Sunnah prayers—voluntary acts of worship taught and practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be
upon him)—are often overlooked, yet they carry immense spiritual significance. While the obligatory prayers (Fard)
form the foundation of our daily worship, Sunnah prayers add beauty, depth, and resilience to our spiritual journey.
They are like the vibrant colors in a masterful painting, enhancing devotion, refining character, and serving as a shield during life’s trials.
In this article, we’ll explore why every Muslim should prioritize Sunnah prayers, their classifications, virtues, and the dangers of neglecting them.
WHAT IS A SUNNAH PRAYER?
Sunnah prayers (Salat al-Sunnah) refer to the non-obligatory prayers that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) performed regularly in addition to the five daily Fard prayers. These prayers were a consistent part of his worship, both at home and while traveling. They are a means of gaining closeness to Allah and compensate for shortcomings in our obligatory prayers.
The term “Sunnah” here does not mean these are only meant for the Prophet (PBUH)—rather, they are a model for his Ummah to follow.
TYPES OF SUNNAH PRAYERS
Sunnah prayers are divided into two main categories:
SUNNAH MU’AKKADAH (EMPHASIZED SUNNAH)
These are the prayers that the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed consistently and encouraged others to observe. While they are not obligatory, neglecting them without valid excuse is considered blameworthy and, if done habitually, sinful.
Examples include:
-
2 rak’ahs before Fajr
-
4 rak’ahs before and 2 after Zuhr
-
2 rak’ahs after Maghrib
-
2 rak’ahs after Isha
SUNNAH GHAIR MU’AKKADAH (NON-EMPHASIZED SUNNAH)
These are prayers the Prophet (peace be upon him) sometimes performed and sometimes left. While performing them is highly rewarding, there is no sin in leaving them occasionally.
VIRTUES OF PRAYING SUNNAH
The Sunnah prayers are more than just optional—they’re an opportunity for immense reward and divine nearness. A powerful hadith highlights this:
“Whoever prays twelve rak’ahs in a day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise…”
(Tirmidhi 415)
These twelve rak’ahs refer to:
-
2 before Fajr
-
4 before and 2 after Zuhr
-
2 after Maghrib
-
2 after Isha
THE MOST EMPHASIZED SUNNAH:
FAJR PRAYER
The Sunnah of Fajr is the most emphasized of all non-obligatory prayers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The two rak’ahs before Fajr are better than this world and all it contains.”
(Tirmidhi 416)
If the Fajr prayer is missed, it should be made up after sunrise but before the time of Zawal (midday). If not, only the obligatory rak’ahs should be offered.
If you’re late to the congregation and can only join the second rak’ah, perform your Sunnah in a separate area before joining. Otherwise, pray them after sunrise during Ishraq time.
SUNNAH OF ZUHR PRAYER
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized performing 6 rak’ahs with Zuhr—4 before and 2 after. He said:
“Whoever regularly performs the four rak’ahs before the obligatory Zuhr prayer, Allah will make the fire (of Hell) forbidden for them.”
(Tirmidhi 452)
SUNNAH AFTER MAGHRIB PRAYER
The two rak’ahs after Maghrib were never abandoned by the Prophet (peace be upon him)—regardless of whether he was at home or traveling. This highlights their immense value and consistent practice.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ABANDONING SUNNAH PRAYERS
Many people mistakenly believe that only obligatory acts carry weight in Islam. They assume Sunnah prayers are optional rewards and skipping them has no consequence. This is a dangerous misunderstanding.
A hadith in Tirmidhi (4/457) mentions six types of people cursed by Allah and His prophets—one of them is the person who abandons the Sunnah.
Neglecting Sunnah prayers without valid reason undermines the Prophet’s example and shows disregard for a spiritual treasure designed to uplift the soul.
CONCLUSION
Sunnah prayers are not just extras—they are gifts of mercy, sources of reward, and protection against shortcomings. Their neglect often stems from a lack of understanding, not intention. But once a believer understands their value, they become a powerful anchor in daily life.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) never left them—neither in ease nor hardship.
Why should we?
Let us commit to reviving the Sunnah prayers in our lives—not out of obligation alone, but out of love, gratitude, and desire to follow in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet.
May Allah grant us consistency in our prayers and accept from us. Ameen.
