The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ offers a blueprint for living a balanced, fulfilling, and purposeful life. These habits are not only spiritual practices but also valuable tools for personal development. Using Sunnah habits into your daily routine not only brings you closer to Allah but also fills your life with blessings, discipline, and inner peace. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth or striving to improve your daily practices, this article explores the best Sunnah habits to follow every day and how they can enhance your life. For those looking to deepen their understanding of Islam, especially while living in the West, enrolling in online Quran classes in USA can be a valuable step in reinforcing these habits with proper guidance.
1. Begin Your Day with Fajr and Du’a
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized starting the day early. Waking up before dawn to perform Fajr prayer is one of the most significant Sunnah practices. It sets the tone for a productive and spiritually charged day.
Du’a after waking up:
Upon waking, the Prophet ﷺ would say:
“Alhamdulillahilladhi ahyana ba’da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushoor.”
(“Praise is to Allah Who gave us life after He caused us to die, and to Him is the return.”)
Benefits:
- Builds discipline
- Improves time management
- Strengthens connection with Allah
2. Use the Miswak Regularly
The use of Miswak (natural tooth-stick) is a strongly recommended Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ frequently used it before prayers, upon waking, and before entering his home.
Why it matters:
- Promotes oral hygiene
- Fulfills a Sunnah
- Refreshes the mouth, especially before recitation of Qur’an or prayer
3. Eat and Drink According to Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ followed a simple and healthy diet. You can adopt his eating habits daily:
- Start with Bismillah and end with Alhamdulillah
- Eat with the right hand
- Eat while sitting
- Avoid overeating (1/3 food, 1/3 water, 1/3 air)
- Drink in three sips while sitting
Benefits:
- Promotes digestion and good manners
- Encourages mindfulness in eating
- Prevents health issues related to overeating
4. Say the Morning and Evening Adhkar
The Prophet ﷺ would recite specific adhkar (remembrances) in the morning and evening. These include praise of Allah, seeking protection, and asking for blessings.
Examples include:
- Ayat al-Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah: 255)
- Last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
- Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas (three times each)
Benefits:
- Shields you from harm
- Boosts faith and mindfulness
- Brings tranquility and divine protection
5. Perform the Five Daily Prayers on Time
The most emphasized Sunnah is to pray all five daily prayers on time and with khushu’ (humility).
Additional Sunnah prayers to include daily:
- 2 rak’ahs before Fajr
- 2 or 4 rak’ahs before Dhuhr and 2 after
- 2 rak’ahs after Maghrib and Isha
Benefits:
- Increases spiritual awareness
- Strengthens your relationship with Allah
- Builds a structured daily schedule
6. Smile and Greet with Salam
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Your smile for your brother is charity.” (Tirmidhi)
Saying Assalamu Alaikum and returning greetings is a powerful Sunnah that spreads love and peace in society.
Benefits:
- Builds community harmony
- Spreads positivity
- Earns rewards easily
7. Visit the Sick and Care for Others
Caring for others was a daily practice of the Prophet ﷺ. Visiting the sick, helping neighbors, and showing concern for the needy are daily habits of Sunnah.
Examples:
- Visiting a sick person
- Offering a helping hand
- Giving charity, even with a smile
Benefits:
- Builds empathy and kindness
- Fulfills social responsibility
- Increases blessings in your life
8. Recite and Reflect on the Qur’an
The Prophet ﷺ was known to recite the Qur’an daily and reflect upon its meanings. Even reading a few verses a day is a powerful Sunnah.
Tips to adopt this Sunnah:
- Set aside a fixed time (after Fajr or before sleep)
- Use translation to understand meanings
- Reflect and act on what you read
Benefits:
- Enlightens the heart
- Guides your decisions
- Brings peace and reward
9. Practice Gratitude and Contentment
Gratitude was a constant practice of the Prophet ﷺ. He would often thank Allah and encourage others to remain content with what they have.
