The prayers with prostration and bowing in the Sunni tradition are generally divided into three main categories. One of these categories pertains to prayers such as the Sunnah (Nafl) prayers in Sunni Islam.
What is Nafl Prayer in Sunni Islam?
The Noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in addition to performing the prayers ordained in the Quran, also performed other prayers. The Prophet regularly performed some of these prayers without skipping any, while others he performed occasionally. Prayers that involve prostration and bowing are divided into three general categories. One of these categories is Nafl (voluntary) or Sunnah prayers. In this article, we will discuss Nafl prayer and related issues according to the beliefs of Sunni Muslims. The purpose of performing Nafl prayers is to draw closer to Allah.
Difference Between Non-Mandatory and Mandatory Prayers
Mandatory prayers, also known as Sunnah prayers, total twelve rak'ahs. As mentioned, the Prophet Muhammad performed these prayers just like the obligatory daily prayers, without skipping them. Performing these prayers is obligatory for Sunni Muslims. It should be noted that the number of rak'ahs for mandatory prayers is either ten or twelve. Non-mandatory prayers, also known as Sunnah or Nafl prayers, are those which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed occasionally. Since these prayers are not obligatory, they do not require compensation if missed.
Types of Nafl Prayers and How to Perform Them
There are various types of Nafl prayers. Below are some of them:
Nafl Before Asr Prayer
This prayer consists of four rak'ahs and should be performed before the Asr prayer. It is concluded with a single salam.
Nafl After Maghrib Prayer
This prayer consists of six rak'ahs and is performed like the other daily prayers, involving bowing and prostration.
Nafl Before Isha (Night Prayer)
This prayer consists of four rak'ahs.
Nafl After Isha (Night Prayer)
This prayer consists of four rak'ahs. Together with the Isha prayer, there are eight rak'ahs of Nafl.
Salat al-Ishraq
After performing the Fajr prayer, engage in dhikr and worship, and do not rise until the sun has fully risen. When part of the sun is visible, perform two or four rak'ahs of Nafl prayer. This is known as Salat al-Ishraq. After completing these four rak'ahs, you may wait and perform two or four more rak'ahs, which is known as Chasht prayer. Both of these prayers are considered among the valuable Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Salat al-Awwabin
After performing Maghrib prayer and its Sunnah, it is recommended to pray at least six rak'ahs and at most twenty rak'ahs. This prayer is called Salat al-Awwabin.
Salat al-Tahajjud
One of the special practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was night worship and staying awake for prayers. Many scholars, such as Al-Muhaqqiq al-Karkhi, Al-Muhaqqiq al-Ardabili, and Al-Muhaqqiq al-Hilli, have affirmed the obligation of night prayers for the Prophet (PBUH). The verse "And in the night, prostrate yourself to Him and praise Him a long night" is cited to support this. To perform Tahajjud, it is recommended to wake up at midnight and pray a minimum of four rak'ahs and a maximum of twelve. If waking up at midnight is difficult, it is permissible to perform these prayers after Isha prayer.
Salat al-Tahiyyat al-Masjid
When entering a mosque, it is customary to perform two rak'ahs of prayer.
Salat al-Tahiyyat al-Wudu
When making wudu (ablution), it is recommended to pray two rak'ahs of Nafl prayer. This prayer is one of the Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and it is considered highly virtuous.
When Should Nafl Prayers Not Be Performed?
In general, one can perform Nafl prayers at any time, except during times when Islam has prohibited prayers. This prohibition applies because these times are meant for the worship of disbelievers. Therefore, Nafl prayers can only be performed at specific times, and no other non-obligatory prayers (except for those with a reason, like Tahiyyat al-Masjid) can be performed during these times. This ruling applies only to prayers, but for dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and supplications, there is no prohibition, and they can be done at any time.
The prohibited times are as follows:
After Fajr prayer until the sun rises and is slightly above the horizon, which is approximately 20 minutes after sunrise in temperate regions.
When the sun is at its zenith (directly overhead) until it starts to decline.
After Asr prayer until sunset.
