Sunnah

Sunnah is the way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims on the basis of the teachings and practices of Islamic prophet Muhammad and interpretations of the Quran. The word sunnah (سنة [ˈsunna], plural سنن sunan [ˈsunan], Arabic) is derived from the root (سن [sa-n-na] Arabic), meaning smooth and easy flow (of water) or direct flow path. The word literally means a clear and well trodden path. In the discussion of the sources of religion, sunnah denotes the practices of Muhammad that he taught and practically instituted as a teacher of the sharī‘ah and the best exemplar.[1] According to Muslim belief, this practice is to be adhered to in fulfilling the divine injunctions, carrying out religious rites, and moulding life in accord with the will of God. Instituting these practices was, as the Quran states, a part of Muhammad's responsibility as a messenger of God. (Quran 3:164, 33:21).
The sunnah of Muhammad includes his specific words, habits, practices, and silent approvals:[2] it is significant because it addresses ways of life dealing with friends, family and government.[2] Recording the sunnah was an Arabian tradition and, once people converted to Islam, they brought this custom to their religion.[3] The sunnah is a source of Islamic law, second only to the Quran. The term "Sunni" denotes those who claim to practice these usages, as part of the Ummah.