Sunnah & Nafl Prayers Guide

Beyond the five Fard prayers, the Sunnah and Nafl prayers are how a Muslim draws closer to Allah. This guide covers twelve of them: the daily Sunnah Muakkadah and Witr, the optional Tahajjud, Ishraq, Duha and Awwabin, and the occasional Tahiyyat al-Masjid, Tahiyyat al-Wudu, Istikhara, Hajah, Tawbah and Kusuf prayers.

Each prayer card gives the number of rakats, the best time to pray, the intention in simple words, how to pray it in two or three short steps, its virtue with the hadith source, and a short Arabic dua with transliteration and meaning where relevant. Live timing hints show when a prayer's window is open, and no prayer is shown as available during forbidden prayer times. Where Hanafi and Shafi'i views differ, both are shown with a toggle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is Tahajjud?

Tahajjud is prayed after Isha and before Fajr, after sleeping for part of the night. The best time is the last third of the night. The guide shows a live hint for the last third based on your city's Isha and Fajr times.

How many rakats is Duha?

Duha is at least two rakats. The Prophet prayed it in two, four and eight rakats at different times, so two, four or eight are all practised. Its time starts about twenty minutes after sunrise and ends shortly before Dhuhr.

What is Witr?

Witr is the odd-numbered prayer after Isha, prayed in one, three, five or more rakats. In the Hanafi school it is Wajib and prayed as three rakats; in the Shafi'i school it is a strongly emphasised Sunnah, prayed in an odd number.

What is Salat al-Istikhara?

Istikhara is two rakats prayed when deciding a matter, followed by the dua of Istikhara asking Allah for guidance towards what is best. It is prayed at any permitted time, not during forbidden prayer times.

Do Nafl prayers need wudu?

Yes. Wudu is required for all prayers, including Sunnah and Nafl prayers, just as it is for the Fard prayers.