Re: Ifs and Buts in Sunnah
Peace All
What is a Sunnah ??? …
A Sunnah is not merely the actions of Muhammad (SAW). It has to include the intention behind the action.
A Fard is not a Sunnah
Common practices are not part of Sunnah
Fighting with a sword therefore is not a Sunnah because it falls into the common practice of people.
Growing a beard is not a Sunnah, but keeping it trimmed to a certain look with the intention of being a means to identify oneself as a Muslim makes it a Sunnah.
Travelling by whatever means is not a Sunnah, however, doing so upon the mindset and practical guidance of the instruction of Muhammad (SAW) makes it so. Therefore, when travelling in a group have an ameer, say the du’a for embarking and meet people with salaams is all part of Sunnah.
The actions of the prophet Muhammad (SAW) that are either Wajib, or Mustahab are generally considered Sunnah, but those actions taken by him that are considered muba (neutral) are not Sunnah. Therefore brushing the teeth is a Sunnah provided the intention to brush the teeth has to be based on the idea that Muhammad (SAW) did it, but to brush with Siwak or not is a lesser matter.
Another way to detect a Sunnah is the collection of special things he used to do that others would notice and no other would do normally. People only began doing those things when they copied him (SAW). So it is not that Muhammad (SAW) did this or that, but rather the way he did it and the reason why it was being done. Any reason that caused obligation of that act it became known as Fard and not as Sunnah.
Some actions were never mandated, but became so widely practiced based on Muhammad (SAW) never missing the opportunity to do it or abstain from it, those actions became passive obligations .. or Sunnah Mo’akada or even Wajib.
Bro, I don’t think I am following your reasoning completely. Are you saying that the intention should be to perform an action because Muhammad SAW did it or for the same reasons as Muhammad SAW did it.
