Belief and Knowledge
Belief (Iman)
Emphasizing pure intentions (niyyah) before performing any deed is a foundational Sunnah in Islam.
Narrated `Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for." Sahih al-Bukhari 1
Knowledge (Ilm)
Pursuing religious knowledge is a highly recommended Sunnah to gain a deeper understanding of Islam. Actively seeking knowledge is a Sunnah that ensures continuous personal and spiritual development.
Narrated Muawiyah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of the religion." Sahih al-Bukhari 71
Seeking Knowledge
Actively seeking knowledge is a Sunnah that ensures continuous personal and spiritual development.
Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." Sunan Ibn Majah 224
Heart-Melting Traditions (Riqaq)
Reflecting on the hereafter and the realities of life and death is a Sunnah that softens the heart and enhances piety.
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If you knew that which I know, you would laugh little and weep much." Sahih al-Bukhari 6486
Purification
Purification (Taharah)
Maintaining cleanliness and performing ablution is a foundational Sunnah for accepting prayer.
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The key to Paradise is prayer, and the key to prayer is cleanliness (purification)." Jami` at-Tirmidhi 4
Menstruation (Hayd)
Women should refrain from prayer during menstruation but resume their religious duties after purification as instructed by the Prophet ﷺ
Narrated `Aisha: Fatima bint Abi Hubaish came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I get persistent bleeding (in between the periods) and do not become clean. Shall I give up my prayers?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied: "No, because it is from a blood vessel and not the menses. So when the real menses begins give up your prayers and when it has finished wash the blood off your body (take a bath) and offer your prayers." Sahih al-Bukhari 326
Tayammum (Dry Ablution)
Performing Tayammum with clean earth is a Sunnah practice when water is not available for ablution.
Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me. -1. Allah made me victorious by awe, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. -2. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum, therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due. -3. The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me yet it was not lawful for anyone else before me. -4. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection). -5. Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind. Sahih al-Bukhari 335
Purity of Rainwater and Its Use in Acts of Worship
Using rainwater for purification is a Sunnah, highlighting the ease and flexibility in Islamic practices.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "We have been sent to make things easy (for the people) and not to make things difficult for them." (In a related hadith, it is mentioned that rainwater is considered pure for purification purposes).Sahih al-Bukhari 39
Clearing the Nose After Waking Up
Clearing the nose after waking up is a Sunnah to ensure physical and spiritual cleanliness.
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When one of you wakes up from his sleep, he must blow off his nose three times, for the shaytan spends the night inside one's nostrils." Sahih al-Bukhari 3295
Morning
Waking Up and Supplications
Reciting specific supplications upon waking up and before sleeping is a Sunnah to start and end the day with the remembrance of Allah.
Narrated Hudhaifa: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) intended to go to bed, he would recite: "Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya (In Your Name, O Allah, I die and I live)." And when he woke up from his sleep, he would say: "Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa ilaihin-nushur (All praises are for Allah Who gave us life after causing us to die, and to Him is the return)."Sahih al-Bukhari 6314
Brushing with Siwak
Using the Miswak for oral hygiene is a highly recommended Sunnah, especially before prayers. Toothbrush is the same if Miswak is not available
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Were it not that it would be difficult on my Ummah, I would have ordered them to use the Miswak at every prayer." Sahih Muslim 252
Washing the Face and Hands
Performing ablution by washing the face, hands, and feet is a Sunnah that purifies one from sins and prepares for prayer.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of ablution), every sin he has committed with his eyes will be washed away from his face with the water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought will be erased from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin toward which his feet have walked will be washed away with the water, or with the last drop of water, with the result that he comes out pure from all sins." Sahih Muslim 244
Prayers
Perform Sunan prayers in your home
It is better to offer nafl prayers at home, unless it is Sunnah to pray them in congregation in the mosque, such as the prayers to be offered at the time of an eclipse etc
Ibn Umar reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“Perform your voluntary prayers in your houses, and do not take your houses as graves.” Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 432, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 208
Salat al-Duha
The time of Duha prayer is from the time when the sun has risen to a certain height, until just before the time for Dhuhr prayer.
The Duha prayer is a Sunnah that involves praying two or more rak'ahs during the forenoon, which is a time often neglected by many but carries great rewards and benefits.
