sunna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious, Academic
Quick answer
What does “sunna” mean?
The traditional portion of Muslim law based on the words and acts of the Prophet Muhammad.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The traditional portion of Muslim law based on the words and acts of the Prophet Muhammad.
The body of established customs and practices in Islam, considered a normative example for the community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling, pronunciation, or usage differences.
Connotations
Religious and scholarly in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low in general English but used in Islamic studies and religious discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “sunna” in a Sentence
the + Sunna + of + NP (the Sunna of the Prophet)follow/observe + (the) Sunnabased on + (the) SunnaVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in Islamic studies, theology, and religious history.
Everyday
Used primarily by Muslims in religious discussions.
Technical
Used in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and theology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunna”
- Spelling as 'suna' or 'sunah'.
- Using lowercase when it should be capitalized in religious contexts.
- Confusing with 'sonnet' or 'sonar'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Hadith are the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet, while the Sunna is the practical embodiment of those teachings in his life, derived from the Hadith.
In religious contexts, it is typically capitalized to denote its specific Islamic meaning, similar to 'Quran'. In general lowercase use, it might be confused with other meanings.
Yes, particularly in academic writing about Islam. The term is used respectfully to describe the Islamic concept.
In Islamic terminology, introducing 'bid'ah' (blameworthy innovation) in religious matters is considered contrary to the Sunna.
The traditional portion of Muslim law based on the words and acts of the Prophet Muhammad.
Sunna is usually formal, religious, academic in register.
Sunna: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʊnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʊnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the straight path of the Sunna”
- “to live by the Sunna”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sun' and 'nah' – the Prophet's example shines like a sun, and 'nah' reminds you of 'no' to innovation.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUNNA IS A PATH/GUIDE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary source for knowledge of the Sunna?