Sunnah. | Voluntary. | Rewards. | Deeds.

The Comprehensive Guide to Voluntary Prayers in Islam

The Sunnah Prayers 101 - Explore the significance and practices of voluntary prayers in Islam, including Duha, Night Prayer, Witr, and more.

This article serves as an overview of the most common voluntary prayers, shedding light on what they are and how to perform them. If you're a new Muslim, this guide will provide you with a general understanding of these essential acts of worship.

In the Islamic tradition, voluntary prayers, also known as Sunnah prayers, hold immense spiritual significance and offer Muslim believers opportunities to enhance their faith and connect with Allah SWT beyond the obligatory five daily prayers (Fard). From the Duha prayer to the Night Prayer (Qiyam-ul-Layl and Tahajjud), we'll explore each prayer's importance and guide you through their proper performance.
So, whether you're new to Islam or seeking a deeper understanding of these acts of devotion, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the essential and widely practiced Sunnah prayers.

Let's Begin!

Table of contents

 Solat ad-Duha (Mid-morning Prayer)
 Qiyam-ul-Layl (Night Prayer)
 Solat al-Tahajjud (Late Night Prayer)
 Solat Witr ( Night's Final Prayer)
 Tahiyyat al-Wudu (Post-Ablution Prayer)
 Tahiyyat al-Masjid (Mosque Greeting Prayer)
 Key Insights
 The Rawatib Prayers
 Solat al-Tawbah (Prayer of Repentance)
 Solat al-Tahiyatul Istikhara (Guidance Prayer)
 Solat al-Janazah (Funeral Prayer)
Tarawih

Solat ad-Duha

The Mid-Morning Prayer
The Duha prayer can be observed after the time of Ishraq/ Shurooq (which is right after the sun has completely risen) and continues until just before the Dhuhr prayer.

Narrated by Aisha (RA): 

"In the house The Prophet (ﷺ), Duha prayer was observed with a regularity that we thought he would never omit its performance, and also with such neglect that we thought he would no more perform it."

(Sahih Muslim, 748)
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Narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A), he said

My friend (the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him) advised me to do three things: to fast three days of each month, to pray two rak’ahs of the Duha prayer, and to pray the Witr prayer before sleeping.

(Sahih Bukhari 1178, Sahih Muslim 721)
WHEN TO PRAY
Right after Ishraq (preferably 45 minutes after sunrise) until just before Dhuhr.
HOW TO PRAY
2 to 8 rak‘ahs or more, usually prayed in pairs.

Qiyam-ul-Layl

The Night Prayers
A general term encompassing all voluntary prayers offered at night.
Narrated by Abu Umamah: 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Hold on to the night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a deterrent from sin."

(Sahih al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3549)
WHEN TO PRAY
After Isha, specifically referring to Tahajjud, and Witr

Solat al-Tahajjud 

The Late Night Prayer
A specific night prayer known for its spiritual virtues and offered during the last part (1/3) of the night.
And rise at ˹the last˺ part of the night, offering additional prayers, so your Lord may raise you to a station of praise.
Surah al-Isra 17:79
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The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 

'Our Lord, the Exalted and Majestic, descends to the nearest heaven during the last third of every night and asks: 'Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation?...'"

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, 1145)
WHEN TO PRAY
During the last third of the night.
HOW TO PRAY
Usually 2 to 12 rak‘ahs or more, prayed in pairs.

Solat Witr

The Night's Final Prayer
The "closing" prayer of the day. An odd-numbered prayer, this is preferably offered after the Tahajjud prayer.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 
"Make Witr as your last prayer at night."
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, 998)
WHEN TO PRAY
After the Isha prayer or Tahajjud, before Fajr.
HOW TO PRAY
Odd number, usually 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 rak‘ahs.

Tahiyyat al-Wudu

Post-Ablution Prayer
Comprising two rak‘ahs, it's performed after completing wudhu.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"He who performs ablution like this of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak'ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated."

(Sahih Muslim, 550)
WHEN TO PRAY
After completing wudhu (ablution).
HOW TO PRAY
2 rak‘ahs.

