1. The way of life prescribed as normative in Islam, based on the teachings and practices of Muhammad and on exegesis of the Koran. Also called hadith.
2. Muhammad's way of life viewed as a model for Muslims.

[Arabic sunna, customary practice, tradition, from sanna, to sharpen, shape, enact.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.