4 Nafl Prayers in Islam: Times & Rak’ahs

4 Nafl Prayers in Islam: Tahajjud, Ishraq, Duha and Awwabin

Nafl prayers in Islam are voluntary acts of worship performed in addition to the five obligatory Fard prayers. They allow Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah and follow additional forms of worship. Four commonly discussed prayers are Tahajjud, Ishraq, Duha, and Awwabin.

Each prayer has a different time or scholarly interpretation. Learning when to perform these optional prayers can help you include them in your daily routine without neglecting your obligatory prayers.

What Are Nafl Prayers in Islam?

Nafl prayers are voluntary or supererogatory prayers that Muslims perform beyond the obligatory prayers. They are different from Fard prayers, which are compulsory. Sunnah prayers are another category of prayer associated with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Voluntary prayer is an important part of Islamic worship, but Muslims should give priority to their five daily prayers: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.

1. Tahajjud Prayer

Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr. It is commonly associated with sleeping for part of the night and then waking up to pray.

The Holy Quran mentions the night prayer in Surah Al-Isra:

“ And during the night, wake up for prayer as an additional worship for you.” (Quran 17:79)

Best time: The last third of the night is a particularly recommended time for night prayer.

Number of rak’ahs: You can begin with two rak’ahs. Muslims may offer additional rak’ahs according to their ability.

How to Pray Tahajjud

1. Wake up during the night before Fajr.

2. Make the intention in your heart to offer voluntary prayer.

3. Pray two rak’ahs, reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and other Quranic verses.

4. Offer more rak’ahs if you wish.

5. Make dua and ask Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and help.

Sahih Muslim 758a describes the last part of the night as a special time for supplication and seeking forgiveness. If you plan to pray Witr later, you can include it at the end of your night prayers.

2. Ishraq Prayer

Ishraq is a voluntary prayer offered after sunrise, once the sun has risen sufficiently above the horizon. Muslims should not pray at the exact moment of sunrise because it is a restricted time for prayer.

Best time: A commonly used estimate is around 15–20 minutes after sunrise, although the precise interval can vary by location and timetable.

Number of rak’ahs: Two rak’ahs are commonly offered.

Ishraq is often discussed in connection with Duha prayer. However, scholars differ in how they distinguish the two, and some use the names more broadly for morning prayer.

A narration in Jami’ at-Tirmidhi discusses praying Fajr in congregation, remaining engaged in remembrance of Allah until sunrise, and then praying two rak’ahs. The narration mentions a great reward for this complete sequence, so it should not be presented as a guaranteed reward for performing two rak’ahs alone.

3. Duha Prayer (Chasht)

Duha, also known as Chasht in South Asian communities, is a voluntary morning prayer. It is performed after the restricted period following sunrise and before the sun reaches its highest point before Dhuhr.

Best time: During the morning, when the sun has risen well above the horizon.

Number of rak’ahs: Two rak’ahs are a common starting point. Additional rak’ahs may be offered, with details varying among scholarly opinions.

In Sahih Muslim 720, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explained that two rak’ahs of Duha can suffice for the charity due from the body’s joints each morning.

How to Pray Duha

1. Check your local prayer timetable to identify the appropriate morning period.

2. Make the intention for voluntary prayer.

3. Pray two rak’ahs as you would in other regular prayers.

4. Offer additional rak’ahs if you wish and have time.

Duha can be a practical way to include extra prayer in your routine. It is voluntary, so choose a schedule you can maintain comfortably.

4. Awwabin Prayer

Awwabin refers to people who frequently turn back to Allah in repentance and obedience. The term is associated with voluntary worship, but its use for a specific prayer differs among scholars.

In some South Asian traditions, Awwabin refers to voluntary rak’ahs offered between Maghrib and Isha. Other scholarly discussions associate the term with Duha prayer.

Common practice: Some Muslims pray six rak’ahs after Maghrib, before Isha.

Because scholars differ about the specific prayer and supporting narrations, it is best not to present one particular number or reward as universally established. If you follow a particular school of Islamic jurisprudence, consult a qualified scholar for its guidance.

When Should You Avoid Voluntary Prayers?

Certain times are restricted for voluntary prayer, including the moment of sunrise, when the sun is at its zenith, and the moment of sunset. Sahih al-Bukhari 581 also discusses restrictions on prayer after Fajr until sunrise and after Asr until sunset. Specific details and exceptions may differ by school of Islamic law, so follow a reliable local timetable and qualified guidance.

Conclusion

Tahajjud, Ishraq, Duha, and Awwabin are voluntary prayers associated with different times and scholarly traditions. Start with a manageable routine, learn the correct timings, and give priority to the five obligatory prayers. For differences concerning Awwabin or the classification of morning prayers, seek guidance from a qualified Islamic scholar.

Sources

• Holy Quran, Surah Al-Isra 17:79

• Sahih Muslim 758a

• Sahih Muslim 720

• Sahih al-Bukhari 581

• Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi 435