Tahiyyat al-Masjid 

Mosque Greeting Prayer
Comprising two rak‘ahs, it's performed after completing wudhu.
Narrated by Abu Qatadah (RA): 
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "When any one of you enters the mosque, he should not sit until he has observed two rak'ahs."
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
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Abu Qatadah (RA) reported: 
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered the mosque and he also entered and sat down before observing (Tahiyyat al-Masjid) two rak'ahs and the Prophet (ﷺ) said to him: Did you offer two rak'ahs? He said: No. He (the Prophet) said: Offer them. 
(Sahih Muslim 714b, Book 4, Hadith 179)
WHEN TO PRAY
Upon entering the mosque, before taking a seat.
(Not required when the prayer has begun.)
HOW TO PRAY
2 rak‘ahs.

KEY INSIGHTS

Importance Of Fajr & Isha Prayer at The Mosque

Narrated by Aisha (RA)
"There is no prayer more difficult to attend for hypocrites than the Fajr and the Isha prayers, and if they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 657)

Benefits of Solat in Congregation 

The act of performing solat (prayer) in congregation symbolizes unity, cohesion, and fraternity among Muslims. This hadith underscores the immense spiritual merit in praying with fellow believers as opposed to praying alone. The reward is amplified significantly, to the degree that it's as if one has prayed twenty-seven individual prayers. Beyond strengthening community bonds and developing discipline, congregational prayer also fosters a collective consciousness towards Allah SWT, ensuring that the community remains steadfast in faith together. The exponential increase in reward serves as motivation for believers to actively participate in communal acts of worship, further underlining the importance Islam places on community and unity.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said,

"Prayer in congregation is superior to praying individually twenty-seven times."

Sahih al-Bukhari (647) & Sahih Muslim (650).

Friday Prayer in Mosque

Friday, known as Jumu'ah in Arabic, holds a distinctive position in the Islamic week. It is a day earmarked for congregational worship, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. The Qur'an underscores its importance and mandatory nature in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9) by stating:

"O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew."

This commandment emphasizes the prioritization of the Jumu'ah prayer over mundane activities such as commerce, highlighting its obligatory status.

The significance of Jumu'ah is further exemplified by the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He emphasized not only the physical aspect of purification but also the spiritual attentiveness necessary for this prayer.

His teachings portray Jumu'ah as more than a ritual; it's an amalgamation of both outward preparation and inward devotion. The rewards promised for those who approach it holistically are immense.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said

"Whoever takes a bath on Friday and does it well, and purifies himself and does it well, and puts on his best clothes, then goes to the mosque and offers as many prayers as he wishes while not harming anybody, and then listens quietly while the Imam delivers the sermon until he offers the prayer, will have all his sins between that time and the previous Friday forgiven."

Sahih al-Bukhari (883) and Sahih Muslim (857)
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BONUS TIPS

Allah SWT has placed a very special time period on Friday, during which every request of His servants will be granted.

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From Abu Hurairah (RA), that the Prophet (ﷺ) said
"On the day of Friday, there is a period of time, no Muslim coincides with it while he is praying, asking Allah for something good, but Allah will grant it to him." 
Sahih al-Bukhari (6400)
From Jabir bin Abdillah (RA), that the Prophet (ﷺ) said
"The day of Friday has twelve hours. There is no Muslim who asks Allah for something during any of these hours except that Allah will grant him what he asked for. So seek this time during the last hour after Asr (afternoon) prayer." 
al-Nasa'i (1389)
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Viewpoint from Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan

The most auspicious time on Friday is from after the Asr prayer until sunset, supported by a greater abundance of evidence and strengthened by the practices of the companions and early generations, as exemplified by Said bin Jubair (may Allah be pleased with him). In conclusion, Friday is a noble day with numerous virtues and distinctions compared to other days. Therefore, as Muslims, whether male or female, we should pay careful attention to these matters. 

arrive early at the mosque for the purpose of performing the Friday prayer

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From Abu Hurairah (RA), that the Prophet (ﷺ) said

"Whoever performs ghusl (ritual bath) on the day of Jumu'ah (Friday) and then goes (to the mosque), it is as if he sacrificed a camel; whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour, it is as if he offered an egg. When the Imam comes out (for Jumu'ah prayer), the angels present themselves to listen to the reminder (khutbah)."

