Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Excellence of Nawafil Solāh


The Excellence of Nawafil Solāt

By Sayyid Sābiq

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-‘ālameen. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is His Messenger.

The terms Sunnah, Mustahabb (Encouraged), Nawafil (Supererogatory), Tatawwu’ (Voluntary), and Mandûb (Recommended) are legal rulings that refer to acts that are enjoined upon us by Islamic Law without being obligatory.  They are interchangeably. They all refer to the same legal ruling. This is the approach of Fakhr al-Dīn al-Razī. Al-Subkī declares: “This is the approach of most Shafi’ie scholars and the vast majority of the scholars of Islamic jurisprudence.” [Al-Ibhāj (1/257)]  Nevertheless, the particularly encouraged voluntary Solāt is the Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah). 

Two Kinds of Nawafil Solāt

There are two kinds of Nawafil Solāt  which are performed before or after the Solāt Fardhu.

Firstly, the one performed more frequently by the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam). According to ahadith, their total is ten Rak’ah while in other Ahadith their total is twelve or fourteen rak’at. They are called Sunnah Mu’akkadah or As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib held as Supererogatory Solāt. These solat has great virtues. Whoever is regular with twelve rak’at of Solāt Sunnah, Allāh promised a house in Jannah. Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu’alayhi wasallam) made a parable that a two light rak’at of which one may feel as insignificant to add to one deeds, but it is better for anyone than possessing the whole world.

Secondly, it is the Nawafil which were not performed regularly by the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam). These are called Sunnah  Ghair Mu’akkadah and are held as Optional Solāt. But the Nawafil have great importance in creating a special link between the worshipper and Allāh, and for this reason the believers do not neglect them. Its status in Shari’ah is the performing of nawafil is rewarding and omission of it is a lost. 

The usual practice of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was to perform As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib or Mu’akkadah at home, and this is what he ordained the Muslims. 

1 - The Sunnah Mu’akkadah

1.1 - The Significance the Solāt Sunnah Mu’akkadah

The At-Tatawwu’, or Nawafil Solāt, have been legislated to make up for any deficiencies left in the performance of Fardhu Solāt (Obligatory Solāt). In Solāt, there are virtues that are not found in any other form of worship. 

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The first thing a person will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment is his Solāt. If they are complete, it will be written for him that they are complete, but if there is a deficiency in them, Allāh would say: "See if My Slave has any supererogatory SolātAllāh would also say: “Make up the deficiency in My Slave’s obligatory Solāt from the supererogatory Solāt;” and then other actions will be accounted for accordingly.” This is recorded by An-Nasā’ie, Dawud and others.

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) narrated that The Prophet (Sallallāhu’alayhi wasallam) has said: Whoever is regular with twelve rak’at of Solāt Sunnah, Allāh will build a house in Paradise: Four raka’āt before Solātul Dzuhur, two after it, two after the Maghrib, two after ‘Ishā’ and two before the Solāt al-Fajar.”  It was also recorded by the group. At-Tirmidzi classified this hadith is Hasan Gharib. Umm Habibah (radiyallāhu’anha) also narrated with same wording. This is recorded by At-Tirmidzi.

Umm Habibah (radiyallāhu’anha) the Mother of the Believers reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: “A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak’at of Nawafil Solāt other than the obligatory Solāt in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allāh)”.” This is recorded by Muslim.

This Hadith tells us the merits of Solāt Sunnah (Nawafil Solāt) and holds promise of (Jannah) for those who make it a practice. 

Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) anhu) reported:  “I performed along with the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) two rak’at of Nawafil Solāt before Solātul Dzuhur and two after the Dzuhur, and two after the Solāt al-Juma’ah, and two after the Solāt Maghrib, and two after the Solāt ‘Ishā’.” This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Abu Umamah (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allāh does not listen to anything from His slave as He does to the two rak’at (of Nawafil Solāt) that he offers. Mercy descends over the servant's head as long as he remains in Solāt (This is recorded by Ahmad and at-Tirmidzi). As-Sayuti grades it sahih. 

In his Al-Muwatta, Imām Mālik says: “It has reached me that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  said: ‘(Try to) keep to the straight path although you won’t be able to do so completely; and know that the best of your deeds is the Solāt, and only a (true) believer preserves his wudhu’.” 

Imām Muslim recorded from Rabi’ah Ibn Malik Al-Aslami (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:“Ask (something).” Rabi’ah said: “I ask of you to be your companion in paradise.” The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Or anything else?” Rabi’ah said: “That is it.” The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to him: “Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory Solāt).”


Many Ahadith Mentioned the Virtues of Nawafil Solāt

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

·    “Prostrate as much as you can, because whenever you prostrate, Allāh elevates your rank by a degree and wipes out a sin from your record” (Muslim);
·    “Whenever a servant prostrates to Allāh, Allāh writes a reward for him, wipes out one of his sins and elevates his rank by one degree; so prostrate as much as you can” (Ibn Mājah) ;
·    “Solāt is the best thing that one can do, so perform as many as you possibly can” (At-Tabarāni);
·     “Two light rak’at which you may think as insignificant to add to you deeds, it is better for you than possessing the whole world”(Ibn Al-Mubārak)

1.2 - Offering Supererogatory Solāt in the House

Ahmad and Muslim recorded from Jabir Ibn ‘Abdullah (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  said: “If one of you offers his Solāt in the Mosque then he should make a portion of his Solāt in his house, as Allāh has made his Solāt in his house a means of betterment (for him).” 

