Guide to Nafl (Voluntary) Prayers: Benefits, Timings & Rewards

Nafl Prayers: A veiled woman performing voluntary prayers on a prayer rug with Quran in a peaceful spiritual setting.

Comprehensive Guide to Nafl Prayers

Nafl prayers are numerous and highly rewarding. Except during prohibited times, a person may perform Nafl prayers at any time and in any number. Here, we focus on a few significant Nafl prayers, while emphasizing that missed obligatory (Qadha) prayers should be prioritized.

Prioritizing Qadha Prayers

If someone has Qadha prayers, whether male or female, performing them promptly is mandatory. After fulfilling responsibilities like children’s care and other necessities, free time should be used to complete Qadha prayers. Qadha prayers hold higher priority than Nafl prayers. During Nafl time, one should temporarily leave them to complete Qadha and become free of obligation. (Radd al-Muhtar)

Note: Allah, in His special grace, rewards the Nafl prayers performed in the time when Qadha prayers are being offered. (Radd al-Muhtar)

Tahiyyat al-Wudu

After performing Wudu, if it is not a disliked time, it is recommended to pray two rak‘ahs before the limbs dry. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs Wudu with care and concentration, and then prays two rak‘ahs with devotion, Paradise becomes obligatory for him." (Muslim)

Note: After Ghusl, two rak‘ahs are also recommended. If a person prays obligatory prayers after Wudu before the limbs dry, it counts as Tahiyyat al-Wudu. (Radd al-Muhtar)

Ishraq Prayer

Ishraq is prayed approximately 15–20 minutes after sunrise. Two or four rak‘ahs may be performed depending on the opportunity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, continues remembrance of Allah until the sun rises, and then prays two rak‘ahs, receives the reward equivalent to Hajj and Umrah." (Tirmidhi)

Chasht Prayer

The time for Chasht prayer is when the sun has risen well and the day becomes hot. At least two and up to twelve rak‘ahs are recommended, with twelve being the most virtuous. It is narrated: "Whoever prays twelve rak‘ahs of Chasht, Allah will build a palace in Paradise for him." (Trandi, Al-‘Alamgiri, Radd al-Muhtar)

Salat al-Awwabin

After Maghrib, it is recommended to pray six rak‘ahs called Salat al-Awwabin. These can be prayed in one salutation or by greeting after every two rak‘ahs, with the first two being Sunnah Mu’akkadah and the remaining four as Nafl. The Prophet said: "Whoever prays six rak‘ahs after Maghrib without major interruptions will have it recorded as twelve years of worship, and sins will be forgiven even if as abundant as sea foam." (Radd al-Muhtar, Afadat Rizvia, Tabarani)

Tahajjud Prayer

After Isha and its Sunnah prayers, sleep briefly and then wake up to pray Nafl at night. Performing at least two rak‘ahs with Wudu completes Tahajjud. Sunnah is eight rak‘ahs, and scholars often pray twelve. Quran recitation is optional; if unable, recite Surah Ikhlas three times per rak‘ah to gain reward equivalent to completing the Quran. (Radd al-Muhtar)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Every night, Allah manifests a special divine illumination on the world and asks: Is there anyone supplicating that I may accept his prayer? Is there anyone seeking that I may grant his request? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I may forgive him?" (Bukhari, Muslim)

Note: On Eid, mid-Shaban nights, last ten nights of Ramadan, and first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah, staying awake for Nafl prayers, Quran recitation, Hadith reading, sending salutations, and other forms of remembrance is highly recommended. Simply staying awake without worship is less virtuous. (Radd al-Muhtar)

Istikhara Prayer

When uncertain about a decision such as travel, marriage, or business, Istikhara prayer guides one through Allah’s support. The Prophet taught it for various decisions. (Tirmidhi)

Method:

1. Perform two rak‘ahs Nafl with full attention.
2. Recite the Istikhara supplication: "O Allah! I seek Your guidance by Your knowledge, and I seek ability by Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor. You have power and I do not; You know and I do not; and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah! If You know this matter is good for me in my religion, livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know this matter is bad for me in my religion, livelihood, or outcome, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it and decree for me the good wherever it may be and make me content with it."
3. After the supplication, sleep on the right side facing Qiblah. If a dream shows light or greenery, it is good; darkness or redness indicates otherwise. Follow the guidance that feels strongest in your heart. Seven repetitions of Istikhara are recommended. (Dar Mukhtar)

Conclusion

Nafl prayers elevate spirituality and bring closeness to Allah. Prioritize Qadha prayers, and also perform Tahiyyat al-Wudu, Ishraq, Chasht, Salat al-Awwabin, Tahajjud, and Istikhara for maximum spiritual benefit. Blessed nights and dedicated worship enhance spiritual reward.

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