Obligations and Sunnahs

How to Perform Sunnah Prayers

The Importance and How to Perform Sunnah (Voluntary) Prayers in Islam

In the practice of Islam, prayer (Salah) holds a central role as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core practices every Muslim adheres to. While the five obligatory prayers (Fard) form the foundation of a Muslim’s daily worship, there are also voluntary or Sunnah prayers that complement the Fard prayers. These Sunnah prayers are highly recommended and carry great spiritual significance. In this article, we will explore what Sunnah prayers are, their importance, the different types of Sunnah prayers, and how to properly perform them.

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What Are Sunnah Prayers?

Sunnah prayers are voluntary prayers that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed regularly, and his followers were encouraged to do the same. These prayers are not obligatory, meaning their omission does not incur sin, but they are greatly encouraged as a means of earning extra rewards and enhancing one’s connection with Allah.

There are two main categories of Sunnah prayers: Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) and Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah (non-emphasized Sunnah). The former refers to prayers that were consistently performed by the Prophet (PBUH), while the latter includes those that were performed occasionally. Although the Sunnah Mu’akkadah prayers carry greater merit, both categories of Sunnah prayers hold value and contribute to spiritual growth.

Importance of Sunnah Prayers

The Sunnah prayers are not just additional acts of worship; they serve several important functions within the spiritual life of a Muslim:

  1. Completing the Fard Prayers: Sunnah prayers serve as a means to compensate for any shortcomings or mistakes that might occur during the obligatory prayers. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The first actions a servant will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment will be his prayers. If they are good, he will succeed, and if they are bad, he will fail. If there is a deficiency in his obligatory prayers, the Lord will say, ‘Look if My servant has any voluntary prayers?’ If he has any, they will complete the obligatory ones.” (Tirmidhi)

  2. Enhancing the Connection with Allah: These prayers allow Muslims to spend more time in worship, reinforcing their bond with Allah. Performing Sunnah prayers regularly helps one to maintain a constant state of mindfulness and devotion.

  3. Earn Extra Rewards: Every act of worship in Islam, no matter how small, carries rewards. By performing Sunnah prayers, Muslims are granted additional blessings and reward, as they demonstrate sincere commitment to Allah’s commands beyond the obligatory acts.

  4. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH): Performing the Sunnah prayers helps Muslims emulate the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), strengthening their love and reverence for him. It is through these acts that Muslims maintain a deeper understanding of his teachings and character.

Types of Sunnah Prayers

There are several types of Sunnah prayers that Muslims can observe throughout the day. Some are performed in connection with the obligatory prayers, while others can be performed at any time. The most commonly practiced Sunnah prayers are:

1. Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah)

These are prayers that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly performed and encouraged Muslims to do as well. These prayers are strongly recommended and are integral to the daily worship routine.

  • Sunnah Before and After Fard Prayers: These are the Sunnah prayers that are performed before or after the five obligatory daily prayers (Fard).

    • Before Fajr: Two rak’ahs (units of prayer) before the Fajr prayer. These two rak’ahs are known for their importance and are considered highly virtuous. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Two rak’ahs of Fajr are better than the world and everything in it” (Sahih Muslim).
    • Before Dhuhr: Four rak’ahs before the Dhuhr prayer. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever prays four rak’ahs before the Dhuhr prayer, Allah will make the Hellfire forbidden for him” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
    • After Dhuhr: Two rak’ahs after the Dhuhr prayer.
    • After Maghrib: Two rak’ahs after the Maghrib prayer.
    • After Isha: Two rak’ahs after the Isha prayer.

  • Sunnah Witr: The Witr prayer is a highly emphasized prayer that is performed after the Isha prayer. It consists of an odd number of rak’ahs (usually one, three, five, or more). The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Make Witr your last prayer of the night” (Sahih Muslim).

2. Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah (Non-Emphasized Sunnah)

These are prayers that the Prophet (PBUH) performed occasionally, and although they are still recommended, they are not as strongly emphasized as the Sunnah Mu’akkadah prayers. Some of these include:

  • Tahiyyat al-Masjid: Two rak’ahs upon entering the mosque. This prayer is performed when entering the mosque to greet the place of worship. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “When one of you enters the mosque, let him pray two rak’ahs before sitting” (Sahih Muslim).

  • Duha Prayer: The Duha prayer is a voluntary prayer offered in the forenoon (morning time) after the sun has completely risen but before the time for Dhuhr prayer begins. It consists of two or more rak’ahs and is highly rewarding. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “In the morning, charity is due on every joint of the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah’s remembrance is a charity” (Sahih Muslim).

  • Sunnah for Special Occasions: There are also Sunnah prayers that the Prophet (PBUH) performed on special occasions, such as the Tahajjud prayer during the night. This prayer consists of voluntary rak’ahs and is highly rewarding, particularly in the last part of the night.

How to Perform Sunnah Prayers

The method of performing Sunnah prayers is generally the same as the obligatory prayers (Fard), but with a few key points to remember. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Sunnah prayers:

1. Preparation for Prayer

  • Purity: Just like the obligatory prayers, it is essential to be in a state of physical and spiritual purity. Perform Wudu (ablution) if needed.
  • Time: Ensure that you perform the Sunnah prayers at the correct time. Each Sunnah prayer is linked to the specific Fard prayer it precedes or follows. The Duha prayer, for example, is offered during the morning after the sun rises.

2. Intention (Niyyah)

  • Begin by making the intention (niyyah) in your heart for the specific Sunnah prayer you are about to perform. For example, for the Sunnah of Fajr, your intention should be to pray two rak’ahs before the Fajr prayer.

3. Performing the Prayer

  • Start by saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) and then recite the opening Surah (Al-Fatiha) followed by another Surah from the Quran.
  • Continue with the regular steps of the prayer: bowing (Ruku), prostration (Sujood), sitting, and concluding with Tasleem (turning the head to the right and then to the left to complete the prayer).
  • Repeat these steps for each rak’ah of the prayer.

4. Dua (Supplication)

  • After completing the Sunnah prayers, it is encouraged to make Dua (supplication) to Allah for whatever you desire, whether it is for personal guidance, the well-being of loved ones, or other righteous requests.

Conclusion

Sunnah prayers are an integral part of a Muslim’s spiritual routine, offering opportunities to seek extra blessings and deepen one’s relationship with Allah. By consistently performing these voluntary prayers, a Muslim can emulate the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), earn additional rewards, and compensate for any shortcomings in the obligatory prayers. While they are not compulsory, the Sunnah prayers represent a chance for spiritual growth, making them a valuable practice in a Muslim’s life.

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