Ahmad recorded from ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The nawafil Solāt of a man in his house are a light; whoever wishes should lighten up his house.”

‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) reports that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Make some of your Solāt in your houses and do not turn your houses into graves.” This is recorded by Ahmad and Abu Dawud. Abu Dawud recorded from Zaid Ibn Thabit (radiyallāhu’anhu) on sound authority that the Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A person's Solāt in his house is better than his solah in my masjid, except for the fardhu Solāt.” 

These hadith prove that it is preferred to say one's nawafil Solāt in one’s house since solat in one’s house are better than those that he performs in the masjid. Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) says: “The Prophet  (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  encouraged one to offer nawafil in one's house because then the Solāt are more private and will have less of a chance of being done for show and will be free from defects that vitiate good deeds. Furthermore, this will be a blessing for the house as mercy and angels will descend on it while Satan flees from it.” 

1.3 – The Lengthening of Supererogatory Solāt

It is preferred to prolong the reciting and by making many rak’at (of Solātul Tahajjud). The group, except for Abu Dawud, reported that Al-Mughirah Ibn Shu’bah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would stand and observe Solāt until his feet or shanks swelled. When he was asked about it, he said: ‘Should I not be a thankful slave?’”

Abu Dawud recorded from ‘Abdullāh Ibn Hubshi al-Khath’ami (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “What is the best deed?” Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Prolonging the qiyam (standing) [in the Solāt].”Then it was asked: “What is the best charity?” He replied: “The sacrifice made by one who has little to give.” Then it was asked: “What is the best migration?” He responded: “The migration from what Allāh has forbidden.” Then it was asked: “What is the best jihad?” He replied: “Whoever strives against the polytheists with his wealth and soul.” They asked: “What is the most honorable death?” He answered: “He whose blood is spilled and whose horse is wounded.” 

1.4 - It Is Allowed To Make Supererogatory Solāt While in Julus (Sitting)

It is acceptable for one to make nawafil Solāt while sitting even though he has the ability to stand. It is also acceptable for one to make part of such Solāt sitting and part of them standing even if all of that is in one rak’ah, (i.e., one sits for part of the first rak’ah and then stands for the rest of it, or vice versa). All of that is acceptable without any dislike for it. One may sit in any manner one likes although it is preferable to sit cross-legged. Muslim recorded that ‘Alqamah asked ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha): “How did the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam perform the two rak’at while sitting?” She replied: “Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would recite while sitting and then when Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) wished to make ruku', he (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would stand and ruku’.”

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) narrated : “I never saw the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  ever sitting while reciting during The Solāt Tahajjud until he became old, then he would sit until when about thirty or forty verses were left of his recital then he would stand, finish the recital and make ruku’...” This is recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidzi, an-Nasā’ie, and Ibn Majah.

1.5 – Different Types of the Nawafil Solāt

The Nawafil Solāt may be divided into two types: general and specific Solāt which are in addition to the fardhu Solāt, as observed by the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam).In relation to the general nawafil Solāt, Imām An-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) said: “If one decides to make the [general] nawafil (Optional Solāt) and he does not make any intention concerning the number [of rak`at] he shall make, then he may end the Solāt after one rak’ah or make it two rak’at or increase it to three or one hundred or one thousand, and so forth. If he performs a number of [rak`at], without knowing how many, and then ends it, his Solāt will still be valid.” There is no difference of opinion on this. The followers of the Shāfi’ie School are in agreement with it and there is a text attributed to Ash-Shafi’ie (rahimahullāh) on this point. 

Al-Baihaqi (rahimahullāh) recorded with a chain of narrators, that Abu Dzarr (radiyallāhu’anhu) performed many rak’at and then concluded his Solāt. Al-Ahnaf ibn Qais asked him: “Do you know if you finished on an odd or an even number?” Abu Dzarr (radiyallāhu’anhu) replied: “Even if I do not know, Allāh knows. I heard my friend Abu al-Qasim (Rasūlullāh Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) says: ‘No slave makes a sajdah to Allāh without Allāh raising him a degree and wiping out one of his sins due to it.’ This is related by ad-Dharimi in his Musnad with a sahih chain, but it should be noted that there is a difference of opinion over the integrity of one of its narrators. 

The specific Nawafil Solāt is known as As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib or Mu’akkadah, or the Sunnah Solāt that has specific order of time with numbers of rak`at. These include the Sunnah Solāt of Fajar, Dzuhur, ‘Asar, Maghrib, and ‘Ishā’. 

1.5.1 - The Two Rak’at of Sunnah Fajar

There are a number of hadith that state the virtues of observing the Sunnah Solāt Fajar.

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) narrated that The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said as regards the two rak’at before the Solāt Fajar: “They (the Sunnah Fajar) are dearer to me than the whole world.” This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, and At-Tirmidzi. Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reports that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not leave the two rak’at of the Sunnah Fajar, even if you are being attacked by a cavalry.” This is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, al-Baihaqi, and at-Tahawi. The message of the hadith is that one should not leave the two rak’at of the Sunnah Fajar no matter what the excuse, even while under enemy attack or under most trying conditions. 

