Benefit 56: Meaning of the word "Sunnah"
11 December 2023 • 1.17K views
Sheikh ’AbdulMuḥsin Al-’Abbād ḥafidhahullāh mentioned that the word "Sunnah" has four meanings/usages:
1⃣. The linguistic meaning:
طريقة (a way/path).
2⃣. The meaning applied by the scholars of ḥadīth:
ما أضيف إلى النبي ﷺ من قول أو فعل أو تقرير أو وصف خَلقي أو خُلقي
Anything attributed to the Prophet ﷺ from sayings, actions, tacid approvals, as well as physical and character traits
3⃣. The meaning applied by the scholars of Fiqh:
ما أمر به ليس على سبيل الإيجاب، وإنما على سبيل الاستحباب
Commands that are non-obligatory, but rather a matter of recommendation
4⃣.The meaning applied by the Salaf in reference to the correct Creed.
This is why many ’Aqeedah books written during the time of the Salaf used the word "Sunnah".
For example:
i) Usool As-Sunnah by Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.
ii) Usool As-Sunnah by Imam Al Humaidi
iii) As-Sunnah by Abdullah Ibn Ahmad Bin Hanbal.
iv) Kitaab As-Sunnah from Sunan Abi Dawuud.
v) Sareeh As-Sunnah by Imam Ibn Jarir At Tabari.
And other books of that nature which highlight the belief of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah
Source: ⤵️
Paraphrased from his explanation of "Kitab As-Sunnah min Sunan Al-Imam Abi Dawud"