List Of Sunnah Prayers Before Fajr, and After Fard Prayers
Sunnah prayers are optional ritual prayers performed in addition to the fard prayers. While they are not obligatory, it is highly recommended to observe them. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet brings rewards and benefits, particularly on Judgment Day, when Sunnah prayers can compensate for any missed fard prayers.
Definition of Key Terms:
- Sunnah: The practice or example set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Fard: The obligatory prayers that every Muslim must perform.
- Rak’ahs: Units of prayer.
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Sunnah Prayer Before Fajr
It is highly recommended to pray two rak’ahs of Sunnah before the fard prayers of the Fajr (dawn) prayer, known as Raka’ataa Alfajr. This Sunnah prayer holds a special significance in Islam.
If you join the congregation without having performed these two rak’ahs due to unavoidable circumstances, you can still offer them after the congregational prayer.
The Ummah unanimously acknowledges that the two rak’ahs before Fajr are the most significant Sunnah prayers, supported by various prophetic teachings. Here are some hadiths emphasizing their importance:
- Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The two rak’ahs of Fajr are greater than this world and all that is in it.” (Muslim)
- She also mentioned, “The Prophet was never more regular in offering any voluntary prayers than the two rak’ahs before Fajr.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
- Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Do not leave the two rak’ahs of Fajr, even if horses tread over you.” (Abu Dawud)
Hadith and Benefits
Authentic Hadith
Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not place more importance on any Nawafil prayer than the two rak’ahs before the Fajr prayer.
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Features of the Sunnah Prayer Before Fajr
The two rak’ahs before Fajr are distinguished by several key features:
- Brevity: It is Sunnah to keep these prayers short. Aisha (RA) remarked that the Prophet (SAW) was so brief in these rak’ahs that she sometimes wondered if he had recited Surah Al-Fatihah at all.
- Recommended Surahs: It is recommended to recite specific surahs during these rak’ahs. Commonly, Surah Al-Kafirun is recited in the first rak’ah, and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.
- Consistent Practice: The Prophet (SAW) was diligent in performing these two rak’ahs, demonstrating a strong commitment to this Sunnah.
- Significance: The Prophet (SAW) stated that the two rak’ahs before Fajr are more beloved to him than the entire world and all that it contains.
- Unwavering Habit: He never omitted these rak’ahs, whether traveling or residing.
Observing the Sunnah Prayer
It is crucial to safeguard this Sunnah prayer and adhere to it, whether at home or while traveling. If you miss it before the fard prayer, you can offer it afterward. You may do so immediately after the fard prayer or wait until the sun has risen to the length of a spear.
Benefits of the 2 Rak’ah Before Fajr
The benefits of these two rak’ahs are profound. Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said:
“The two rak’ahs before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world and all it contains.”
(Muslim)
Another narration emphasizes their value:
“The two rak’ahs before the dawn prayer are dearer to me than the whole world.”
How to Perform the Sunnah for Fajr
The Prophet (SAW) would recite shorter chapters during these rak’ahs. It is reported that he recited Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas in the second.
You also have the option to recite verses from Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Al-Imran. However, it is best to follow the practice of our beloved Prophet (SAW).
Steps to Pray the 2 Rak’ah Sunnah Before Fajr
- After making the Takbir, recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by Surah Al-Kafirun in the first rak’ah.
- In the second rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Note: If you miss the Sunnah prayer before Fajr, you may offer it after the Fajr prayer.
When to Pray the Sunnah Before Fajr
The Sunnah prayer is performed after the Adhan (or after the second Adhan) signaling the arrival of Fajr time. It is ideally offered between the Adhan and the Iqamah of the Fajr prayer.
If you oversleep and wake up after dawn, you can still perform the Sunnah prayer before your Fajr prayer. Similarly, if you arrive at the mosque and find the congregation already praying, join the congregational prayer first. You can then make up for the Sunnah prayer afterward.
There is a hadith where the Prophet (SAW) observed a companion praying after the Fajr prayer. When asked why, the companion explained he was making up his missed Sunnah prayer. The Prophet (SAW) did not object, indicating his approval.
Abu Abdullah Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) reported an incident where he was delayed in informing the Prophet (SAW) about the Fajr time due to a conversation with Aisha (RA). When questioned about his delay, the Prophet (SAW) replied that he was engaged in performing the two rak’ahs of Fajr prayer, emphasizing their importance.
Sunnah Prayers for Dhuhr
Before the fard prayers of Dhuhr (noon prayer), it is Sunnah to perform two or four rak’ahs. Additionally, after the fard prayer, two more rak’ahs should be offered.
Reward for Dhuhr Sunnah Prayers:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that whoever prays four rak’ahs before and four rak’ahs after Dhuhr will be saved from Hellfire. This highlights the significance of these eight rak’ahs, six of which are part of the emphatic Sunnah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) maintained a consistent practice of twelve rak’ahs daily, performing them when residing and occasionally skipping some while traveling. These include:
- 2 before Fajr
- 4 before Dhuhr
- 2 after Dhuhr
- 2 after Maghrib
- 2 after Isha
Sunnah Prayers for Asr
Before the fard prayers of Asr (afternoon prayer), it is recommended to perform two or four rak’ahs of Sunnah. However, note that it is prohibited to perform Sunnah prayers after Asr until sunset.
Sunnah Prayer for Maghrib
After the fard prayers of Maghrib (sunset prayer), it is recommended to pray two rak’ahs of Sunnah.
Sunnah Prayer After Isha
After the fard prayers of Isha (night prayer), it is recommended to perform two rak’ahs of Sunnah.
Summary of Sunnah Prayers Before and After Fard Prayers
| Prayer | Rak’ahs Before Fard | Rak’ahs After Fard |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 | 0 |
| Dhuhr | 4 | 2 |
| Asr | 0 | 0 |
| Maghrib | 0 | 2 |
| Isha | 0 | 2 |
Important Note
Sunnah prayers must be performed after the time for the fard prayers begins. It is incorrect to start praying Sunnah prayers before their respective fard times.
Benefits of Sunnah Prayers
The benefits of performing Sunnah prayers are immense. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Whoever prays twelve rak’ahs during the night and day, a house will be built for him in Paradise: four before Dhuhr, two after, two after Maghrib, two after Isha, and two before Fajr.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi).
Additionally, engaging in Sunnah and nafl prayers alongside obligatory prayers brings one closer to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “The slave attains closeness to Allah through optional prayers.” (Bukhari).
On the Day of Resurrection, the first thing a person will be accountable for is their obligatory salah. If found lacking, they will be asked, “Look and see if you can find any nafl prayers to complete what you neglected in your obligatory prayers.” (Tirmidhi).
Conclusion
Incorporating Sunnah prayers into your daily routine not only enriches your spiritual life but also earns you immense rewards. Make a commitment to observe these prayers regularly to deepen your connection with Allah.