Sahih al-Bukhari (881) and Muslim (850)
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Viewpoint from Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan

Based on the aforementioned hadith, it is understood that Muslims are encouraged to arrive early at the mosque due to the rewards outlined in the hadith. This view is also supported by the unanimous agreement of our companions and other scholars, including Imam al-Nawawi (RA), who emphasized the recommendation of arriving early for the Friday prayer during the initial time slot mentioned in the preceding hadith.

Mandatory Nature of Friday Prayer

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the compulsory aspect of the Jumu'ah prayer with his words in Sunan Abi Dawood (1067); graded as Sahih by some scholars but considered weak by some, 
"Jumu'ah (Friday) is a duty that is required of every Muslim in congregation, except four: a slave, a woman, a child, or a sick person."

Abandoning Three Friday Prayers

Furthermore, the Prophet (ﷺ) conveyed the severe consequences of consistently neglecting this obligation, in Sunan an-Nasa’i (1375) stating, 
“If anyone omits his Friday prayers without a valid excuse, Allah will place a seal on his heart.”

Warning against Missing the Friday Prayer

Reinforcing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) warned, 

"People must cease to neglect the Friday prayer or Allah will seal their hearts and they will be among the heedless."

Sahih Muslim

Coupled with the Prophet's teachings on purification and attentiveness, these traditions signify the profound status of Jumu'ah in Islam. They serve as a guide for believers, advocating an integrated approach to this day, merging external cleanliness with deep-seated devotion.

REGULAR SUNNAH PRAYERS

THE rAWATIB PRAYERS

Voluntary Rawatib prayers are the Sunnah prayers established before or after the obligatory five daily prayers. The wisdom behind their institution is to perfect any deficiencies that may occur during the performance of the obligatory prayers, such as lack of concentration or reflection on the recited verses. (Refer to Hasyiyah al-Bujairimi ‘ala al-Khatib, 1/413-414)

Rawatib prayers performed before the obligatory prayers are known as Sunnah Qabliyah, while those performed after the obligatory prayers are known as Sunnah Ba'diyah.

Mu'akkad & Ghairu Mu'akkad

These voluntary Rawatib prayers are further categorized into Mu'akkad (emphasized) and Ghairu Mu'akkad (non-emphasized). As for the number of rak‘ahs in the emphasized Rawatib prayers, there is a confirmed hadith narrated by Ummu Habibah (RA) that explains there are twelve rak‘ahs of Rawatib prayers

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said

"There is no Muslim who prays twelve rak‘ahs of voluntary prayer to Allah each day and night except that Allah will build for him a house in Paradise: four rak‘ahs before Dhuhr, two rak‘ahs after it, two rak‘ahs after Maghrib, two rak‘ahs after Isha, and two rak‘ahs before Fajr." 

(Sahih Muslim 728)

This hadith emphasizes the virtue of these twelve rak‘ahs of Rawatib prayers and their role in earning a house in Paradise for the one who consistently performs them voluntarily.

In another hadith, it is further explained the breakdown of the twelve rak‘ahs of Rawatib prayers as mentioned in the hadith above. Ummu Habibah (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever prays twelve rak‘ahs of voluntary prayer in a day and night, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise: four before Dhuhr, two after it, two after Maghrib, two after Isha, and two before Fajr."

(Sunan Tirmidhi 380 and Sunan Ibn Majah 1196)
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Through the narration of Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), it is also indicated that the number of rak‘ahs for Rawatib prayers is ten. He said:

"I memorized from the Prophet (ﷺ)  ten rak‘ahs of voluntary prayer: two before Dhuhr, two after it, two after Maghrib at his house, two after Isha at his house, and two before the Fajr prayer." 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 1180)
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From this, we can understand that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed both sets of Rawatib prayers, totaling either twelve or ten rak‘ahs. The difference is due to variations in the number of rak‘ahs before Dhuhr. The majority of Shafi'i scholars have chosen the view that the confirmed number of rak‘ahs for emphasized Rawatib prayers is ten, as recorded in the Matan Zubad ibn Ruslan, which is one of the foundational texts in the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence.

