SUNNAH IS NOT JUST BY APPEARANCE

By

Ibn 'Abdillah As-sudaisiy Al-Iloori

I had mentioned this before, and in sha Allah, I wish to reiterate it for the benefit of all of us. If your own definition of a good Muslim who strives upon Sunnah is just by Sunnah appearance (beards and Sunnah trousers, hijab, niqab), there is a big problem. Experiences and reliable information have clearly shown that there are some people who hide under the Sunnah appearance to lure people into marriage. Don't accept any beards or nisfu saq or hijab or niqab except it is accompanied with sound 'aqeedah, considerable understanding of the Deen and best of manners and conducts. Carry out detailed and thorough information about your suitors. Don't buy "black market". 

Those of us who appear sunnatic are expected to behave sunnatic. The society expect certain degree of taqwa (fear of Allaah) and conduct from us. Don't disappoint the society! What is the essence of Sunnah appearance without good and sound 'aqeedah? What is the essence of Sunnah appearance without good character? The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said he was raised to perfect the best of character. What is the essence of Sunnah appearance without being good towards your household, parents and elders in the community? No one says you should be bowing while greeting people, as that is against the injunctions of Allaah and His Rosul صلى الله عليه وسلم. But there are many ways of showing respect and compassion towards people without negating divine instructions. And it is very important to dress neatly and take proper care of the body. It is against the sunnah to look dirty or go about with dirty and unkempt beards.

The Sunnah appearance is just a uniform prescribed by the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, anyone can put it on and pretend to be upon Sunnah. It is just like a criminal who impersonates the soldiers by wearing their uniforms all about. If he is caught, he would smell himself. So, the real people of Sunnah would not just appear in sunnatic dress, the 'aqeedah (belief), mu'aamalah (manner of relation) and akhlaaq (exemplary conducts) of the people of Sunnah would reflect in his or her words, actions and gestures. Islaam is about knowledge and action and not just about outlook or lousiness. A Muslim must ensure that the equations are balanced. You shouldn't just understand the Sunnah, let it manifest in your outlook by appearing like an ideal Muslim. And don't just appear sunnatic, let it be seen in your 'aqeedah, 'ibaadah and akhlaaq that you are striving to practise the Sunnah of our beloved Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم.

May Allaah guide us aright.