Worship

Sunnah & Special Prayers

One home for voluntary prayers and prayer in special circumstances.

Witr

  • An emphasized night prayer performed after Isha until Fajr; make it the final prayer of the night when practical.
  • It is prayed in an odd number of rak‘ahs. Details of three rak‘ahs and qunut differ between schools.
  • If you already prayed Witr, do not repeat it after later Tahajjud.

Duha · forenoon prayer

  • Its time begins after sunrise has risen clearly and lasts until shortly before Dhuhr.
  • Pray at least two rak‘ahs, in sets of two; scholars mention different preferred maximums.
  • It is a prayer of gratitude and is also called Salat al-Awwabin in relevant narrations.

Rawatib · prayers around the obligatory salah

  • The most emphasized pattern totals twelve rak‘ahs: two before Fajr; four before and two after Dhuhr; two after Maghrib; two after Isha.
  • Pray voluntary prayers at home when possible, except prayers legislated in congregation.
  • Do not treat a sunnah prayer as obligatory, but protect a consistent practice.

Mosque, wudu and everyday occasions

  • Tahiyyatul Masjid: pray two rak‘ahs before sitting when entering the mosque, unless an obligatory prayer has begun.
  • After wudu: two rak‘ahs are recommended when time and circumstances allow.
  • Istikhara is for a permissible decision; Janazah, Eid and rain/eclipse prayers have their own rulings.

Travel, illness and accessibility

  • A qualifying traveller shortens four-rak‘ah prayers to two; combining is permitted in recognised circumstances, with details differing by school.
  • Prayer is not abandoned because standing is impossible: pray sitting, lying down or with gestures according to ability.
  • Seek individual guidance for chronic illness, medical equipment, bleeding or uncertain travel status.