Narrated Abu Huraira: My friend (the Prophet) (ﷺ) advised me to do three things, and I shall not leave them till I die: to fast three days every month, to offer the Duha prayer, and to offer Witr before sleeping. Sahih al-Bukhari 1178
Prayer at Night
The Sunnah with regard to how to pray tahajjud and witr includes:
1. Offering tahajjud two (rak’ahs) by two
2. Starting with tahajjud first
3. Witr should be the last of your prayers at night.
4. Not delaying any of tahajjud or Witr until the break of dawn.
Qiyam al-layl means spending the night, even if it is only for a short time, in prayer, reading Quran, remembering Allah (dhikr), and other acts of worship. It is not stipulated that it should take most of the night.
With regard to tahajjud , it is (voluntary) prayers at night. Some scholars stipulate that it is prayers at night that are offered after having slept.
However the view of most of the jurists is that it refers to any prayers offered at night.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: 'Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?'" Sahih al-Bukhari 1145
Witr Prayer
Witr prayer is one of the greatest acts of worship that draw one closer to Allah. The Sunnah indicates that if a person thinks he will be able to get up at the end of the night, it is better to delay it
It was narrated from Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Witr is Haqq.* Whoever wishes let him pray Witr with five (Rak’ah), and whoever wishes let him pray Witr with three (Rak’ah), and whoever wishes let him pray Witr with one (Rak’ah).” Sunan Ibn Majah 1190
Sunan Al Rawatib
The regular Sunnah prayers mentioned in the Hadith narrated from Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) are ten Rak’ahs. According to the correct view, the regular Sunnah prayers are twelve Rak’ahs, because of the Hadith of `Aishah and Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with them), which mentions four Rak’ahs before Dhuhr .
- 2 Rak’ahs before Fajr;
- 4 Rak’ahs before Dhuhr, with 2 Salams, and 2 Rak’ahs afterwards;
- 2 Rak’ahs after Maghrib;
- and 2 Rak’ahs after `Isha’
4 Rak’at before the ‘Asr Prayer
The 4 Rak'ahs are of less reward and significance in the importance of adhering to them compared to the "Sunan al-rawatib"
The 4 Sunnah of Asr are Ghair Muakkada and it’s proven from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah
Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Prophet ﷺ said, "May Allah have mercy on a man who performs four Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer."
Riyad as-Salihin 1120
Istikharah Prayer
Istikharah is a prayer for seeking guidance from Allah when making a decision.
Jabir bin 'Abdullah said: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the Istikharah prayer for all of our affairs as he would teach us a Surah of the Qur'an. He said: 'When one of you is deliberating over an act, he should pray two Rak'ahs and say: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ فَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرًا لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي، وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي، وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ (O Allah, I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter is good for my religion and my livelihood and for my affairs in the Hereafter - or said: for my present and my future - then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, and bless me in it. And if in Your knowledge it is bad for me and for my religion and for my livelihood and for my affairs in the Hereafter - or said: for my present and my future - then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it.)" Sahih Bukhari 1162
Salat al-Khawf
Salat al-Khawf (Fear Prayer) is performed during times of fear or danger, such as during battle.
Ibn 'Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed the Fear Prayer. He said: "The rows should be formed behind me. One group should offer prayer along with me, and the rest should keep watch over the enemy. They should bow and prostrate along with me. Then they should go back and relieve their companions for the second Rak'ah. Let those who have not yet prayed come forward and bow and prostrate along with me. Then I will sit and finish the prayer." Sahih Muslim 839
Sun and Moon Eclipse (Khusuf) Prayer
Khusuf prayer is performed during a lunar or solar eclipse.
'Aisha narrated: "There was a solar eclipse during the lifetime of the Prophet (ﷺ). So, he led the people in prayer, and stood up and performed a long Qiyam, then bowed for a long while. He stood up again and performed another long Qiyam, but this time shorter than the first one, then bowed for a long time but shorter than the first. Then he prostrated and did the same in the second Rak'ah and then said, 'These signs which Allah sends do not occur because of the life or death of somebody, but Allah makes His worshippers afraid by them. So, when you see anything thereof, rush to remember Allah, supplicate Him and ask for His forgiveness.'" Sahih Bukhari 1044
Prayer for Rain (Istisqaa)
Istisqaa is a special prayer asking Allah for rain.
Abdullah bin Zaid reported:
"The Prophet (ﷺ) went out to the Musalla to offer the Istisqaa' prayer. He faced the Qiblah and offered a two Rak'ah prayer and turned his cloak inside out."
Sahih Bukhari 1013
Salat al-Janazah
The funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) is performed for a deceased Muslim.
Abu Hurairah reported: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever attends the funeral until the prayer is offered will have a reward equal to one Qirat, and whoever attends until (the body) is buried will have a reward equal to two Qirats.' It was asked: 'What are two Qirats?' He said: 'Like two great mountains.'" Sahih Bukhari 1325
Salat al-Tawbah
Salat al-Tawbah is a prayer seeking forgiveness from Allah for one's sins.