How to apply:
- Say Alhamdulillah frequently
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Reflect on your blessings daily
Benefits:
- Reduces stress
- Increases happiness
- Attracts more blessings from Allah
10. Sleep in a Sunnah Way
Before going to sleep, the Prophet ﷺ would perform wudu, lie on his right side, and recite specific supplications.
Sunnah sleep habits:
- Perform ablution (wudu)
- Lie on your right side
- Say the du’a:
“Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya”
- Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Nas
Benefits:
- Promotes restful sleep
- Shields against nightmares
- Ends the day with dhikr (remembrance)
11. Be Gentle in Speech and Avoid Anger
The Prophet ﷺ was known for his gentle and respectful speech. He warned against speaking harshly and advised controlling anger.
Daily tips:
- Speak kindly to family and co-workers
- Avoid arguments
- Stay calm under stress
Benefits:
- Builds strong relationships
- Encourages mutual respect
- Upholds Islamic character
12. Maintain Cleanliness and Personal Hygiene
Cleanliness is part of faith. The Prophet ﷺ took great care in staying clean and neat.
Daily Sunnah hygiene habits include:
- Cutting nails weekly
- Applying perfume (for men)
- Combing hair and beard
- Keeping clothes clean
Benefits:
- Increases self-confidence
- Promotes physical health
- Enhances your appearance
13. Make Du’a Throughout the Day
The Prophet ﷺ made du’a (supplication) for everything—from wearing clothes to entering the restroom.
Examples of daily du’as:
- Before entering the home
- When eating
- Before travel
- When seeing something beautiful
Benefits:
- Connects your every action to Allah
- Makes your day spiritual
- Brings constant barakah (blessing)
14. Maintain Ties of Kinship
Maintaining family bonds is strongly emphasized in the Sunnah.
How to follow this daily:
- Call or message a relative
- Make du’a for your parents and family
- Help a family member in need
Benefits:
- Strengthens family unity
- Increases your lifespan and sustenance
- Earns you Allah’s mercy
15. End the Day with Istighfar and Tawbah
The Prophet ﷺ would end his day with repentance, even though he was sinless.
How to do it:
- Say Astaghfirullah 100 times
- Reflect on your actions
- Ask Allah to forgive your mistakes
Benefits:
- Cleanses the soul
- Prepares you for sleep with peace
- Brings divine forgiveness
16. Encourage Good and Forbid Wrong
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it…” (Muslim)
Apply it daily by:
- Giving kind advice
- Sharing beneficial Islamic content
- Avoiding sin and staying firm in your beliefs
Benefits:
- Builds moral society
- Encourages accountability
- Fulfills an important Islamic duty
17. Practice Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)
Despite being the most capable of humans, the Prophet ﷺ always relied on Allah in every matter.
Daily practice:
- Start tasks with Bismillah
- Say “HasbunAllahu wa ni’mal wakeel” in difficulty
- Believe in divine planning
Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety
- Strengthens patience
- Helps you face challenges with confidence
Final Thoughts
Living according to the Sunnah transforms everyday routines into meaningful acts of worship. From the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, every action can become a source of spiritual growth and reward. When you follow the Sunnah and make efforts to Memorize Quran Online, you not only gain knowledge but also align your life with the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), enhancing your faith and daily connection with Allah. Begin with a few habits and gradually add more. Every Sunnah you revive brings you closer to Allah and earns you the love of the Prophet ﷺ.
FAQs
1. Can I follow all these Sunnah habits at once?
Start with a few and add more over time. Consistency is more important than quantity.
2. Are Sunnah habits only about prayers?
No, Sunnah includes all aspects of life—speech, food, sleep, relationships, and more.
3. What if I forget to follow a Sunnah during the day?
Try again next time. The intention and effort matter in Islam.
4. How can I teach my children these Sunnahs?
Lead by example, tell stories of the Prophet ﷺ, and use positive reinforcement.
5. Do these Sunnah habits benefit us in this world or only in the Hereafter?
Both. They bring peace, discipline, and success in this world and rewards in the Hereafter.