The scholars of the Shafi'i school of thought generally prefer the view that the confirmed number of rak‘ahs for emphasized Rawatib prayers is ten. This is in accordance with what is stated in the Matan Zubad ibn Ruslan, which is one of the foundational texts in the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence.

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The emphasized Rawatib prayers are as follows:

 2 Raka'ah before the Fajr (Dawn) prayer.
 2 or 4 Raka'ah before the Dhuhr (Noon) prayer.
 2 (from 4) Raka'ah after the Dhuhr prayer.
 2 Raka'ah after the Maghrib (Evening) prayer.
 2 Raka'ah after after the Isha (Night) prayer.
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(Reference: Al-Taqrirat al-Sadidah, page 284, and Matla’ al-Badrain, 1/132)
As for the non-emphasized Rawatib prayers, they include:
The last 2 Raka'ah (from 4) before the Dhuhr prayer.
The last 2 Raka'ah (from 4) after the Dhuhr prayer.
4 Raka'ah before the Asr (Late Afternoon) prayer.
2 Raka'ah before the Maghrib prayer.
2 Raka'ah before the Isha prayer.
(Reference: Al-Taqrirat al-Sadidah, page 285, and Matla’ al-Badrain, 1/132-133)
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The evidence for the legislated nature of these prayers is the general hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)  who said: 

"Between every two calls to prayer, there is a prayer for whoever wishes."

(Sahih-al Bukhari 624)

There are specific hadiths emphasizing the recommendation of performing four rak‘ahs of Qabliyah Asr prayer. From Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"May Allah have mercy on a person who prays four units (rak‘ahs) before Asr."

(Sunan Tirmidhi 430)
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Regarding the Qabliyah Maghrib prayer, it has been narrated from Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:

"When the Muadhin (caller to prayer) called the Adhan (call to prayer), some of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would proceed to the pillars (to be used as satire) and would then offer their two units (rak‘ahs) before Maghrib. There was no gap between the Adhan and the Iqamah."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 625)
Similarly, the Qabliyah Isya' prayer is legislated through the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):

"Between every two calls to prayer, there is a prayer for whoever wishes."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 624)
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In conclusion, the confirmed number of rak‘ahs for emphasized Rawatib prayers is 10 Raka'ah, while the non-emphasized ones are 12 Raka'ah, as explained above. However, it is best to increase voluntary prayers as much as possible, regardless of whether they are emphasized or not.

your motivations

to perform Rawatib prayers
"The two rak‘ahs of the Fajr prayer are better than this world and all it contains."
Sahih Muslim
"The Prophet (ﷺ) never omitted four rak‘ahs before the Dhuhr prayer and two rak‘ahs before the Fajr prayer." 
Sahih al-Bukhari, 1169
"Whoever regularly performs four rak‘ahs before Dhuhr and four rak‘ahs after it, the Fire of Hell will not touch him." 
Sunan an-Nasa'i, 1815
"The Prophet (ﷺ) performed two rak‘ahs after the Maghrib prayer in my house and then the people prayed with him."
Sunan Abi Dawood, 1260
The Prophet (ﷺ) never left praying two rak‘ahs before the Isha prayer and after the Isha prayer regularly.
Sahih al-Bukhari, 1168

Special sunnah prayers

in seeking repentance & guidance

Solat al-Tawbah 

The Prayer of Repentance
Offered when one seeks Allah's forgiveness.
Abu Bakr (RA) said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah  (ﷺ) say: ‘There is no man who commits a sin, then gets up, purifies himself, offers prayer and asks for forgiveness from Allah, but Allah will forgive him.” 
(An-Nasa'i, 918)
WHEN TO PRAY

Anytime a person feels remorse over a sin and wishes to sincerely repent to Allah. There's no specific time restriction for this prayer, but it's preferable to pray it immediately after realizing the mistake or sin.

