SUNNAH PRAYERS

1. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said,
‘Whoever performs 12 Rakaats of Salaat in one day excluding the Fardh Salaat, he will be granted a house in Jannah.’
(Sahih Muslim Hadith 1691)

2. These 12 Rakaats have been specifically enumerated in another narration as: the 2 Rakaats before Fajr, 4 Rakaats before Dhuhr, 2 Rakaats after Dhuhr, 2 Rakaats after Maghrib and 2 Rakaats after Esha. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith 415). This Hadith is authentic according to Imaam Tirmidhi.

3. On the day of Qiyaamat, if there be any deficiency in a person’s Fardh Salaat, his Nafl Salaats will compensate for that. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith 413) – Imaam Tirmidhi has classified this narration as sound.

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

5. The 2 Rakaat Sunnat before the Fardh of Fajr Salaat is the most emphasized Sunnah Salaat of the day (Bukhari Hadith1169, Sahih Muslim Hadith1683, Tahtaawi pg.212) Sayyidatuna Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reports that Rasulullah said: ‘The 2 Rakaats before Fajr are better than the entire world and whatever it contains. (Sahih Muslim Hadith 1685)

6.Regarding the 4 Sunnats before Dhuhr, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) mentioned that the doors of the heavens open at that time (Sunan Tirmidhi) and if one follows it up with 4 more Rakaats after the Fardh of Dhuhr (2 Sunnats and 2 Nafl - Fathul Qadeer vol.1 pg.387) Almighty Allah will protect him from Jahannum. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith 427; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith 1190)

7. If a person performs 4 Rakaats before Asr Salaat, he will receive a house in Jannah. (Majmauz-Zawaaid vol.2 pg.222).

8. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has made a special Du’aa for the mercy of Allah to be showered on such a person. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith 430; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith1193)

9. Makhool (RA) reports that Rasulullah r said, ‘If the 2 Rakaats after Maghrib are performed before speaking, it will be lifted high into the heavens. (Al-Maraaseel of Imaam Abu Dawud Hadith 73)

10. If a person performs 4 Rakaats (2 Sunnats and 2 Nafl) after Esha in the Musjid, he will receive the reward of performing these Salaats on Laylatul Qadr.
This has been mentioned by various Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) – refer al-Musannaf of Imaam ibn Abi Shaybah Hadith 7347 - 7353

11. To perform Witr Salaat is compulsory. Rasulullah r said, ‘Whosoever does not perform Witr Salaat is not among us.’ (Al-Mustadrak vol.1 pg.305-306). Imaam Haakim has classified this narration as Sahih (authentic). (Ibid, also refer to Nasbul-Raayah vol.1 pg.112)

Bearing in mind the above mentioned virtues, every Musallee should endeavor to acquire these benefits by remaining steadfast on the Sunnah Salaats regarding which people are becoming increasingly lax and unmindful these days. Doing so will acquire one the love and assistance of Almighty Allah. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith 6502)