Nafl prayers, also known as voluntary or supererogatory prayers, are not obligatory in Islam but are highly recommended. They are a way to earn additional rewards, strengthen one's connection with Allah, and seek forgiveness and mercy. This article provides a detailed guide on how to pray nafl prayers based on authentic hadiths.
What Are Nafl Prayers?
The term "nafl" translates to "extra" or "voluntary." These prayers are not mandatory, and neglecting them does not incur sin. However, their performance is a means to earn Allah’s pleasure and additional rewards. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized their significance, saying:
"The first thing a person will be called to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is found to be complete, well and good. Otherwise, Allah will say: Look and see if My slave has any voluntary prayers that can make up what is lacking in his obligatory prayers."(Sunan Abi Dawood: 864)
Types of Nafl Prayers
- Unrestricted Nafl (Mutlaq): Prayers offered at any time (except during prohibited times).
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah): Regularly observed prayers like the two rak'ahs before Fajr and the two rak'ahs after Maghrib.
- Specific Nafl: Such as Tahajjud, Salat al-Duha, or Salat al-Istikhara.
Timing for Nafl Prayers
Nafl prayers can be offered at any time except during the following prohibited periods:
- After Fajr until Sunrise:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Do not pray after Fajr until the sun has fully risen."(Sahih Muslim: 827)
- When the Sun is at Its Zenith (Midday):
"The Prophet ﷺ forbade prayer when the sun is directly overhead until it moves slightly to the west."(Sahih al-Bukhari: 583)
- After Asr Until Sunset:
"There is no prayer after Asr until the sun sets."(Sahih al-Bukhari: 586)
How to Perform Nafl Prayers
The method for performing nafl prayers is similar to obligatory (fard) prayers. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Intention (Niyyah): Internally make the intention to perform nafl prayer.
Example: "I intend to offer two rak'ahs of nafl prayer for the sake of Allah.
- Takbir (Opening Takbir): Raise your hands and say "Allahu Akbar" to begin the prayer.
- Recitation (Qira’ah): Recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another surah or a few verses from the Quran in both rak’ahs.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book (Surah Al-Fatiha)."(Sahih al-Bukhari: 756)
- Ruku (Bowing): Bow while saying "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.
- I’tidal (Standing After Ruku): Stand straight and say: "Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd."
- (Allah hears those who praise Him. Our Lord, to You belongs all praise.)
- Sujud (Prostration): Prostrate and say "Subhana Rabbiyal A’la" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times. Sit briefly between the two prostrations and repeat the second sujud.
- Completing Rak’ahs: Repeat the steps for the second rak’ah. For longer prayers, continue for the desired number of rak'ahs, typically in sets of two.
- Tashahhud and Salam: After the final rak’ah, sit for Tashahhud and recite:
"At-tahiyyatu lillahi wa-salawatu wa-tayyibat... Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh."
Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left while saying:
"As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah."
Special Nafl Prayers
- Tahajjud Prayer: Performed after waking up in the last third of the night.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer (Tahajjud)."(Sahih Muslim: 1163)
- Salat al-Duha (Forenoon Prayer): Offered after sunrise until just before Dhuhr.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"In the morning, charity is due on every joint of the body... and two rak'ahs offered in the forenoon suffice for that."(Sahih Muslim: 720)
- Salat al-Istikhara (Guidance Prayer): Prayed to seek Allah’s guidance in important matters.
The Prophet ﷺ taught:
"When one of you is concerned about a matter, let him pray two rak'ahs and then say..."(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1162)
Benefits of Nafl Prayers
- Increased Rewards:
"Whoever performs a voluntary prayer for the sake of Allah will have a house built for him in Paradise."(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1840)
- Closeness to Allah:
"My slave continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts of worship until I love him."(Sahih al-Bukhari: 6502)
- Forgiveness of Sins: Nafl prayers help expiate minor sins and elevate ranks.
Nafl prayers are a beautiful way to deepen your relationship with Allah and accumulate blessings for the Hereafter. They can be performed at any time, except during prohibited periods, and offer immense spiritual and worldly benefits. Strive to include these voluntary acts of worship in your daily routine, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
May Allah accept our prayers and grant us steadfastness in worship.
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