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) says: “The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was not so particular about observing any supererogatory Solāt as he was in observing the two rak’at prior Solātul Fajar.” This is related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, and Abu Dawud. ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) also reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The two rak’at of the Sunnah Fajar are better than this world and all it contains.” This is recorded by Ahmad, Muslim, At-Tirmidzi, and an-Nasā’ie. 

Ahmad and Muslim also recorded that ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha)   said: “I have never seen him [the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ] more in quickness to do a good deed than he was to perform the two rak’at before the [Solātul] Fajar .” 

1.5.2 - To Perform Them Quickly

It is well-known that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would make a very short recital in the two rak’at Sunnah Solāt before the Solāt Fajar. 

Hafsah Binti ‘Umar Al Khattab (radiyallāhu’anha) reported: “The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would perform Solāt two rak’at of Sunnah Fajar in my house and he would make it very quick.” Naf'i states: “‘Abdullah [Ibn ‘Umar] would also make it very quickly.” This is related by Ahmad, al-Bukhari, and Muslim. 

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) narrated: “The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would perform the two rak’at before the Solāt Fajar in my house so quickly that I wondered if he had recited the Fātihah in them or not.” This is related by Ahmad and others. ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) also said: “When the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed Solāt two rak’at before the Solāt Fajar I estimated the time that he took in recital was like what it takes to recite al-Fātihah.” This is related by Ahmad, An-Nasā’ie, Al-Baihaqi, Mālik, and at-Tahawi. 

It is preferred to recite what has been related from the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam). ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would silently recite the following in the two rak’at before Solāt Fajar: “Say: “O disbelievers” and “Say: He is Allāh, the One.” This is related by Ahmad and at-Tahawi. He (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would recite them after al-Fātihah as there is no prayer without the recital of Al-Fātihah. ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) also reports that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “These are the two most blessed surahs, and he would recite them in the two rak’at before Solat Fajar.” This is related by Ahmad and Ibn Mājah.

Jabir bin ‘Abdullāh (radiyallāhu’anhu) relates that a man stood to perform Solāt two rak’at before the Solāt Fajar and recited “Say: O disbelievers!” in the first rak’ah until he finished the surah. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “That slave knows his Lord.” In the second rak’ah he recited: “Say: He is Allāh, the One”...to the end of the surah. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “That slave (of Allāh) believes in his Lord.” Abu Talhah (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “I love to recite these two surahs in these two rak`at.”This is related by Ibn Hayyan and at-Tabarāni. 

Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would recite the following in the Solāt Sunnah before the Solāt Fajar: “Say: We believe in Allāh and what has been revealed to us,” and from Surah Ali-‘Imran, “Come to common terms as between us and you.' In the first rak’ah, after Al-Fātihah, he would recite the verse: “Say: We believe in Allāh, and the revelation given to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and [in what] was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the Prophets, from their Lord and we do not differentiate between any of them. And we are Muslims.” In the second rak’ah Rasūlullāh would recite: “Say: O People of the Book, come to a statement that is common between us and you; that we shall not worship any save Allāh and we shall not associate any partners with Him and we shall not take others as Lords besides Allāh. And if they turn away then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered unto Him.” This is related by Muslim.

Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallāhu’anhu) also reported that in the first rak’ah the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would recite: “Say: We believe in Allāh...” In the second rak’ah he would recite: “But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: 'Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allāh?' The disciples said: 'We will be Allāh's helpers. . .’” This is recorded by Abu Dawud.

The report of ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha), mentioned earlier, it is concluded that it is permissible just to recite Al-Fātihah in each rak’ah. 

1.5.3 - Supplication after Finishing the Sunnah Fajar

An-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) says in “Al-Adhkar”: “It is related in the book of Ibn as-Sanni from Abu al-Malih (whose name was ‘Amr ibn Usamah) on the authority of his father that his father had prayed the two rak’at of the Sunnah Fajar and the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  was observing Solāt two rak’at close to him, and he heard the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  say, while sitting: Allāhumma Rabba Jibreel wa Israfeel Wa Mikaeel wa Muhammad Sallallāhu’alayhi Wassallam, A ‘udzubika minnanar (O Allāh, Lord of Jibrail, and Isrāfīl, and Mikāil, and Muhammad Sallallāhu’alayhi Wassallam, I seek refuge in Thee from the Fire)”...three times. 

Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullah) also records from Anas bin Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever says, on Friday morning before the Solāt Fajar :  Astaghfir ullāh al ‘adzeem, alladzi lā ilāha illā huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum, wa atūbu ilaīh (I seek the forgiveness of Allāh the Most Supreme, and there is no true god except Allāh, He, The Ever Living One The Self-Existing One, and I turn to Him in repentance)’, three times, Allāh forgives his sins even if they were as abundant as the foam on the sea.”  
  

1.5.4 -Lying Down After the Two Sunnah Fajar

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) says: “After the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had performed the two [Sunnah] rak’at of fajar, he would lie down on his right side.” This is related by the group. They also record that she reported: “After the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had performed the two [Sunnah] rak’at of Fajar, Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would lie down if I was asleep or would talk to me if I was awake.”

