Practicing the Sunnah: The Power of Consistency (Series 2)
As-Salaam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
Welcome to another episode of Aleem’s Compendium. I pray this message finds you in the best of health and faith. We’re currently in the blessed month of Ramadan—a season brimming with rewards—and I hope you’re making the most of your time in various forms of ‘Ibaadah. It’s not always easy, but remember that Allah Himself will reward you for your fasting. Isn’t that a powerful incentive to keep going?
A Late-Night Reflection
After a late-night design spree, I was winding down and getting ready to sleep. As I stood there brushing my teeth, a thought struck me—one rooted in the hadiths I’ve often pondered.
The Hadith of ‘A’isha (رضي الله عنها)
‘A’isha reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had a mat he used during the night to observe prayer, and people began to pray with him. He then said:
“O people, perform such acts as you are capable of doing, for Allah does not grow weary, but you will get tired. The acts most pleasing to Allah are those which are done continuously, even if they are small.”
And it was the habit of the members of Muhammad’s (ﷺ) household that whenever they did an act, they did it continuously.
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1100, Sahih Muslim 782)
In this second instalment of our Practicing the Sunnah series, I want to focus on adopting a single Sunnah at a time to build consistency—especially given the vast array of Sunnah practices in Islam that one might strive to uphold.
Start Small, Stay Steady
Embracing one Sunnah at a time is a practical and effective way to cultivate devotion and mindfulness in your faith journey. This approach aligns with the Prophet’s (ﷺ) profound statement:
عَلَيْكُمْ مِنَ الْأَعْمَالِ مَا تُطِيقُونَ
“O people, perform such acts as you are capable of doing…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1100, Sahih Muslim 782)
It’s common to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of Sunnah practices—the detailed hadith literature and scholarly works can leave one wondering where to begin. In a world that demands so much of our time, the key is to take things one step at a time. Focus on one Sunnah, practice it consciously for days or weeks, and let it become second nature. Trying to adopt too many at once risks burning out quickly—as the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
The Most Beloved Deeds
The Prophet (ﷺ), as narrated by our mother ‘A’ishah (رضي الله عنها), beautifully emphasized in the central hadith:
أَحَبُّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ
“…The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6465, Sahih Muslim 782)
As you integrate each Sunnah into your life, be gentle with yourself. Recognize your strength lies in mastering one practice at a time. Draw inspiration from Bilal (رضي الله عنه), whose footsteps were heard in Jannah because of a simple yet consistent act of worship.
Perfect one Sunnah before moving to the next. The Prophet (ﷺ) left no stone unturned in guiding this Ummah, as indicated by the words said to one of the companions:
قَدْ عَلَّمَكُمْ نَبِيُّكُمْ ﷺ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ
“Indeed, your Prophet (ﷺ) has taught you everything…”
(Sahih Muslim 262)
The depth of Islamic teachings is remarkable, but your ability to remain steadfast lies in consistency and patience with yourself.
May Allah guide our steps, grant us steadfastness in the Deen, and bless us with the resilience to continue even when we falter. Aameen.
A Glimpse Beyond
Seeking Clarity in Life
The good life often hinges on having adequate clarity. Attaining clarity can vary from person to person, influenced by the people around you and your personal growth.
What’s certain is that divine guidance offers a reliable path to clarity in all life affairs. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) points us to consultation in the verse:
وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْرِ
“…and consult them in the matter…”
(Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:159)
Additionally, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught his companions—and, by extension, the entire Ummah—to seek divine consultation through Du‘a al-Istikhaarah (the prayer for guidance).
Both the Qur’anic verse on consultation and the Prophetic practice of Istikhaarah highlight the importance of seeking clarity. My profound advice is to pay attention to this aspect of your life. However, remember that the calibre of people you associate with can significantly affect the quality of your decisions.
PS: Seeking clarity is often a lifelong journey—you’ll need to learn, unlearn, and relearn continuously to reach the level of insight Allah has decreed for you.
May Almighty Allah grant us clarity in all our affairs, so that we may emerge successful.
✍️ Abu Mu'aadh AbdulAleem Akinyoola