Confirmation” in this definition is termed in Arabic as Taqreer. What is meant by this term is like somebody said something, or acted in a particular manner, and his saying or act came to the knowledge of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and he either confirmed it in express words or remained silent without given any indication of disapproval. Such silence, being an implied approval of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is also included in the term Sunnah.

As the Sunnah, with all its three kinds (saying, act and confirmation) relates to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), its true status in Islamic law cannot be ascertained without ascertaining the status of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) himself.