There is quite a difference of opinion over this point. Apparently, it is preferred for one to do so if one performs this Sunnah rak’at in one's house and not in the mosque. Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani (rahimahullāh) says in Fathul-Bari: “Some of the early scholars were of the opinion that it is preferred to do so if one perform sunnah Solāt in one's house rather than in the mosque.” This has been recorded from Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu). Some of our scholars reinforce this argument by stating that there is no evidence that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ever did so in the mosque. It has also been authentically recorded from Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu that “he would throw pebbles at anyone who did so in the mosque,” and this was related by Ibn Abi Shaibah. Imām Ahmad was asked about it and he said: “I do not do it but if a person does it, it is good.” 

1.5.5 - Belated Performance of Sunnah Fajar

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reports that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever fails to pray the two [Sunnah] rak’at of the Fajar until the sun rises, [he should then] perform them.” This is related by Al-Baihaqi (rahimahullāh). An-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) said its chain is good. 

Qais Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) related that he went to the Solāt Fajar and found the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performing Solāt Fajar. Although Qais had not performed the Solāt Sunnah; he joined the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and prayed with him. When he had finished Solāt Fajar, he then performed the two rak’at (Sunnah) Solāt. The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passed by him and inquired: “What is this prayer?” Qais then informed him of all that had happened. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) kept silent and did not say anything. This is related by Ahmad, Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban, at-Tirmidzi, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Mājah. Al-’Iraqi says its chain is hasan. 

‘Imran Ibn Hussain (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “It was during a journey, the Prophet(Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)   overslept past the time of Solāt Fajar and when he woke he waited for the sun to rise a little and then he ordered the mu’azzin to make the Adzān. Then, the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) firstly performed the Fajar Sunnah, after which he ordered the Iqamah to be made and performed Solāt Fajar." It is apparent from this hadith that one is to make up the solah sunnah before or after the sun rises, regardless of whether only sunnah prayer is missed or both sunnah and fardhu are missed, and whether there is a valid excuse or not. It may be made up by itself or with the obligatory Solāt Fajar. This is related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, and Muslim.

1.6 - The Sunnah Solāt of Dzuhur

It has been related that the Sunnah rak’at of Dzuhur are four, six, or eight. 

1.6.1 - Concerning Four Rak’at

Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “We observed and preserved from the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  ten rak’at [of Solāt Sunnah]: two before Dzuhur and two after it, two after Maghrib in his house, two after ‘Isha’ in his house and two rak’at before the Fajar.” This is related by al-Bukhari. 

Al-Mughirah Ibn Sulaiman reported that he heard Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) never left the two rak’at before Dzuhur and two rak’at after it, two rak’at after Maghrib, two rak’at   after ‘Isha and two rak’at before Fajar.” This is related by Ahmad with a good chain. 

1.6.2 - Concerning Six Rak’at

‘Abdullāh Ibn Shaqiq said: “I asked ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) about the Solāt the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and she said:‘Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would perform Solāt four rak’at before Dzuhur and two after it.”' This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, and others. 

Umm Habibah bint Abu Sufyan (radiyallāhu’anha) reported that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever prays twelve rak’at during the day and night will have a house built for him in paradise: four rak’at before Dzuhur and two after it, two rak’at after Maghrib, two rak’at after ‘Isha', and two rak’at before Fajar.” This is related by at-Tirmidzi who called it hasan sahih. Muslim reports it briefly. 

1.6.3 - Concerning Eight Rak’at

Umm Habibah (radiyallāhu’anha) reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever performs four rak’at before Solātul Dzuhur and four after it, Allāh will forbid that his flesh be in the fire.” This is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasā’ie, Ibn Mājah, and at-Tirmidzi who calls it sahih. 

It is related that Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (radiyallāhu’anhu) would perform four rak’at before Dzuhur. The people said to him: “You made that Solāt stay too long!” He said: “I saw the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) doing so. I asked him about it and he said: ‘It is a time in which the doors of the heavens are opened and I wish that my good deeds be raised (to heaven) during it.’” This is related by Ahmad with a good chain. 

1.6.4 - The Merits of Four Rak’at before Solātul Dzuhur

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) reported, who said: “The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) never neglect observing Solāt (Nawafil) four rak’at before Solātul Dzuhur and two rak’at before Solātul Fajar under any circumstances.” This is related by Ahmad and al-Bukhari. It is also related from ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) that during those four rak`at, he would prolong the qiyam [the portion in which one recites the Qur’an] and perfect the ruku’ and sujud therein. 

There is no contradiction between the hadith of Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu), which states that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed two rak’at before Dzuhur, and other hadith which state that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed Solāt Nawafil four rak’at before Solātul Dzuhur. Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani (rahimahullāh) writes in Fathul-Bari: “It is better to take them as describing different circumstances, sometimes he performed two rak’at and sometimes he performed four rak`at. Some say that it may be construed that if he (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed them in the masjid, he (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed only two rak`at, and when he performed in his house, he performed four rak’at. On the other hand, it could imply that he prayed two rak’at in his house and then went to the masjid and prayed two rak’at there also. Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) only saw what he performed in the masjid and not what he performed in his house, while ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) was aware of both of them. The first interpretation is strengthened by what Ahmad and Abu Dawud recorded from ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu‘anha), namely, that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed Solāt nawafil four rak’at in his house before Solātul Dzuhur and then Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) went to the masjid.”

