The five daily Fard Salahs have stipulated optional [Sunnah] Salahs that accompany each of them.

On the day of Qiyamah, if there is any deficiency in a person’s Fard Salah, his Nafl Salah will compensate for that.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 413)

Therefore, utmost care should be taken in correcting and perfecting our Fard Salah by fulfilling all its requirements as well as by being particular of performing the Sunnah Salah.

 

Wonderful Reward

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Whoever performs 12 rak’ahs of Salah in one day excluding the Fard Salah, he will be granted a house in Jannah.’

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1691)

This Hadith actually inspires the listener to practice.

Therefore, it is no surprise that most of the narrators of the chain of this Hadith in Sahih Muslim have all said:

‘I have not omitted these [12 rak’ahs] since I heard it [from my teacher].’ 

The 12 rak’ahs have been specifically enumerated in another narration as:

  • The 2 rak’ahs before Fajr,
  • 4 rak’ahs before Zuhr,
  • 2 rak’ahs after Zuhr,
  • 2 rak’ahs after Maghrib and,
  • 2 rak’ahs after ‘Isha.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 415).

This Hadith is authentic according to Imam Tirmidhi.

 

Other specific rewards for each of these salahs

Before Fajr

The 2 rak’ahs Sunnah before the Fard of Fajr Salah is the most emphasized Sunnah Salah of the day.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1169, Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1683, Hashiyah Tahtawi pg.212).

 

Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

‘The 2 rak’ahs before Fajr are better than the entire world and whatever it contains.

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1685)

 

Before and after Zuhr

One who offers 4 rak’ahs before Zuhr and follows it up with 4 rak’ahs after the Fard of Zuhr [2 Sunnahs and 2 Nafl – Fathul Qadir vol. 1 pg. 387], will be protected by Allah from Jahannam.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 427 and Sahih ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 1190)

 

Before ‘Asr

If a person performs 4 rak’ahs before ‘Asr Salah, he will receive a house in Jannah.

(Majma’uz-Zawaid vol. 2 pg. 222)

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) has made a special du’a for the mercy of Allah to be showered on such a person.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 430 and Sahih ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 1193)

 

After Maghrib

Makhul (rahimahullah) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, ‘If the 2 rak’ahs after Maghrib are performed before speaking, it will be lifted high into the heavens.

(Al-Marasil of Imam Abu Dawud, Hadith: 73)

 

After ‘Isha

Various Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) have mentioned that:

If a person performs 4 rak’ahs (2 Sunnah and 2 Nafl) after ‘Isha in the Masjid, he will receive the reward of performing these Salahs on Laylatul Qadr.

(Refer to Musannaf ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadiths: 7347-7353.)

 

To perform Witr Salah is compulsory in the Hanafi madhab. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Whosoever does not perform Witr Salah is not among us.’

(Al-Mustadrak vol. 1 pg. 305-306. Imam Hakim has classified this narration as sahih -authentic-. Also refer to Nasbur-Rayah vol. 1 pg. 112.

 

Bearing in mind the above-mentioned virtues, every Musalli should endeavour to acquire these benefits by remaining steadfast on the Sunnah Salahs, something which people are becoming increasingly lax and unmindful of, these days.

Doing so [i.e. increasing in such optional deeds] will secure one the love and assistance of Almighty Allah.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6502)

15/06/2021