Supererogatory Prayers (Nawafil)
Non-obligatory prayers to draw closer to Allah
Supererogatory prayers (Nawafil or Sunnah) are non-obligatory prayers that are highly rewarded. They allow one to draw closer to Allah, compensate for possible deficiencies in obligatory prayers, and increase one's good deeds.
"My servant does not cease to draw near to Me through supererogatory acts until I love him."
— Hadith Qudsi • Sahih al-Bukhari, n°6502
Recommended prayers before and after the obligatory prayers
| Prayer | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 rak'at | — |
| Dhuhr | 4 rak'at | 2 rak'at |
| Asr | — | — |
| Maghrib | — | 2 rak'at |
| Isha | — | 2 rak'at |
"Whoever prays twelve supererogatory rak'at each day, Allah will build him a house in Paradise."
— Sahih Muslim, n°728
Salat ad-Duha
Time:
Between sunrise and noon (Dhuhr)
Number of rak'at:
2 to 8 rak'at (in pairs)
Merit:
Compensates the daily alms for each joint of the body
Tahajjud / Qiyam al-Layl
Time:
Last part of the night
Number of rak'at:
Variable (recommended: 11 rak'at including Witr)
Merit:
The best prayer after the obligatory ones
Salat at-Tarawih
Time:
During Ramadan, after 'Isha
Number of rak'at:
8, 11 or 20 rak'at according to practice
Merit:
Forgiveness of past sins if performed with faith
💡Practical tips
- •Start progressively: if you are not used to it, begin with the 2 rak'at before Fajr
- •Consistency is better than quantity: it is better to do little but consistently
- •The night prayers (Tahajjud) are the most meritorious supererogatory prayers
- •During Ramadan, Tarawih is a precious opportunity to draw closer to Allah