Abu Ja’far at-Tabari says: “Most of the time he performs four rak’at and occasionally he observed two rak’at of nawafil Solāt.” 

If one perform four rak’at before or after the Solātul Dzuhur, it is preferred to observe them in two sets consisting of two rak’at each, although it is permissible to make them together with only one taslim at the end of the four rak’at, as the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The Solāt of the night and day are (sets of) two [rak’at].” This was related by Abu Dawud with a sahih chain. 

1.6.5 - Making up the missed Sunnah of Dzuhur

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) reported that if the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) missed the four rak’at before Dzuhur, he would pray them afterward. This is related by at-Tirmidzi who calls it hasan ghareeb. Ibn Mājah recorded that she said: “If the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) missed the four rak’at before Dzuhur, he (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would perform them following the two rak’at after Dzuhur.” 

The preceding is concerned with making up the Sunnah Solāt that one is to pray before Dzuhur. Concerning making up the two rak’at after Dzuhur, we have the following reports as recorded by Ahmad. 

Umm Salamah (radiyallāhu’anha) says: “The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed Solāt Dzuhur and then he received some wealth and he sat to distribute it [and continued to do so] until the mu’adzdzin made the Adzān for ‘Asar. He (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed Solāt ‘Asar and came to me, as it was my day, and he (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) made a two quick rak’at. I said: ‘What are those two rak’at, O Messenger of Allāh, Have you been ordered to perform them?’ He (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘No, they are the two rak’at that I perform after Dzuhur but I was busy distributing this wealth until the Adzān was made for ‘Asar and I hated to miss them.’” This is related also by al-Bukhari, Muslim, and by Abu Dawud in somewhat different wording. 

1.7 - The Sunnah of Maghrib

It is Sunnah to observe two rak’at after Maghrib. Earlier we mentioned that Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would not miss them. As to their content, it is preferred to recite, after al-Fātihah: “Say: O Disbelievers,” and “Say: He is Allāh, the One,” in the Sunnah Solāt after Solātul Maghrib. 

Ibn Mas’ud (radiyallāhu’anhu) says: “I cannot count how many times I heard the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu’alayhi wasallam) recite, in the two rak’at after Maghrib and in the two rak’at before Fajar 'Say: O disbelievers,' and 'Say: He is Allāh, the One.'” This is related by Ibn Mājah and At-Tirmidzi. The later grades it hasan. 

It is preferred to perform the Solāt Sunnah in one's house. Mahmud Ibn Labid (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed Maghrib with the tribe of ‘Abd al-Ashhal. After Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) made the taslim, he told them: “Perform these two rak’at in your houses.” This is recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidzi, and An-Nasā’ie. It was already mentioned that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed them in his house. 

1.8 - The Sunnah of ‘Ishā

We have already mentioned the hadith which record that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed two rak’at after ‘Isha’. Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported:  “I performed along with the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) two rak’ah of nawafil Solāt before Dzuhur and two after the Dzuhur, and two after the Solāt Al-Juma’ah, and two after the Solāt Maghrib, and two after the Solāt ‘Isha’." This is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

1.9 –The Qiyamulail

The Night Prayers or Qiyamulail or Solāt Al-Tahajjud is performed by getting up in later part of the night after having a sleep after observed Solāt ‘Isha’. Solāt Al-Tahajjud is a Sunnah Mu’akadah. It is a most meritorious Solāt next to the five daily Solāt. Solāt Tahajjud may be performed in twos, a minimum of two rak`at; either 8 rak’at or 10 rak`at; in accordance with one’s capability. But, it has to be capped with Solāt Witr. One may perform this Solāt at any suitable places at night.

The term Qiyam and Solāt Tahajjud is in effect the same Solāt with different names. When it is used in Ramadhān, it is referred as Qiyam of Ramadhān or Solāt Al-Tarāwīh including the Solāt Witr. While spending the late night in worship after some sleep is called Tahajjud or Qiyamulail.
  
Al-Qur’an mentions its excellence and merit; infact Allāh ordered his Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to perform Solāt Tahajjud: "And some part of the night awake for Solāt, a largess for thee. It may be that thy Lord will raise thee to a praised position." [Al-Isrā', 17: 79]

This order, although it was specifically directed to the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam), also refers to all the Muslims since the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is their example and guide in all such matters. 

Those who regularly perform the Solāt Tahajjud are the Righteous and are more deserving of Allāh's bounty and mercy. Allāh says of such devotees:

“Say, Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For  the pious ones, there are gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein is their eternal home and purified wives. And Allāh will be pleased with them. And Allāh is All-Seer of the slaves. Those who say: Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of Fire. They are those who are the patients’ ones, those who are truthful and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allāh. Those who spend (in the way of Allāh) and those who perform Solāt and seek Allāh’s pardon in the last hours of the night.”  [Ali-‘Imran 3: 15-17] 

“They do forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Lord, in fear and hope....” [As-Sajdah, 32:16]

“Lo! Those who keep from evil will dwell amid gardens and water springs, taking that which their Lord gives them. For, lo, they were doers of good. They used to sleep but little of the night and before the dawning of each day would seek forgiveness.” [Adh-Dhariyat, 51: 15-18] 

Allāh praised and complemented the deeds of those who perform the late-night prayers: “The slaves of the Beneficent are they who walk upon the earth in humbleness, and when the ignorant address them, they say: 'Peace' and they who spend the night prostrating before their Lord and standing.” [Al-Furqān, 25: 63-64]

The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said“The best Solāt after the obligatory Solāt is the Qiyam al-Layl.”  This is related by Muslim. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said “The most beloved Solāt to Allāh is the Solāt of Dawud (‘alaihissalam), and the most beloved fasting to Allāh is the fasting of Dawud (‘alaihissalam). He used to sleep half the night, stand in Solāt for one-third of the night, and sleep for one-sixth, and he used to fast alternate days.” This is related by Al-Bukhari; Muslim.

