This table summarizes various optional (Nafl) prayers in Islam, offering immense spiritual rewards beyond the obligatory daily prayers. Click "More Info" for details on each.
| Prayer | Recommended Rak'ahs | Preferred Time | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahajjud (Night Prayer) | 2 to unlimited (usually in sets of 2) | After Isha & before Fajr, best in last third of the night. |
More InfoSignificance: Highly virtuous prayer for seeking closeness to Allah, forgiveness of sins, and having duas answered. It's considered the best prayer after the obligatory ones. |
| Duha (Forenoon Prayer) | 2 to 12 (commonly 2, 4, or 8) | After sunrise (approx. 15-20 min later) until just before Dhuhr. Best when the sun is higher. |
More InfoSignificance: Performing Duha is equivalent to giving charity on every joint of the body. It brings immense rewards, forgiveness of sins, and opens doors to sustenance. Also known as Ishraq or Chasht. |
| Awwabin | 6 (usually in sets of 2) | Between Maghrib and Isha prayers. |
More InfoSignificance: "Prayer of the Oft-Returning." It is said to bring great rewards and forgiveness for sins. There are differing scholarly opinions on whether it's distinct or synonymous with Duha. |
| Salat al-Istikhara (Guidance) | 2 | Any time except prohibited times (after Fajr/Asr), followed by a specific Du'a. |
More InfoSignificance: Performed when seeking Allah's guidance and counsel for important permissible decisions in life, such as marriage, travel, or work. |
| Tahiyyat al-Masjid (Greeting Mosque) | 2 | Upon entering a mosque, before sitting down. |
More InfoSignificance: A highly recommended prayer to show respect to the House of Allah. It should be the first thing performed upon entering a mosque before sitting. |
| Salat al-Tasbeeh | 4 | Any time except prohibited times. Can be performed daily, weekly, monthly, or at least once in a lifetime. |
More InfoSignificance: A special prayer involving the recitation of "Subhaan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Wa Laa ilaha illal Laahu Wallahu Akbar" 300 times throughout its Rak'ahs. It is known for immense forgiveness of sins. |
| Witr Prayer | Odd number (e.g., 1, 3, 5) | After Isha until Fajr. Typically, the last prayer performed before sleeping. |
More InfoSignificance: Though often considered Wajib (necessary) or highly emphasized Sunnah by different schools, it is a crucial concluding prayer of the night, strongly encouraged by the Prophet (PBUH). |
| Salat al-Hajat (Prayer of Need) | 2 (some narrations mention up to 12) | Any time except prohibited times (directly at sunrise, zenith, or sunset). |
More InfoSignificance: Performed when a Muslim has a specific need, desire, or difficulty and seeks Allah's help and guidance to fulfill that need or resolve that problem. It is concluded with a special supplication (Du'a al-Hajat). |
Important Note:
Voluntary prayers are a beautiful way to earn extra rewards and draw closer to Allah. May Allah accept our efforts. Ameen.