7 Sunnah Prayers Every Muslim Should Know

Salah or the five obligatory prayers makes up the second pillar of Islam, right behind Tauheed or belief in the Oneness of Allah (SWT). The five daily prayers have been made obligatory or fard, which means missing a prayer is forbidden.

Remembering Allah (SWT) multiple times each day keeps us connected to our Lord (SWT). It also puts fear in our hearts and we refrain from sinning as much as possible. There is great wisdom behind Allah’s (SWT) command that Muslims should pray at least five times daily.

Prayers Proven by the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWW)

The instructions for the five daily prayers are clear. The timings, number of rakahs, and conditions for performing these are evident from the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWW). You can easily find Islamic prayer timingsfor each prayer, which are well-defined.

Aside from the five daily prayers, we have evidence of special prayers performed by the Holy Prophet (SAWW) on specific occasions. Some of these extra prayers include the following:

· Eid Prayers

Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha are the most significant celebrations for Muslims each year. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the conclusion of the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Whereas Eid-al-Adha is celebrated after the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, or Hajj.

While the Holy Prophet (SAWW) used to celebrate both Eids with great fervour, he always began his day by thanking Allah (SAWW) by leading special Eid prayers. According to an authentic hadith narrated by Hazrat Al-Bara’ (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ):

I heard the Prophet (p.b.u.h) delivering a Khutba saying, “The first thing to be done on this day (first day of `Id ul Adha) is to pray; and after returning from the prayer we slaughter our sacrifices (in the name of Allah) and whoever does so, he acted according to our Sunna (traditions).” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book 15, Hadith 17]

The above hadith indicates that praying the Eid prayers in the congregation was an established tradition of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), and it has become an integral part of Eid festivities worldwide. The Eid prayers consist of two rakahsand include a sermon by the person leading the prayers.

Funeral Prayers

Funeral prayers or Namaz-e-Janaza are always offered when a Muslim passes away. There is a particular manner in which the deceased must be treated. In Islam, the body must be washed and shrouded before being carried to the burial ground. Once at the burial site, the funeral prayers are offered as a last rite, before the body is lowered into the ground and covered with earth.

Funeral prayer is quite unique as it is offered standing up only, there is no kneeling or bowing and is prayed by men exclusively. As per the Holy Prophet (SAWW)’s Sunnah, Allahu Akbar or Takbeer is proclaimed four times followed by other supplications.

The offering of funeral prayer may not be obligatory, but it is highly desirable. As per a hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ):

I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying, “The rights of a Muslim on Muslims are five: to respond to the salaam, visiting the sick, to follow the funeral processions, to accept an invitation, and reply to those who sneeze. [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book 23, Hadith 332]

The above hadith highlights the importance of funeral prayer. Taking part in a Muslim’s funeral procession, even if it is a stranger, is encouraged.

· Night Prayer

The late-night prayer, or Tahajjud, was obligatory for the holy Prophet (SAWW) since he was a messenger of Allah (SWT). For ordinary Muslims, however, it is a Nafl or voluntary prayer. The night prayer is separate from the Isha prayer in that the latter is compulsory and must be offered before going to bed, while the night prayer is offered after sleeping for a while.

Regarding the Holy Prophet (SAWW)’s night Prayer, Hazrat Al-Mughira (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is reported to have said the following:

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, “should I not be a thankful slave.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book 21, Hadith 230]

The Tahajjud prayer that the Holy Prophet (SAWW) used to offer involved praying two rakahs multiple times. His prayer sometimes took so long that his feet swelled up.

· Solar or Lunar Eclipse Prayer

An eclipse happened just once in the life of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), and it occurred on the day following the passing of the infant son of the Holy Prophet (SAWW). Regarding this, one of the companions, Hazrat Abu Masud (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), had this to say:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death of someone from the people but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them stand up and pray.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book 18, Hadith 151]

The hadith indicates how everything that takes place, including eclipses, is by the command of Allah Al-Mighty (SWT). this is why we should offer prayers to Allah (SWT) on such occasions and seek mercy and forgiveness from Him.

· Prayer for Rain

Drought or the lack of rain can be devastating, especially for a region that is dependent on farming as a means of survival. The Holy Prophet (SAWW) used to offer a special prayer to request Allah (SWT) to bless the region with rain. Also known as Istisaa prayer, it is offered by turning one’s hands palms down.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) is reported to have said:

The Prophet (ﷺ) went towards the Musalla and invoked Allah for rain. He faced the Qibla and wore his cloak inside out and offered two rak`at. [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book 17, Hadith 125]

Rain is essential for survival. This is why the beloved holy prophet (SAWW) taught us a special prayer that we can offer asking Allah (SWT) for the blessing of rain.

· Istikhara Prayer

Istikhara is performed when faced with a difficult decision and seeks Allah’s (SWT) guidance to help us. The Holy Prophet (SAWW) taught his followers how to offer Istikhara prayer. It consists of offering two rakahs to seek Allah’s (SWT) guidance, reciting the supplication for Istikhara and going to sleep.

Many people report being guided to the right decision by this prayer. It is a wonderful gift provided by the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWW). As Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrates:

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach us the Istikhara for every matter as he used to teach us the Suras from the Holy Qur’an. (He used to say), “If anyone of you intends to do something, he should offer a two-rakyat prayer other than the obligatory prayer and then say: ‘Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlika-l-‘azim, fa innaka taqdiru wala aqdiru, wa ta’lamu wala a’lamu, wa anta’allamu-l-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha-lamra khairun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati `Amri (or said, fi ‘ajili `Amri wa ajilihi) fa-qdurhu li, Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna ha-dha-l-amra sharrun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati `Amri (or said, fi ajili `Amri wa ajilihi) fasrifhu ‘anni was-rifni ‘anhu wa aqdur li alkhaira haithu kana, thumma Raddani bihi,” Then he should mention his matter (need). [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 75, Hadith 391]

This is how the Holy Prophet (SAWW) himself taught his companions how to offer the Istikhara prayer.

· Mosque Prayer

Tahiyat-ul-Masjid, or greeting the mosque prayer, also consists of two rakahs. Those offering this prayer gain the blessing of Allah (SWT). it is also a great way to show respect to the mosque and the people inside.

Hazrat Abu Qatada al-Aslami (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) narrates that:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “If any of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`at before sitting.” [Sahih Bukhari Vol. 1, Book 8, Hadith 435]

This hadith refers to the voluntary prayer to greet the mosque.

A Role Model for the Ummah

The life and character of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) is the epitome of piety and faith. Through his words and actions, we know how to live as per the directives of Allah (SWT). The Holy Prophet (SAWW) has taught everything we know about Islam. This includes the no-obligatory prayers that the Holy Prophet (SAWW) used to offer to gain Allah’s (SWT) favor and blessings.

We must also follow in his footsteps to become better Muslims. The Holy Prophet (SAWW) is an example of a perfect Muslim. We must strive to achieve at least a small portion of his excellence and pious nature.

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