‘Abdullah Ibn As-Salam (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: “When the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to Medinah, the people gathered around him and I was one of them. I looked at his face and understood that it was not the face of a liar. The first words I heard him say were: ‘O people, spread the salutations, feed the people, keep the ties of kinship, and perform Solāt during the night while the others sleep and you will enter paradise in peace.’” This is related by Al-Hakim, Ibn Mājah, and At-Tirmidzi who classified it hasan sahih. 

Salman Al-Farsi (radiyallāhu’anhu) relates that the Prophet (Sallallāhu’alayhi wasallam)  said: “Observe the night prayer, it was the practice of the righteous before you and it brings you closer to your Lord and it is penance for evil deeds and erases the sins and repels disease from the body.” This is related by At-Tirmidzi, An-Nasā’ie and Ibn Mājah: Sahih.

‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:  “Make Witr as your last Solāt at night.” [This is narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim. The Witr Solāt is a night prayer and described by most jurists as being Sunnah mu‘akkadah

1.1o -   Solāt Tahiyatul Masjid.

Solāt Tahiyatul Masjid is a stressed Sunnah offered in respect upon entering the Masjid. If anyone enters a masjid, he should offer two raka’āt before sitting. Abu Qatādah (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If any one of you enters a masjid, he should observe Solāt two rak’āt before sitting.” This is narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim.

1.11 - Solatul Tawbah

Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: "I heard the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: 'Allāh forgives the man who commits a sin (then feels ashamed), purifies himself, offers a solah and seeks His forgiveness.' Then the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) recited the 'ayah: 'And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allāh and implore forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allāh? - And will not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did. The reward of such will be forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever- a bountiful reward for workers. [Ali-‘Imran: 135-136]"'. This is related by Abu Dawud, an-Nasā’ie, Ibn Majah, al-Baihaqi, and at-Tirmidzi who calls it hasan.
At-Tabarani recorded in Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir, with a hasan chain, from Abu ad-Darda'(radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: "Whoever makes wudhu' and perfects the wudhu' and then stands and performs solah two rak’at or four rak`at, obligatory or non-obligatory, and perfects therein his ruku' and sujud and then asks for Allāh's forgiveness, he will be forgiven."

2 - The Non Stressed Sunnah Solāt (As-Sunan Ghair Al-Mu'akkadah)

Apart the As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib or Mu’akkadah which were stressed regularly by the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  and which he was careful not to miss, there are some other Sunnah Prayers or As-Sunan Ghair Al-Mu’akkadah or Al-Sunan Ar-Ratibahwhich are commendable or an optional Solāt, but are “not stressed.”

2.1 - There is Two rak’at nawafil Between Every Adzān and Iqāmah

‘Abdullāh bin Mughaffal (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There is a Solāt between every Adzān and Iqāmah; there is a Solāt between every Adzān and Iqāmah.” (After saying the same for the) third time, Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu’alayhi wasallam) added, “It is for him who desires (to perform it)." This is related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim and the group. 

Ibn Hibban recorded from Ibn Az-Zubair (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There exists no obligatory Solāt without there being immediately preceding it two rak’at nawafil.”  

Imām An-Nawawi (rahimahullāh) elucidated it by saying: The offering of a two rak’at between the Adzān and Iqāmah is considered as Mustahabb (desirable). It comes in the category of Ghair Ratiba or Ghair Mu’akkadah Nawafil. It can be performed after the Adzān of every Solāt and before the [Iqāmah, preceding] the congregation stands for the obligatory Solāt. Thus, this includes Solāt al-Juma’ah as well.

2. 2 - Two or Four Rak’at before ‘Asar

Many hadiths have been related about this Solāt Sunnah and they all support each other. Such hadith include the following: 

Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “May Allāh have mercy on a person who prays four rak’at before Solāt ‘Asar.” This was related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidzi (who calls it hasan), Ibn Hibban, and Ibn Khuzaimah. The latter two hold it as sahih. ‘Ali reported, who said: “The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed four rak’at before ‘Asar while separating every two sets of rak’at with salutations to the angels close to Allāh, to the prophets, and to those who followed them - the believers and Muslims.” This is related by Ahmad, An-Nasa’ie, Ibn Mājah, and At-Tirmidzi who grades it hasan.

As for observing the nawafil Solāt of two rak’at, this would fall under the generality of the Prophet's statement: “Between every adzān and iqāmah there is a Solāt.”  

