In Islam, the five daily prayers form the foundation of a Muslim’s worship, but voluntary (Nafl or Sunnah) prayers provide an opportunity to earn extra rewards, spiritual elevation, and closeness to Allah. Among these, Salat al-Ishraq, Salat ad-Duha, and Salat al-Awwabin hold special significance for their unique timing and immense benefits.
Salat al-Ishraq is offered shortly after sunrise, bringing blessings equivalent to Hajj and Umrah. Salat ad-Duha, the mid-morning prayer, serves as charity for the body and a means to increase sustenance. Salat al-Awwabin, performed after Maghrib, is a prayer of repentance for those who constantly turn back to Allah.
Performing these voluntary prayers strengthens faith, purifies the soul, and fills the day with peace, gratitude, and remembrance of Allah. Whether you are seeking forgiveness, spiritual reward, or a way to start the day with divine connection, understanding and practicing these prayers can transform your worship and daily life.
1. Salat al-Ishraq
Salat al-Ishraq (Post-Sunrise Prayer) is a simple yet highly rewarding prayer that can be performed individually or in congregation. It serves as a way to start the day with gratitude, spiritual focus, and closeness to Allah.
Meaning and Timing
Salat al-Ishraq is a short and blessed prayer offered shortly after sunrise. It begins about 15 to 20 minutes after the sun has completely risen. It is a Sunnah prayer that brings great spiritual reward and forgiveness.
Hadith on Salat al-Ishraq
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Arabic:
مَنْ صَلَّى الغَدَاةَ فِي جَمَاعَةٍ، ثُمَّ قَعَدَ يَذْكُرُ اللَّهَ حَتَّى تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ، ثُمَّ صَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ، كَانَتْ لَهُ كَأَجْرِ حَجَّةٍ وَعُمْرَةٍ تَامَّةٍ، تَامَّةٍ، تَامَّةٍ
Transliteration: Man salla al-ghadata fi jama’atin, thumma qa’ada yadhkuru Allaha hatta tatlu’a ash-shams, thumma salla rak’atayn, kanat lahu ka ajri hajjatin wa umratin tammatin, tammatin, tammatin.
Translation: “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, and then prays two rakahs, will have the reward of a complete Hajj and Umrah, complete, complete, complete.” – (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 586)
This hadith highlights the immense reward of Salat al-Ishraq, equating it to the spiritual merit of performing a complete Hajj and Umrah. It emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah after Fajr and starting the day with devotion and gratitude.
How to Perform Salat al-Ishraq
Here are the guidelines to perform salat al-Ishraq:
- Time: 15–20 minutes after sunrise.
- Rakahs: Minimum of 2 rakahs, but can be extended to 4 or more.
- Intention: “I intend to pray Salat al-Ishraq for the sake of Allah.”
Benefits of Salat al-Ishraq
Here are the benefits of this salat:
- Brings the reward equal to Hajj and Umrah.
- Fills the day with barakah (blessing).
- Promotes calmness and gratitude early in the morning.
- Serves as a way to start the day with remembrance of Allah.
Quranic Reflection
Allah says in Quran:
Arabic:
وَاذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا
Transliteration: Wadhkur isma rabbika bukratan wa asila.
Translation: “And remember the name of your Lord morning and evening.” – (Surah Al-Insan, 76:25)
This ayah encourages Muslims to remember Allah in the early hours i.e. exactly the spirit of Salat al-Ishraq.
2. Salat ad-Duha
Salat ad-Duha (Morning or Forenoon Prayer) is a voluntary prayer performed in the mid-morning, offering a chance to seek Allah’s blessings and forgiveness. It serves as an act of gratitude, helping the believer start the day with spiritual energy and reward.
Meaning and Timing
Salat ad-Duha, also known as the Forenoon Prayer, is performed after the sun rises high, approximately mid-morning until just before Dhuhr (noon prayer). It is a prayer of gratitude and forgiveness.
Hadith on Salat ad-Duha
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Arabic:
يُصْبِحُ عَلَى كُلِّ سُلَامَى مِنْ أَحَدِكُمْ صَدَقَةٌ، فَكُلُّ تَسْبِيحَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ، وَكُلُّ تَحْمِيدَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ، وَكُلُّ تَهْلِيلَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ، وَكُلُّ تَكْبِيرَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ، وَيُجْزِئُ عَنْ ذَلِكَ رَكْعَتَانِ يُرَكِّعُهُمَا مِنَ الضُّحَى
Transliteration: Yusbihu ala kulli sulama min ahadikum sadaqah, fakullu tasbihatin sadaqah, wakullu tahmidatin sadaqah, wakullu tahlilatin sadaqah, wakullu takbiratin sadaqah, wayujzi’u an dhalika rak’atan yurka’uhuma min ad-duha.
Translation: “Every morning, charity is due on every joint of your body. Saying SubhanAllah is charity, saying Alhamdulillah is charity, saying La ilaha illallah is charity, and saying Allahu Akbar is charity. But all of this is fulfilled by praying two rakahs of Duha.” – (Sahih Muslim 720)
How to Perform Salat ad-Duha
Follow the below guidelines:
- Time: After sunrise until about 15–20 minutes before Dhuhr.
- Rakahs: Minimum 2 rakahs, maximum 12 rakahs (in pairs of 2).
- Intention: “I intend to pray Salat ad-Duha for the sake of Allah.”
Benefits of Salat ad-Duha
Here are the benefits of salat al-Duha:
- Serves as charity for all joints in the body.
- Erases sins and increases rizq (sustenance).
- Brings mental peace and physical energy.
- The Prophet (SAW) never abandoned this prayer.
