How can one differentiate between the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and what he liked and disliked as a human being, or are they one and the same?

The origin of the Prophet Muhammad's sayings (peace be upon him) is for legislation, because he is a messenger from his Lord and commanded to clarify. The proof of this is the hadith of Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with them both) when the Prophet pointed to his mouth and said: "Write, for by Him in whose hand is my soul, nothing comes out of it but the truth."

He may say something not intended for legislation, but this is contrary to the original principle and requires evidence to clarify it, such as the story of the pollination of date palms, where the Prophet said: "You know best about the affairs of your worldly matters."

As for his actions (peace be upon him), they are divided into: 1. Natural actions (Jibiliyyah): Such as eating, drinking, standing, and sitting. These are permissible, and there is no harm in emulating them. 2. Actions specific to him: Such as his marrying nine women. It is forbidden to emulate these actions. 3. Explanatory legislative actions: Such as the actions of prayer and Hajj. Their ruling follows what I have explained regarding obligation or recommendation. 4. Actions that could be natural or legislative: Those necessitated by human nature and related to worship, such as descending at Al-Muhassab after Hajj.

What he (peace be upon him) loved in terms of food, drink, or clothing, the original principle is that it is from customs and not intended for legislation, unless there is evidence indicating legislation, such as a command or encouragement, in which case it would have a legal ruling.