As Muslim parents, one of our greatest responsibilities is to instill the Sunnah of the Prophet –ﷺ – in our children’s lives. The earlier they learn, the more natural it becomes for them to practice these Sunnahs daily.
In this article, we’ll explore the forgotten Sunnahs (al-sunan al-mahjoorah) that many people have left off, and how we can reintroduce them to our kids in a simple, practical way.
What Are Neglected Sunnahs?
Neglected Sunnahs are sayings and actions of the Prophet –ﷺ – that are rarely practiced today. Reviving them brings blessings into our homes and rewards from Allah.
📖 Quran Reminder:
لقد كان لكم في رسول الله أسوة حسنة
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.” (Quran 33:21)
Neglected Sunnahs in Wudhu (Ablution)
- Saying the Shahadah after Wudhu
أشهدُ أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمداً عبدُ الله ورسولُهُ
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim (234) - Praying Two Rak’ahs After Wudhu
This is called Salat al-Wudhu. The Prophet –ﷺ – used to regularly pray two rak’ahs after performing ablution. - Using Water Moderately
The Prophet –ﷺ – would perform wudhu using only a small amount of water (mudd).
Neglected Sunnahs in Prayer
- Using the Miswak Before Prayer
The Prophet –ﷺ – said:لوْلا أن أشقّ على أمّتي لأمرتُهُم بالسّواك عند كلّ صلاةٍ
“If it were not that I would cause hardship for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak at every prayer.” (Tirmidhi 22) - Praying Towards a Sutrah
A sutrah is any object placed in front of the praying person to prevent people from walking in front. - Reciting Surah Al-Kafirun and Al-Ikhlas
In the Sunnah prayers of Fajr and Maghrib, it is recommended to recite these two surahs.
Neglected Sunnahs Before Sleeping
- Sleeping After Isha and Making Wudhu Before Bed
- Sleeping on the Right Side and saying the dua:باسْمكَ رَبِّ، وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي…
“In Your name, my Lord, I lay down my side, and by You I raise it. If You take my soul, have mercy on it, and if You send it back, protect it as You protect Your righteous servants.” (Bukhari 6320) - Dua Upon Waking Up:الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي عافَانِي فِي جَسَدِي…
“All praise is for Allah who gave me health in my body, returned my soul to me, and permitted me to remember Him.” (Tirmidhi 3401) - Washing Hands Three Times before wudhu after waking up.
Neglected Sunnahs in Clothing
- Starting with the Right Side when wearing clothes or shoes.
- Wearing White Clothes as it is more beloved and recommended.
Neglected Sunnahs in Eating
- Saying Bismillah Before Eating
If you forget, say:بِسْمِ اللَّهِ أَوَّلُهُ وآخِرُهُ
“In the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end.” - Praising Allah After Finishing the Meal
Say:الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا…
“All praise is for Allah who fed us, gave us drink, and made us Muslims.” - Rinsing the Mouth After Eating or Drinking
Final Thoughts
Reviving the Sunnah in our homes is one of the best ways to gain Allah’s pleasure and raise children who love the Prophet –ﷺ. Start with one habit at a time, make it a family effort, and watch how it transforms your daily life.
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FAQs
What are neglected Sunnahs?
Neglected Sunnahs are prophetic practices that people have stopped doing regularly, such as saying the dua before sleeping or praying two rak’ahs after wudhu.
Why should we teach Sunnahs to kids?
Because children imitate what they see. Teaching Sunnahs early makes them natural habits and helps build love for the Prophet ﷺ.
How can I make Sunnah fun for children?
Use short stories, simple rewards, role-play, and consistent practice. Turn it into a family challenge so everyone joins in.
Do kids have to follow all Sunnahs?
No — start small. Introduce one habit at a time and praise progress rather than perfection.