Abu Bakr reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There is no one who commits a sin, then purifies himself well, stands and prays two Rak'ahs, then asks Allah for forgiveness, but Allah will forgive him." Then he recited this verse: "And those who, when they commit an indecency or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and do not persist in what they have done while they know." (Qur'an 3:135) Sunan Abu Dawood 1521
Jummah
Performing Ghusl (Ritual Bath)
It is recommended to perform Ghusl before going to the Jumu'ah prayer to ensure cleanliness and purity.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When any one of you goes to Jumu'ah, let him do Ghusl.” Sahih Bukhari 877, Sahih Muslim 846
Wearing Clean Clothes and Applying Perfume
Wearing one's best and clean clothes and applying perfume are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene and present oneself well for the congregational prayer.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “It is obligatory upon every Muslim to take a bath on Friday, and also to use the Siwak, and he should use perfume if he has any.” Sahih Bukhari 880
Using Siwak
Using the Siwak to clean teeth before the Jumu'ah prayer is recommended as part of personal hygiene. Tooth brush is also fine
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If it were not that I would be overburdening my community, I would have ordered them to use Siwak with every prayer.” Sahih Muslim 252
Going Early to the Mosque
Going early to the mosque for Jumu'ah prayer is highly encouraged to gain greater rewards.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If a man takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses hair oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumua prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.” Sahih Bukhari 883
Listening Attentively to the Khutbah (Sermon)
Listening to the Khutbah attentively without speaking or distracting others is essential to fully benefit from the sermon.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If you say to your companion on Friday, 'Be quiet,' while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, you have engaged in idle talk.” Sahih Bukhari 934, Sahih Muslim 851
Reciting Surah Al-Kahf
Reciting Surah Al-Kahf on Friday brings great blessings and light between the two Fridays. This can be done anytime from sunset on Thursday until sunset on Friday.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said
“Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.”
Sahih al-Jami’, 64701
Sending Blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ)
Sending many blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) on Friday is highly recommended.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam was created; on that day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown; and on that day all of creation will swoon. So send a great deal of blessings upon me (i.e. on Friday), for your blessings will be shown to me.” Sunan Abu Dawud 1047
Making Du’a (Supplication)
Making a lot of Du’a on Friday is encouraged, as there is a special hour during which prayers are accepted.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “On this day there is a time when no Muslim stands and prays, asking Allah for something, but Allah will grant him it” – and he gestured with his hands to indicate how short that time is. Sahih Bukhari 893, Sahih Muslim 852
Prayers and Surahs
The Friday Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often recited specific surahs during the Friday Prayer to emphasize its importance.
The Eid Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
During the Eid Prayer, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recited surahs to celebrate the special occasion.
- During the Eid Prayer, he recited surah al-A’la in the first rakah and surah al-Gashiyah in the second. (Muslim 14, 15; Ibn Majah 157; Abu Dawud 243, 246)
- Sometimes, he also recited surahs Qaf and al-Qamar. (Muslim 14, 15; Ibn Majah 157; Abu Dawud 243, 246)
The Fajr (Morning) Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ kept the Morning Prayer easy and sometimes varied the surahs he ﷺ recited, generally the shorter ones.
Sunnah (Recommended):
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made the Morning Prayer easy. (Bukhari 28; Muslim 92, 93; Abu Dawud 3)
- In the first part (rakah), he sometimes recited surah al-Kafirun. (Muslim 98; Tirmidhi 191)
- In the second part (rakah), he sometimes recited surah al-Ikhlas. (Muslim 98; Tirmidhi 191)
- He also recited a verse from al-Baqarah (2:136) in the first rakah and verses from Al Imran (52 or 64) in the second rakah. (Muslim 99-100; Abu Dawud 3; Nasai 38)
- After surah al-Fatiha, he recited: Surah at-Tur (Bukhari 64; Muslim 42), Surah Qaf (Muslim 165-168; Tirmidhi 226-228), Surah at-Takwir (Muslim 164; Darimi 66; Nasai 44; Ibn Majah 5; Abu Dawud 131,132), Surah Rum (Nasai 41), Surah al-Muminun (Bukhari 106; Muslim 163; Abu Dawud 89; Nasai 76), Surah al-Zilzal (Abu Dawud 134), 40 verses from Surah al-Anfal (Bukhari 106), Surahs al-Falaq and an-Nas (Abu Dawud 19; Nasai 45).
