The Sunnah Practices of Prayer

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Prayer (Salat) in Islam consists of obligatory (farḍ), mandatory (wājib), and Sunnah aspects. The Sunnah practices of prayer refer to actions that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly performed and encouraged his followers to adopt. While not obligatory, performing these Sunnah acts enhances the spiritual depth of prayer and increases a believer’s closeness to Allah.

In Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), Sunnah practices are actions established through the sayings, actions, or tacit approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Observing these Sunnah elements brings immense reward and strengthens devotion. This article will explore the types, significance, and details of Sunnah practices in prayer.

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Definition And Importance Of Sunnah Practices In Prayer

The word “Sunnah” originates from Arabic, meaning “way, path, or tradition.” In Islamic law, Sunnah refers to the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Sunnah prayers are additional, non-obligatory prayers that the Prophet consistently performed and recommended to his followers.

While skipping Sunnah prayers does not result in sin, consistently neglecting them may weaken one’s sense of religious discipline. (Imam Nawawi, Riyāḍu’s-Sāliḥīn)

The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet’s teachings:

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانتَهُوا

(Wa mā ātākumur rasūlu fakhudhūhu wa mā nahākum ‘anhu fantahū)

“Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you, abstain from it.”

(Qur’an, Surah Al-Hashr, 7)

This verse underscores the significance of observing the Sunnah in all aspects of worship, including prayer.

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Types Of Sunnah Practices In Prayer

Sunnah practices in prayer fall into two main categories:

1. Sunnah Acts Performed During Prayer
2. Sunnah Prayers Before And After Obligatory Prayers

These two categories complete and enrich the prayer experience. Below, we explore each in detail.

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1. Sunnah Acts Performed During Prayer

Sunnah acts performed within the prayer structure ensure devotion, discipline, and spiritual connection. These include:

1.1. Calling The Adhān And Iqāmah

Reciting the Adhān (call to prayer) and Iqāmah (second call before prayer) is Sunnah. The Adhān announces the arrival of prayer time, while the Iqāmah prepares the congregation for prayer.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed Bilāl to call the Adhān regularly, highlighting its importance. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

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1.2. Raising The Hands (Raf‘ Al-Yadayn) When Saying Takbīr

The Prophet (peace be upon him) would raise his hands to shoulder level at the start of prayer and when moving to and from bowing (rukū‘). This practice is Sunnah in the Hanafi school and emphasized in other schools of thought.

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1.3. Placing The Right Hand Over The Left

Placing the right hand over the left during standing is a Sunnah act. The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed this consistently. (Abu Dawud, Salāt, 75)

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1.4. Silent Reflection And Personal Supplication

Reciting the opening supplication (Sübhānekā) at the start of prayer is Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would recite the following:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ

(Subḥānakā Allāhumma wa biḥamdikā wa tabārakasmuḵ wa ta‘ālā jadduka wa lā ilāha ghayruk)

“O Allah! I declare You free from all defects, and all praise is due to You. Blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your majesty. There is no god besides You.”

This supplication enhances devotion and sincerity in prayer.

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1.5. Reciting The Bowing And Prostration Praises Three Times

Saying “Subḥāna Rabbiyal ‘Aẓīm” in bowing and “Subḥāna Rabbiyal A‘lā” in prostration at least three times is a Sunnah practice.

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ

(Subḥāna Rabbiyal ‘Aẓīm)

“Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent.”

(Tirmidhi, Salāt, 59)

This strengthens humility and reverence in worship.

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1.6. Making Supplications Before Concluding The Prayer

It is Sunnah to seek Allah’s forgiveness and make du‘ā before ending the prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) often recited:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا فَاغْفِرْ لِي

(Allāhumma innī ẓalamtu nafsī ẓulman kathīran faghfir lī)

“O Allah! I have wronged myself greatly, so forgive me.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

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2. Sunnah Prayers Before And After Obligatory Prayers

Sunnah prayers, performed before or after obligatory prayers, complete and enrich the act of worship. These include:

1. Two Rak‘ahs Before Fajr (Highly Recommended)
2. Four Rak‘ahs Before Dhuhr And Two After
3. Four Rak‘ahs Before ‘Asr
4. Two Rak‘ahs After Maghrib
5. Two Rak‘ahs After ‘Isha, Plus Three Rak‘ahs Of Witr

These voluntary prayers were regularly performed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and bring immense spiritual rewards.

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Final Word

The Sunnah practices of prayer serve to enhance the depth and spirituality of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never abandoned them and encouraged his followers to adopt these habits. By observing the Sunnah elements of prayer, a Muslim strengthens their faith, discipline, and connection with Allah.

Following the Sunnah in prayer not only brings spiritual fulfillment but also helps establish consistency and sincerity in worship. Regularly performing Sunnah acts reflects devotion and love for Allah, leading to greater tranquility in both this life and the Hereafter.

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References

• Sahih al-Bukhari
• Sahih Muslim
• Tirmidhi
• Abu Dawud
• Imam Nawawi, Riyāḍu’s-Sāliḥīn
• Imam Malik, Muwaṭṭa’
• Imam Shāfi‘ī, Al-Umm

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