2. 3 - Two Rak’at before Solātul Maghrib

Al-Bukhari recorded from ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mughaffal (radiyallāhu’anhu), that the Prophet (Sallallāhu’alayhi wasallam) said: Solāt before Maghrib, Solāt before Maghrib,” and after saying it a third time, Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “For whoever wishes to do so,” wanting the people to take it as an optional Sunnah. Ibn Hibban records that the Prophet (Sallallāhu’alayhi wasallam) performed two rak’at before Solāt Maghrib. 

Muslim records that Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “We would observe two rak’at before Maghrib and the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would see us but he would not order us to do so, nor would he prohibit us.” 

Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (rahimahullāh) says in Fathul-Bari: “All of the evidence points to the fact that it is preferred to observe these two rak’at quickly like the two rak’at before the Solāt Fajar.” 

2.4 - Two Rak’at before Solāt ‘Ishā

The two rak’at Solāt nawafil before ‘Ishā’ is classified as Ghair Mu’akkadah. It is applicable by the generality of hadith narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal (radiyallāhu’anhu) on two rak’at nawafil between every Adzān and Iqāmah.

2.5 - Solāt Ad-Dhuha.

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported, who said:My Khalil (friend) (the Prophet Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) advised me to observe three things and I shall not leave them till I die: “To observe Saum (Fasting) three days every (lunar) month; To offer the Solāt ad-Dhuha; To offer Solāt al-Witr before sleeping.” This is related by Bukhari and Muslim.

Abu Dzarr (radiyallāhu’anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Charity is required from every part of your body daily. Every saying of ‘Subhānallāh (Glory be to Allāh)’ is charity. Every saying of ‘Alhamdulillāh (Praise be to Allāh)’ is charity. Every saying of ‘Lā ilāha illallāh (There is no God but Allāh)’ is charity. Every saying of ‘Allāhuakbar (Allāh is the Greatest)’ is charity. Ordering the good is charity. Eradicating the evil is charity. And what suffices for that (as a charity) is the two rak’at of Solāt Duha.” This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, and Abu Dawud.

Buraidah (radiyall
āhu’anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “In a human (body) there are 360 joints and man must make a charity for each one.” The people said: “Who can do that, O Messenger of Allāh?” Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) responded: “One may cover the mucus that one finds in the masjid or remove something harmful from the road. If one could not do that, he could pray two rak’at of The Solāt Duha and that will be sufficient for him.” This is related by Ahmad and Abu Dawud.

2.6 – The Virtue of Solāt Nawafil Al-Wudhū

‘Uqbah Ibn ‘Amr (radiyallāhu’anhu) related that the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “If one performs and perfects his wudhu’ and perform Solāt two rak’at (Nawafil al-Wudhu’) with his heart and face (completely on his Solāt); Paradise becomes his.” (Recorded by Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ibn Mājah and Ibn Khuzaimah).

Abu Hurayrah (radiyallāhu’anhu) narrated that Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to Bilal Ibn Rabab (radiyallāhu’anhu) after the Solāt Fajar: “Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e one which you deem the most rewarding with Allāh) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in paradise.” Bilal ibn Rabab (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make wudhū’ at any time of night or day, I offer Solāt (Nawafil al-Wudhu’) for as long as was destined for me to offer.” (This is related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Khumran, the client of ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan (radiyallāhu’anhu) said: “I saw ‘Uthman call for water for ablution, pour it from the pot onto his right hand and wash it three times. He then put his right hand into the container, rinsed his mouth and nose and blew the water out. Then he washed his face three times, followed by his arms up to the elbows. Then he washed his feet three times and said ‘I saw the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) make ablution like this.’ And then he would say, ‘Whoever makes ablution like this and then perform Solāt two rak’at (Nawafil Al-Wudhu’) without having any other concern on his mind, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Recorded by Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others)

2.7 - Solatul Tasbih

'Ikrimah reports from Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallāhu’anhum) that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to 'Abbas ibn 'Abdal-Mutalib (radiyallāhu’anhu): "O 'Abbas, O Uncle, shall I not give you, shall I not present to you, shall I not donate to you, shall I not tell you ten things which, if you do, Allāh will forgive your first and last sins, past and present sins, intentional and unintentional sins, private and public sins? The ten actions are: Perform solah four rak`at, reciting in every rak’ah Al-Fātihah and a surah. And when you finish the Qur'anic recitation of the first rak'ah, say, while standing (qiyam): ‘Subhānallāh, wal-hamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallāh, wa Allāhu Akbar (Glory be to Allāh. All praise is due to Allāh. There is no God except Allāh. Allāh is the greatest).'fifteen times. Then make Ruku', and while you are in ruku', say the same ten times; then stand (iktidal), and say the same ten times. Then go down and make sajdah, and while you're in sajdah, say the same ten times. Then sit after the sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then make sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then sit after the second sajdah, and say the same another ten times. That is seventy-five [repetitions of the phrases] in each rak’ah. Do that in each of the four rak`at. If you can pray it once a day, do so. If you cannot, then once every Friday. If you cannot do that, then once a year. And if you cannot do that thanonce in your life." This is related by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and Ibn Khuzaimah in his sahih, and At-Tabarani. About this hadith al-Munzhiri says: "This hadith has been related through many chains and from a number of companions. The best of them is this one from 'Ikrimah. A group of scholars have graded it to be sahih, including Al-Hafez Abu Bakr Al-'Ajari, (Al-Munzhiri's teacher), Abu Muhammad 'Abdul Rahim al-Misri, and Abu Al-Hassan Al-Maqdisi." Ibn al-Mubarak says: “The solat tasbih is a greatly desired act and it is desirable that one should punctually observe it and never neglect it”.
2.8 - Solatul Hajah
Ahmad has on sound authority reported from Abu Darda (radiyallāhu’anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: "He who makes wudhu, and does it properly, then performs Solah  two rak`at, Allāh will grant him whatever he may pray for, sooner or later."
3 - Separating the Obligatory Solāt from the Supererogatory

It is preferred to make a separation between the fardhu and nawafil Solāt after one finishes the Solāt Fardhu. 

