Sunnah is the way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims on the basis of the teachings and practices of the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and interpretations of the Quran. The word sunnah ([sunna], plural sunan [sunan], Arabic) is derived from the root ([sa-n-na] Arabic), meaning smooth and easy flow 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 peace be upon him that he taught and practically instituted as a teacher of the shari‘ah and the best exemplar. 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 (peace be upon him) responsibility as a Messenger of Allah. (Quran 3:164, 33:21).

The sunnah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) includes his specific words, habits, practices, and silent approvals: it is significant because it addresses ways of life dealing with friends, family and government.Recording the sunnah was an Arabian tradition and, once people converted to Islam, they brought this custom to their religion.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.