Neglecting a Sunnah

To neglect a Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is very reprehensible. People can say whatever they want but a person who has true love for Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) does not neglect his Sunnah. One claims to love Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) but one imitates the style of the Kuffaar! What logic can there be behind such an attitude besides saying that one does not seem to be sincere in one's statement.

However much one may prevent a person who is prone to vice, he will always continue with his vice. Rarely do we see that a vicious person abandoned his vice because people are criticising him. He will never worry about what people are saying about him because his aim is to satisfy his desire as this is more beloved to him. But a person does not hesitate to neglect the Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) as soon as he hears people criticising him. Will we be right if we gauge that his desire to practice the Sunnah is very weak compared to the desire of the other one to commit his vice? The one is not as firm in his virtue as compared to the one who is strong and firm in his vice. Normally, this is what is evident! Otherwise, those who have true love for something do not give in to any kind of criticism. They are convinced of their doings and they do not compromise or accept to do any concession. This is what sometimes leads them to say:

"Will I leave the Sunnah of my beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) because of the stupid ones?"

It seems abnormal that a person neglects the Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). There must be something which is not right and not running smoothly. It is a symptom of a disease or an indication of a kind of spiritual impurity. A Sahaabi saw a person conducting a Khutbah in the sitting posture. Without hesitation, he called him "Khabeeth" (impure). Commenting on this declaration, the 'Ulama say that without a truly valid reason, negligence of the Sunnah emanates from an impurity which is within a person. It is a sick palate that prevents anyone from enjoying a good meal. What can be the reason for a person not to have appreciation and admiration for the Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) except that his Ruh is sick? If not, how can a person declare that he admires the Sunnah but he does not apply it although he does not have any valid reason?

[English version of  "Quitte Sounnat" – Al Jamiat – Vol.7 No.1]