Why Every Muslim should not Ignore Sunnah Prayers!

Sunnah prayers, the voluntary acts of worship, not only enhance our spiritual journey but also serve as an anchor amidst life’s challenges. While obligatory prayers are essential, incorporating Sunnah prayers into our routine opens a door to deeper reflection and personal growth. Praying Sunnah is like adding vibrant colours to an already beautiful tapestry; it deepens your faith and enhances your focus on salah.

In this article, we will explore why every Muslim should prioritize praying sunnah and unveil the benefits of praying sunnah prayers in fostering peace and gratitude among believers. Join us on this enlightening journey as we delve into the transformative power of these prayers.how to attain khushu in salah.

What is a Sunnah Prayer

Sunnah prayer or salat al sunnah are those that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed in addition to the obligatory prayers. Praying Sunnah remained His practice throughout the life. He offers two or more rak’ahs of prayer before or after the obligatory prayers.

The term “Sunnah prayers” does not mean that these prayers are only for the Prophet PBUH.  Whereas offering sunnah in salah helps to compensate for any shortcomings in obligatory prayers. In addition to the obligatory prayers, Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad PBUH praying sunnah and nafl. The Ummah follows His example by performing these prayers.

There are two categories of sunnah prayers in Islam: Sunnah Muakkadah (Emphasized Sunnah) and Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah (Non-Emphasized Sunnah).

Sunnah Muakkadah

Observing the Sunnah Muakkadah prayer is considered almost obligatory. These are the prayers that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed consistently and regularly. For the Ummah, neglecting these prayers is considered as undesirable, and making a habit of neglecting them is considered sinful. However, if one is unable to perform them due to travel, illness, or any urgency, there is no blame.

So it is not permissible to abandon them without a valid excuse. A person who neglects these prayers without any valid reason is considered sinful.

Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah

These are the prayers that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed in addition to the obligatory prayers, but he did not strictly enforce their regular observance. For these prayers, there is flexibility; one can choose to perform them or leave them.

Sunnah Prayer Chart

Virtues of Praying Sunnah

There are twelve units (rak’ahs) of Sunnah Muakkadah prayers associated with the obligatory (fard) prayers: two before Fajr, six in Zuhr (four before and two after the obligatory prayers), two after Maghrib, and two after Isha. Regarding these Sunnah prayers, it is narrated in a hadith from Ummul-Mu’mineen Umm e Habibah that the Messenger of Allah said:

مَنْ صَلَّی فِی يَوْمٍ وَلَيْلَةٍ ثِنْتَيْ عَشْرَةَ رَکْعَةً بُنِیَ لَهُ بَيْتٌ فِی الْجَنَّةِ : أَرْبَعًا قَبْلَ الظُّهْرِ، وَرَکْعَتَيْنِ بَعْدَهَا، وَرَکْعَتَيْنِ بَعْدَ الْمَغْرِبِ، وَرَکْعَتَيْنِ بَعْدَ الْعِشَاءِ، وَرَکْعَتَيْنِ قَبْلَ صَلَاةِ الْفَجْرِ

“Whoever prays twelve rak’ahs in a day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise: four rak’ahs before Zuhr, two after it, two after Maghrib, two after Isha, and two before Fajr” [Tirmidhi:415]

Fajr Sunnah

Among all the Sunnah prayers, the most emphasized are the two rak’ahs before Fajr. It is narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The two rak’ahs before Fajr are better than this world and all that it contains” [Tirmidhi:416]

The Sunnahs of Fajr are highly emphasized. Therefore, if the Fajr prayer is missed, it should be performed along with these sunnahs after sunrise but before the time of Zawal (midday). If the Fajr prayer is not made up before Zawal, only the obligatory prayer should be performed afterward.

It is also not correct to perform the fajr prayer sunnah after the obligatory prayer before sunrise. If there is a chance to join the congregation for the second rak’ah, one should perform the Fajr Sunnah in a separate place before joining the congregation. Otherwise, join the congregation and perform these 2 rakahs of prayers after sunrise during the time of Ishraq.

Zuhr Sunnah

Performing 6 sunnah zuhr prayer are mandatory to offer. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever regularly performs the four rak’ahs of Sunnah Mu’akkadah before the obligatory Zuhr prayer, Allah will make the fire (of Hell) forbidden for them.” Tirmidhi:1/452

Maghrib Prayer Sunnah

There is due importance of perfoming the maghrib sunnah prayer. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) always performed these two rak’ahs sunnah after maghrib and the two rak’ahs sunnah before Fajr, regardless of whether he was traveling or at home. This is mentioned in Al-Musannaf by Ibn Abi Shaybah.

Common Misconception about Abandoning the Sunnah Prayers

The above-mentioned hadiths are cited to dispel the misconception held by some people who believe that religious obligations only pertain to the obligatory (fard) acts, and that observing Sunnah practices are not necessary—that one earns reward by performing them, but there is no sin in neglecting them. Such individuals do not distinguish between mu’akkadah) and ghair mu’akkadah Sunnahs. The Messenger of Allah reported six types of people upon whom, Allah the Exalted, and all the prophets invoke a curse. One of them is the one who abandons the Sunnah. [Tirmidhi, 4/457]

Conclusion

It should be well understood that neglect in praying sunnah is based on a lack of understanding. If the matter of Sunnahs were as insignificant as some believe, then how should we understand the numerous hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that emphasize the importance and benefits of praying sunnah prayers and express severe disapproval of abandoning it? Therefore, the scholars of the Ummah, considering the practices of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the companions (may Allah be pleased with them), have provided detailed analyses on this matter.