Hadith on Reward
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Arabic:
قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: فِي الْجَنَّةِ بَابٌ يُقَالُ لَهُ بَابُ الضُّحَى، فَإِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ الْقِيَامَةِ نَادَى مُنَادٍ: أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ كَانُوا يُدِيمُونَ صَلَاةَ الضُّحَى؟ هَذَا بَابُكُمْ فَادْخُلُوا مِنْهُ
Transliteration: Fi al-jannati babun yuqalu lahu Bab ad-Duha, fa idha kana yawmu al-qiyamah nada munadin: Ayna alladhina kanu yudimuna salat ad-Duha? Hatha babukum fadkhulu minhu.
Translation: “In Paradise, there is a gate called the Gate of Duha. On the Day of Resurrection, it will be said: Where are those who used to pray Duha regularly? This is your gate, enter through it.” – (Al-Tabarani, Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat 4340)
3. Salat al-Awwabin
Salat al-Awwabin (Prayer of the Oft-Repentant) is a voluntary prayer performed after Maghrib, emphasizing repentance and closeness to Allah. It helps the believer seek forgiveness for past mistakes and strengthens the habit of turning back to Allah consistently.
Meaning and Timing
Salat al-Awwabin is a voluntary prayer performed after Maghrib and before Isha. The word Awwabin means those who constantly return to Allah in repentance.
Hadith on Salat al-Awwabin
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Arabic:
مَنْ صَلَّى بَيْنَ الْمَغْرِبِ وَالْعِشَاءِ سِتَّ رَكَعَاتٍ كُتِبَ لَهُ عِبَادَةُ اثْنَتَيْ عَشْرَ سَنَةٍ
Transliteration: Man salla bayna al-maghrib wal-isha sitt rak’atin kutiba lahu ibadatu ithnatay asharah sanah.
Translation: “Whoever prays six rakahs between Maghrib and Isha will have a reward as if he had worshiped for twelve years.” – (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 435, Sahih by Albani)
How to Perform Salat al-Awwabin
Here are the guidelines:
- Time: After Maghrib until Isha.
- Rakahs: Minimum 2 rakahs, recommended 6 rakahs (in pairs).
- Intention: “I intend to pray Salat al-Awwabin for the sake of Allah.”
Benefits of Salat al-Awwabin
Below is a list of praying salat al-Awwabin:
- Wipes away sins and mistakes.
- Earns the title of Awwab (one who constantly returns to Allah).
- Brings closeness to Allah after worldly distractions.
- Strengthens the habit of repentance and consistency in worship.
Quranic Reference
Allah says in Quran:
Arabic:
إِنَّهُ كَانَ لِلْأَوَّابِينَ غَفُورًا
Transliteration: Innahu kana lil-awwabina ghafura.
Translation: “Indeed, He is ever Forgiving to those who return to Him repeatedly.” – (Surah Al-Isra, 17:25)
This verse reflects Allah’s mercy for those who repent and turn back to Him, perfectly describing the spirit of Salat al-Awwabin.
Spiritual Benefits of Voluntary Prayers
Voluntary prayers serve as a shield against sins, a source of tranquility, and a means to earn Allah’s love. Each of these prayers i.e. Ishraq, Duha, and Awwabin, connects a believer to Allah at different times of the day, ensuring that remembrance remains constant. The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Arabic:
وَمَا يَزَالُ عَبْدِي يَتَقَرَّبُ إِلَيَّ بِالنَّوَافِلِ حَتَّى أُحِبَّهُ
Transliteration: Wama yazalu abdi yataqarrabu ilayya bin-nawafili hatta uhibbahu.
Translation: “My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary deeds until I love him.” – (Sahih al-Bukhari 6502)
Conclusion: Revive the Sunnah, Revive Your Soul
Voluntary prayers are more than extra acts, they are moments of peace, reflection, and nearness to Allah. Performing Salat al-Ishraq, Salat ad-Duha, and Salat al-Awwabin regularly brings immense blessings in this world and the next.
They strengthen faith, erase sins, and fill the heart with light and serenity. In every extra rakah, there is an opportunity to reconnect with Allah and earn His love. May Allah make us among those who never neglect voluntary prayers and always seek His pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Salat al-Ishraq and Salat ad-Duha?
Salat al-Ishraq is offered shortly after the sun rises, about 15–20 minutes after sunrise, while Salat ad-Duha is performed later in the morning, once the sun is fully up until just before Dhuhr. Both are voluntary prayers, but Duha carries the additional reward of being charity for all body parts.
How many rakahs should I pray for Salat al-Ishraq, Duha, and Awwabin?
Salat al-Ishraq: Minimum 2 rakahs (can pray 4 or more), Salat ad-Duha: Minimum 2 rakahs, maximum 12 rakahs, performed in pairs, and Salat al-Awwabin: Minimum 2 rakahs, recommended 6 rakahs, in pairs.
Can women perform these voluntary prayers at home?
Yes. Voluntary prayers are highly recommended for both men and women and can be performed at home, in congregation, or individually.
What are the main benefits of performing voluntary prayers?
Voluntary prayers erase sins and mistakes, bring closeness to Allah, fill the day with barakah (blessing), and serve as extra acts of worship for Allah’s pleasure.
Are these prayers obligatory or optional?
These prayers are Sunnah or Nafl (voluntary), meaning they are not obligatory, but highly encouraged for spiritual reward and closeness to Allah.
Can I combine these voluntary prayers with regular daily prayers?
Yes. These prayers are performed outside the five obligatory prayers, but you can schedule them to complement your daily salah routine, ensuring your day is filled with worship.
What is the best time to perform Salat al-Awwabin?
Salat al-Awwabin is best performed after Maghrib prayer and before Isha, ideally as six rakahs in pairs, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