- On Fridays, he recited surahs as-Sajdah and al-Insan. (Muslim 64; Abu Dawud 218; Tirmidhi 375; Nasai 38, 47)
The Dhuhr (Noon) Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
 
During the Noon Prayer, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recited various surahs, often making the first rakah longer.
 
Fard:
- He often recited awsat mufassal surahs (Surah al-Burj to Surah al-Bayyinah). (Muslim 154,161, 162; Nasai 56; Ibn Majah 5, 7; Abu Dawud 124, 125)
- Sometimes, the first rakah was longer than the second. (Muslim 156; Tirmidhi 227; Nasai 16)
- He might recite about thirty verses from Surah as-Sajdah, including surah al-Fatiha. (Muslim 170; Tirmidhi 227; Abu Dawud 124, 125)
- Other surahs include Surah at-Tariq, Surah al-Ghashiyah, al-Buruj, al-Layl, and al-Inshiqaq. (Muslim 170; Tirmidhi 227; Abu Dawud 124, 125)
The Asr (Afternoon) Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
For the Afternoon Prayer, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recited middle-length surahs with each rakah having about fifteen verses.
Fard:
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recited middle-length surahs (awast mufassal) here too. (Muslim 156)
- Each rakah had about fifteen verses, which is half of what he recited during the Dhuhr Prayer. (Muslim 156)
The Maghrib (Evening) Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ kept the Evening Prayer short but sometimes recited longer surahs.
Fard:
- The recitation was kept short. (Nasai 61, 62; Nasai 13; Ibn Majah 7)
- He often recited surah al-Bayyina after surah al-Fatiha. (Nasai 61, 62; Nasai 13; Ibn Majah 7)
- Sometimes, he recited longer surahs like Surah Tur, al-Araf, and Maida. (Bukhari 98; Muslim 173; Nasai 64)
- Recited surah al-Kafirun and al-Ikhlas, just like in the Morning Prayer. (Bukhari 9; Muslim 174; Nasai 65; Ibn Majah 9)
The Isha (Night) Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended keeping the Night Prayer recitation not too long, using shorter surahs.
Fard:
- The recitation was not too long. (Nasai 68; Tirmidhi 229; Nasai 62; Nasai 53; Nasai 72, 73)
- Surahs included ash-Shams, al-Inshiqaq, at-Tin, al-A’la, al-Alaq, and al-Layl. (Nasai 68; Tirmidhi 229; Nasai 62; Nasai 53; Nasai 72, 73)
Tahajjud (Late Night) Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ varied the length of recitations during the Late Night Prayer and emphasized reciting a hundred verses.
- Sometimes the Prophet ﷺ recited aloud. (Nasai 23; Tirmidhi 327)
- The length of the recitation varied. (Nasai 23; Tirmidhi 327)
- He recited surahs like al-Baqarah, Al Imran, and an-Nisa. (Bukhari 9; Muslim 203, 204; Ibn Majah 200; Nasai 164, 25)
- Emphasized reciting at least a hundred verses each night to stay mindful. (Muslim 203; Nasai 164, 25)
- Sometimes, he recited just one verse from Surah al-Maida (5:118). (Abu Dawud 326)
The Witr Prayer
Any Surah After Fateha is Voluntary, so one can recite any surah.
The Witr Prayer is performed at the end of the night, with the Prophet ﷺ reciting specific surahs and sometimes adding extra ones.
- This prayer is done at the end of the night. (Nasai 79; Nasai 47-50; Tirmidhi 337; Ibn Majah 115)
- He recited surahs like al-A’la, al-Kafirun, and al-Ikhlas. (Nasai 79; Nasai 47-50; Tirmidhi 337; Ibn Majah 115)
- Sometimes, he added surahs al-Falaq and an-Nas. (Nasai 79; Nasai 47-50; Tirmidhi 337; Ibn Majah 115)
- Once, he recited a hundred verses from Surah an-Nisa. (Tirmidhi 337; Ibn Majah 115)
Mosque
Walking Calmly and Solemnly to the Mosque
It is recommended to walk calmly and solemnly to the mosque for the Jumu'ah prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When the time for prayer comes, do not come to it running, but come walking and be calm. Pray what you are able to pray and complete what you have missed.” Sahih Bukhari 636, Sahih Muslim 602
Making Du’a While Walking to the Mosque
It is recommended to make Du’a and remember Allah while walking to the mosque.
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever performs ablution and does it well, then sets out for the mosque and does not skip (anything), but prays what is prescribed for him, and keeps silent when the imam speaks, until he prays, will have his sins forgiven between that and the next Friday, and three days more.” Sahih Muslim 857