For many Muslims, observing the five daily obligatory prayers is a vital act of worship. However, what often enhances spiritual growth and brings even more blessings is the practice of prayers with sunnah. These additional voluntary prayers, performed before or after the obligatory ones, were regularly offered by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and they carry great significance in Islamic tradition.
In this article, we will explore the concept of prayers with sunnah, understand the difference between Sunnah and obligatory salah, and highlight the Sunnah prayers that accompany each daily prayer. We will also answer related questions like “do Muslims believe in angels?” and discover valuable resources such as ZULFA INSTITUTE and the House of Al Quran for those who wish to deepen their Islamic knowledge.
Difference Between Sunnah and Obligatory Salah
Before we dive into the details of prayers with sunnah, it’s important to understand how they differ from the five obligatory prayers. Obligatory salah—Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha—is required for every adult Muslim. Missing these without a valid reason is a serious matter in Islam.
Prayers with sunnah, on the other hand, are not obligatory but highly recommended. They were consistently performed by the Prophet and hold immense reward. Performing these Sunnah prayers regularly is a sign of commitment and love for the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Sunnah Prayers Before Fajr
Among all the prayers with sunnah, the two rak’ahs before Fajr are among the most emphasized. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never missed them—even when traveling.
He said:
“The two rak’ahs before Fajr are better than the world and all that it contains.” (Muslim)
This statement alone reflects the tremendous spiritual weight of these two rak’ahs. For those seeking to start their day with peace and barakah, the daily sunnah prayers before Fajr are indispensable.
Sunnah Prayers Before and After Dhuhr
Dhuhr prayer carries significant Sunnah attachments. According to several Hadiths, the Prophet used to pray four rak’ahs before Dhuhr and two rak’ahs after.
This combination is one of the clearest examples of prayers with sunnah practiced consistently. These rak’ahs are particularly valuable during the busy midday period when most people are distracted by daily tasks. Performing these daily sunnah prayers serves as a moment to reconnect with Allah.
If you’re trying to develop a deeper connection with your Salah, learning the types of sunnah prayers and incorporating them into your Dhuhr routine is a great starting point.
Sunnah Prayers After Maghrib
Maghrib, like Dhuhr, is associated with two rak’ahs of Sunnah prayer after the obligatory three rak’ahs. These Sunnah prayers are short, but they offer a peaceful closure to the evening and are part of the daily sunnah prayers observed by millions of Muslims around the world.
Performing these prayers with sunnah regularly is a way to maintain a spiritually balanced life and follow the example of the Prophet.
Sunnah Prayers After Isha
After Isha, the Prophet used to pray two rak’ahs of Sunnah. In addition to these, there is the well-known Witr prayer, which, while technically a separate category, is often performed after Isha.
Those seeking to build a strong night routine should not ignore the Isha-related prayers with sunnah. These rak’ahs act as a spiritual wind-down before sleep and serve as protection for the heart.
Many Muslims also take this time to reflect on their day and ask important questions like “do Muslims believe in angels?”—a foundational belief in Islam, as affirmed by the Quran and Hadith.
Total Number of Sunnah Rakaat in a Day
So how many prayers with sunnah should a Muslim aim to pray each day?
Here is a breakdown of the confirmed daily sunnah prayers:
2 rak’ahs before Fajr
4 rak’ahs before Dhuhr
2 rak’ahs after Dhuhr
2 rak’ahs after Maghrib
2 rak’ahs after Isha
This totals 12 rak’ahs daily. The Prophet said:
“Whoever prays twelve rak’ahs every day apart from the obligatory prayers, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” (Muslim)
This Hadith shows that these prayers with sunnah are more than just optional—they are a bridge to eternal reward.
Courses to Help You Learn Sunnah Prayers
If you are new to Islam or seeking to deepen your understanding of prayers with sunnah, enrolling in Islamic courses can be very helpful. ZULFA INSTITUTE offers specialized training on Salah, the types of sunnah prayers, and Islamic foundations.
You can reach them directly at: 01202942383
Whether you’re trying to master sunnah before and after salah, or looking for well-rounded Islamic education, their Courses provide both beginners and advanced learners with a structured path forward.
Spiritual Resources: House of Al Quran
Another excellent resource is the House of Al Quran. Known for its deep archive of Islamic manuscripts, rare Qurans, and spiritual programs, this center is a haven for those wanting to enrich their prayer life. Their programs often include content on daily sunnah prayers, tafsir, and the spiritual meanings behind prayers with sunnah.
Why Incorporate Prayers With Sunnah in Your Routine?
Adding prayers with sunnah to your routine brings numerous benefits:
They act as a shield for missed obligatory prayers.
They offer extra blessings and spiritual peace.
They help form a consistent connection with Allah throughout the day.
They represent love for the Prophet’s tradition.
Even if you start with just the two rak’ahs before Fajr or after Maghrib, you are on the path to spiritual growth.
Final Thoughts on Prayers With Sunnah
Incorporating prayers with sunnah into your daily life isn’t just about extra worship—it’s about aligning your soul with the path of the Prophet. Whether it’s the sunnah before and after salah, understanding the types of sunnah prayers, or seeking help from institutions like ZULFA INSTITUTE and the House of Al Quran, every step you take brings you closer to Allah.
So begin your journey today. Explore courses, ask questions like “do Muslims believe in angels?”, and strive to pray the daily sunnah prayers just as the Prophet did.
Remember: with just 12 extra rak’ahs a day, Paradise can become your promised reward.
Frequently asked questions
What are Sunnah prayers?
Sunnah prayers are voluntary prayers performed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) before and after the obligatory prayers. They are recommended and carry great reward.
Are Sunnah prayers obligatory or recommended?
Sunnah prayers are recommended, not obligatory. However, performing them regularly increases closeness to Allah and complements the obligatory prayers.
How many Sunnah Rak’ahs are there daily?
There are 12 confirmed Sunnah Rak’ahs daily: 2 before Fajr, 4 before Dhuhr, 2 after Dhuhr, 2 after Maghrib, and 2 after Isha.
What is the benefit of Sunnah prayers in relation to obligatory prayers?
Sunnah prayers increase the reward of obligatory prayers and protect them from deficiency. They also help strengthen the bond with Allah.
Can Sunnah prayers be performed in congregation?
Yes, Sunnah prayers can be performed individually or in congregation. The most important aspect is concentration and sincerity, whether prayed alone or with others.
Can Sunnah prayers be performed while traveling?
Muslims are allowed to reduce or omit some Sunnah prayers during travel. However, it is recommended not to miss the two Sunnah Rak’ahs before Fajr.
Can missed Sunnah prayers be made up later?
Some scholars permit making up missed Sunnah prayers, especially if missed for valid reasons, but it is best to maintain them regularly.