Guide to the Confirmed Sunnah Prayers
Learn the regular voluntary prayers connected to the five daily prayers, their times and their virtue. This guide presents a commonly taught Sunni practice; recognised schools differ on some details. The obligatory prayers come first.
Choose who to learn with
A commonly taught Sunni method is illustrated. Details can differ between schools; pray according to your ability. Wudu remains valid until it is broken.
What are the regular Sunnah prayers?
The regular Sunnah prayers, called rawatib, are voluntary prayers offered before or after specified obligatory prayers. A confirmed Sunnah is a strongly emphasised practice; it is distinct from the five obligatory prayers and is not a substitute for them. Legal classifications and details vary among Sunni schools.
Back to topTheir virtue
Allah encouraged believers to seek His nearness through worship. The Prophet ﷺ gave glad tidings of a house in Paradise for the Muslim who prays twelve voluntary rakahs in a day and night. This is a promise of reward, not a reason to neglect an obligation. [1, 2]
Back to topThe twelve daily rakahs at a glance
Fajr: two before the obligatory prayer. Dhuhr: four before, then two after. Asr: no confirmed regular prayer in this twelve-rakah set. Maghrib: two after. Isha: two after. That makes 2 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 12. Pray the four before Dhuhr as two prayers of two rakahs each in this guide. Another authentic narration mentions two before Dhuhr; Sunni scholars explain the narrations and classifications in different ways. [2, 3]
Back to topBefore Fajr
Pray two rakahs after true dawn has begun and before the obligatory Fajr prayer. They are especially emphasised. The Prophet ﷺ described them as better than the world and what it contains. Keep them brief without rushing or omitting the essentials. They are separate from the two obligatory rakahs of Fajr. [4]
Back to topBefore and after Dhuhr
After Dhuhr time begins, pray four rakahs before the obligatory Dhuhr prayer, in two sets of two. After completing the obligatory prayer, pray two more rakahs before the Dhuhr time ends. Some narrations also mention additional prayer after Dhuhr; those additional rakahs are separate from the twelve-rakah schedule shown here. [2, 3]
Back to topBefore Asr
There is no confirmed regular Sunnah before or after Asr in the twelve-rakah schedule. Four voluntary rakahs before the obligatory Asr prayer are recommended in a reported supplication of the Prophet ﷺ; pray them before Asr, not after it. Their classification differs from the regular confirmed set. [5]
Back to topAfter Maghrib
After the obligatory Maghrib prayer, pray two rakahs before the time of Isha begins. These are part of the twelve-rakah set. There is also a general recommendation to pray between the call to prayer and the iqamah for whoever wishes; it is not the same as the confirmed two after Maghrib. [2, 6]
Back to topAfter Isha
After the obligatory Isha prayer, pray two rakahs during its time. These are part of the twelve-rakah set. Witr is a separate night prayer and is not counted within these twelve rakahs. [2]
Back to topWitr and night prayer
Witr is a highly emphasised night prayer after Isha and before true dawn. It concludes night prayer with an odd number; one or three are among its forms. Sunni schools differ regarding its legal classification and some forms, so follow a trusted teacher or school. If you expect to wake later, praying Witr at the end of the night is preferable; otherwise it may be prayed before sleeping. [7]
Back to topHow to pray the Sunnah
Prepare as for other prayers: be in a state of purification, face the Qiblah as able, cover appropriately and intend the particular voluntary prayer in your heart. Pray two rakahs with the usual standing, recitation, bowing, prostrations, final tashahhud and salam. Begin another two-rakah prayer for the second pair before Dhuhr. Pray calmly; there is no obligation to speak a set intention aloud. Follow the Prayer Guide for the movements and words. [8]
Back to topHome, congregation and the iqamah
Voluntary prayer at home is encouraged when practical; it may also be prayed in the mosque. If the iqamah for the obligatory congregational prayer begins, do not start a new voluntary prayer: join the obligatory prayer. If already praying, follow the guidance of your school on how to respond. [9, 10]
Back to topTiming and missed prayers
The before-prayer Sunnah is normally offered after its obligatory prayer time begins and before the obligation; the after-prayer Sunnah is normally offered after the obligation and within its time. If a Sunnah is missed, scholars differ about whether and when to make it up, especially near prohibited times. Evidence exists concerning missed Fajr and Dhuhr Sunnahs. Ask a knowledgeable Sunni teacher about your situation rather than delaying the obligatory prayer. [11, 12]
Back to topFriday prayer and travel
For Jumuah, authentic reports describe voluntary prayer afterward, including two at home and four after Jumuah; Sunni scholars explain their application in recognised ways. Do not treat the Dhuhr schedule as an identical replacement for every Jumuah ruling. A traveller may follow the established concessions for travel; the Sunnah of Fajr and Witr have particular emphasis. Consult a trusted teacher for your circumstances. [13, 14]
Back to topBuilding a consistent habit
Begin with the obligatory prayers and add the regular Sunnahs gradually if needed. Set a reminder, learn the two-rakah format, and aim for consistency without hardship or treating a voluntary prayer as obligatory. If you miss one, resume the habit at the next opportunity.
Back to topSources
[1] Quran: Al-Baqarah 2:238; Al-Muzzammil 73:20. [2] Sahih Muslim 728a; Jami al-Tirmidhi 415. [3] Sahih al-Bukhari 1182 and 1169. [4] Sahih Muslim 725a. [5] Jami al-Tirmidhi 430. [6] Sahih al-Bukhari 624. [7] Sahih Muslim 749d and 755. [8] Sunan Abi Dawud 1295. [9] Sahih al-Bukhari 731. [10] Sahih Muslim 710a. [11] Sunan Abi Dawud 1267; Sahih al-Bukhari 1233. [12] Sahih al-Bukhari 586. [13] Sahih al-Bukhari 937; Sahih Muslim 881a. [14] Sahih al-Bukhari 1095; Sahih Muslim 681 and 724a. Hadith numbering can vary between editions.
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