HOW TO PRAY

There isn’t a specific fixed number of rak‘ahs for Solat al-Tawbah in the Sunnah, but it's commonly prayed as two rak‘ahs based on general evidences of performing two rak‘ahs for voluntary prayers.

Solat al-Tahiyatul Istikhara 

The Guidance Prayer
Performed when seeking divine guidance in decision-making.
Jabir bin 'Abdullah (RA) said:
" The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach us to seek guidance in all matters, as he taught us a Surah from the Qur'an. He said: 'If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rak‘ahs of non-obligatory prayer..."
(An-Nasa'i, 3962)
WHEN TO PRAY

Whenever one is in need of divine guidance in making a decision or choosing between two or more matters. After performing the prayer, one should make the special Istikhara dua asking Allah for guidance.

HOW TO PRAY
2 rak‘ahs

CUSTOM OCCASION sunnah prayers

for specific purposes only

Solat al-Janazah

The Funeral Prayer
This is a communal obligation, offered for deceased Muslims.
"Whoever prays over a deceased person will have one qirat as a reward. If he witnesses its burial, he will have two qirats. One qirat is as great as the mountain of Uhud."
Sahih Muslim (946).
Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): 
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When a Muslim dies and his funeral is attended by a group of Muslims numbering one hundred (or more) who all offer their Solat al-Janazah for him, their intercession for him will be accepted."
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1373
WHEN TO PRAY

The funeral prayer (Solat al-Janazah) is offered when a Muslim passes away, and it is typically performed before the deceased is buried.

HOW TO PRAY
The funeral prayer is offered in a specific manner:
  • Stand in rows, preferably in an open area, with the deceased's body placed in front of the congregation.
  • There are no physical movements (no bowing or prostration) in the funeral prayer.
  • After the opening takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar" to begin the prayer), recite the Salat al-Ibrahimiyya (a prayer for blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
  • Following the Salat al-Ibrahimiyya, recite a short supplication asking for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for the deceased.
  • Complete the prayer by giving salaams (saying "As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah") to conclude the prayer.

Tarawih

The Guidance Prayer
These are special prayers observed during the month of Ramadan after the 'Isha prayer.
Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): 

Whoever observes Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah, his past sins will be forgiven."

Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 36
WHEN TO PRAY

Tarawih prayers are performed during the month of Ramadan, specifically after the 'Isha prayer. They are offered nightly throughout the entire month.

HOW TO PRAY
Tarawih prayers are offered in the following manner:
  • After the 'Isha prayer, you can go to the mosque or pray at home.
  • Tarawih consists of sets of two rak'ahs (units of prayer) with short surahs from the Quran recited in each rak'ah.
  • It is a recommended sunnah prayer and can be prayed individually or in congregation.
  • Traditionally, a longer portion of the Quran is recited during Tarawih prayers, with the goal of completing the Quran by the end of Ramadan.
  • The number of rak'ahs prayed during Tarawih can vary between 8 and 20 rak'ahs depending on local practices and personal preference.
  • The Tarawih prayer is prayed quietly, and there are no audible recitations like in the obligatory prayers.
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NOTES

There is a sahih hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), (in Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1129) where he said The Prophet (ﷺ) initially led the Tarawih prayer in the mosque during Ramadan. However, he discontinued this practice for fear that it might become obligatory for his followers. He advised Muslims to perform Tarawih prayers individually or at home to avoid any misconceptions regarding their obligatory status.

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Incorporating these voluntary prayers in one's routine deepens the connection with Allah SWT, fosters spiritual growth, and reaps immense blessings. As with the obligatory “Solat”, it's crucial to offer these prayers with sincere devotion and in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). May Allah accept all our acts of worship and guide us on the righteous path.

Wallahu a'lam.
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NOTES | DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this article is based on multiple reliable sources, including reference from Pejabat Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan. It is intended to serve as a general overview and guide, particularly for new Muslims, and is not intended for academic or scholarly purposes.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, readers are advised to consult with knowledgeable scholars or religious authorities for specific and detailed religious matters. If you find any errors or discrepancies in the content, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we may rectify them. Our goal is to provide a helpful and informative resource for those seeking guidance on matters of faith and worship.

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