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Fatwa #132574 August 2005Canada

Confused about the real meaning of the word "sunnah"

Question

Confused about the real meaning of the word "sunnah"

i know that growing of the beard to a fist length is wajib, but i do notice many people in everyday talk refer to it as a sunnah. is this correct to refer to this wajib action as a sunnah ?

Answer

Sunnah literally means a pathway or method adopted to do something. Technically, Sunnah refers to every word, actions and acknowledgement that emanated from Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] and is suitable for Shar’ee evidence. (Mu’jam istilaahaat Usoolul Fiqh pg.80; Beirut)

Literally, Waajib means incumbent/binding. Technically, Waajib refers to an action that is established by such a proof that necessitates its practice. (Ibid pg.147-148).

Therefore, the beard is a Sunnah in the sense that it is the practice of Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] and Waajib in the sense that failure to keep a beard will render a person sinful.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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