This is based on a hadith, one of the companions of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) reported: “The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) performed the Solātul Dzuhur and right afterward a man stood up to pray. ‘Umar (radiyallāhu’anhu) anhu) saw him and told him: “Sit, the People of the Book was destroyed because they did not differentiate between their Solāt.” The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Well said, Ibn al-Khattab [i.e., ‘Umar]”.” This is related by Ahmad with a sahih chain. 

Allāh the Almighty Alone Know most.

[Excerpted from “The Fiqh-us-Sunnah”, Volume 2: “The Supererogatory Solāt” by Sayyid Sābiq


Addendum:
The Excellence of Sunnah Mu’akadah Solāt

By Al-Imam An-Nawawi 

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of Al-‘Ālameen. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam is His Messenger

1097. Umm Habibah (radiyallāhu`anha) the Mother of the Believers reported: I heard the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) saying:"A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve rak’ah of optional  Solāt other than the obligatory Solāt in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allāh)."[this is recorded by Muslim].

At-Tirmidzi recorded Umm Habibah (radiyallāhu`anha) narrated that The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:"Whoever is regular with twelve rak’at of sunnah Solāt, Allāh will build a house in Paradise: 4 rak’at before and 2 after the Solah Dzuhur, 2 after the Maghrib, 2 after the Solah `Ishā’ and 2 before the Solah Fajar."[Hadith sahih narrated by At-Tirmidzi No. 415 (Sahih) and by others. Hadith No. 6183 in Sahih al-Jāmi’]

Commentary: Tatawwu’ means to offer more Nawafil (optional Solāt) on one's own after performing the Faraid (obligatory Solāt). Thus, this Hadith tells us the merits of optional prayers and holds promise of (Jannah) for those who make it a practice.

1098. Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported:  I performed along with the Messenger of Allāh  (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) two rak’at of optional prayers before Dzuhur and two after the Dzuhur (noon prayer), and two after the Friday prayer, and two after the Solāt Maghrib, and two after the Solāt `Isha' ."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: There are two kinds of Nawafil Solāt (Supererogatory Solāt) which are performed before (Qabliyayyah) or after (Ba'diyyah) the Solāt Fardhu.

Firstly, the one which were performed by the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) more frequently. According to the present Hadith, their total comes to ten raka`at while in other Ahadith their total is twelve or fourteen raka`at. They are called Sunnah Mu`akkadah or As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib That is, the raka`ah which are proved from the saying and practice of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and which were performed by him usually. These are said to be Compulsory Solāt .

Secondly, such Nawafil Solāt which were not performed by the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) regularly. These are called Sunnah Ghair Mu’akkadah and are said to be Optional Solāt. In any case, Nawafil have great importance in creating a special link between the worshipper and Allāh, and for this reason the believers do not neglect them. But their status in Shari`ah is of Nawafil the performing of which is rewarding and omission of which is not sinful.

One thing that should be borne in mind in respect of As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib or Mu’akkadah is that it is better to perform them at home. This was the usual practice of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and this is what he ordained the Muslims.

1099.'Abdullah bin Mughaffal (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:"There is a Solāt between every Adzan and Iqāmah; there is a Solāt between every Adzān and Iqāmah." (While saying the same for the) third time (he (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) added), "It is for him who desires (to perform it)."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: The two Adzān here means Adzān and Iqāmah, as has been elucidated by Imām An-Nawawi (rahimahullāh). That is, offering of two rak’at between Adzān and Iqāmah is Mustahabb (desirable). It comes in the category of Ghair Ratiba or Ghair  Mu’akkadah Nawafil. These Nawafil can be performed after the Adzan of every Solāt before the congregation stands for the obligatory Solāt.

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

[Excerpted from "The Excellence of Optional Solīt (Sunnah Mu’akad) Chapter # 195, Riyad-Us-Saliheen, Compiled By Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawawi Ad-Dimashqi"]

See: All About Solah

1.       The Purification; 2.  The Menstruation; 3.  The Ghusul ;
4. Al-Wudhu’ ; 5. Tayammum;
6.       The Adzān;
22.   Solāt of a Traveler; 23.   Solāt Qasar; 24.    Solāt Jama’; 25.   The Solāt Jama’ ;
29.   Solāt al-Jumu’ah; 30.   The Sanctified Hour of Jumu’ah.
36.   Solāt al-Hajjat ; 37.   Solāt al-Tahajjud ; 38. Solāt al-Tarawih ;
39.   Solāt al-Dhuha ; 40.   Solāt al-Hajjat ; 41.  Solāt al-Istikhārah ;


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