Ishraq/Chast and other optional prayers

Allah created the jinn and humans for his worship (ibadah). Allah Talah says that I have created the jinn and humans for my worship. The servants of Allah Talah are engaged in various types of worship day and night to get the pleasure of Allah.

Some prayers are obligatory, and some are optional. These five prayers, which are also optional but mandated by Allah, are mandatory for all Muslims, regardless of gender.

If you want to know how many optional prayers there are and at what time we should offer them, then you will definitely find it in this article.

Optional or Nafil prayer

All worship is for Allah, and He alone is worthy of worship. Among the ways that the Holy Prophet told us to get close to Allah, Nawafil is the method by which the receiver gets close to Allah and becomes a friend of Allah. That is why these optional or Nawafil, prayers are very important.

They allow Muslims to connect with God on a personal basis and seek blessings outside of the regular prayer hours.

There are so many Nawafil prayers in Islam. I’m discussing a few that are just given below:

The Tahajjud prayer is also an optional prayer. I discussed it in another article.

Duha/Chast prayer

There are two Nawafals of the chast prayer that are offered after the sun has risen well. According to the narration of Hazarat Abu Saeed Khudri in Jammi-Tirmidh, the Holy Prophet (SWT) used to pray chasht with such regularity and strictness that it seemed as if he would (probably) never miss this prayer.

They used to leave it for so many days that it seemed as if they would never perform this prayer again. Probably, the reason for this may be that the Messenger of Allah will think that by offering this prayer regularly, it will not become obligatory on the Ummah.

There is no limitation regarding the number of rakats in the prayer performed with the intention of chast. Whoever prays as many rakats as he wants has the option.

Well, there is a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 rakats. If a person wants to offer more than 12 rakats, he has the right to do so.

Narrated by Hazarat Aisha Siddiqa (RWT)

“The Holy Prophet (SWT) used to offer four rakats of chast prayer.”.

Ishraq prayer

The sun rose! After that, when there are one or two niazs, the Nafl prayer that is offered at that time is called the Ishraq prayer. Ishraq prayer is not obligatory, but it is strongly recommended.

It has spiritual advantages for those who choose to offer it. When we offer the Ishraq prayer, it purifies the heart, boosts productivity, and brings prosperity. It is considered a method to be grateful to Allah for the new day and say Alhamdulillah’s for the blessings that He showers upon you.

The reward of this prayer is very high, so these nawafils are very important for pious people. Hazrat Muhammad (SWT) has been encouraged to offer this prayer.

Awabeen prayer

The prayer of repentance to Allah is called Salaat al-Awaabeen. The name of the combination of 02 sunnahs and 04 nafal after the Maghrib prayer is Salat al-Awabeen. Therefore, if someone offers 2 sunnah and 4 nafls after Maghrib prayer, then his Salat al-Awabeen will be performed. It is better to offer 2,2 rakats.

Awabeen is also an optional prayer, but it is strongly recommended. Allah sends his many blessings on that person and forgives all their sins. That people will get close to Allah, Talah. It’s a chance to get more benefits and improve your relationship with Allah. It is imperative to acknowledge that required prayers, such as the Awabeen prayer, take precedence over optional prayers.

Salat-al-Tasbeeh prayer

Salat al-Tasbeeh is an optional prayer in Islam that is offered to seek forgiveness, blessings, and mercy from Allah. It is also known as the “Prayer of Forgiveness” or “Tasbeeh Prayer.” While it is not obligatory, it is highly recommended and holds spiritual significance.

The prayer has numerous benefits, including the forgiveness of sins, purification of the heart, and increased spiritual connection with Allah. It is recommended to perform Salat al-Tasbeeh on special occasions or as a regular practice, such as on Fridays, during the last ten nights of Ramadan, or on other significant days.

Tasbeeh should be recited 300 times in this prayer. Tasbeh has reached 75 in each rakat (300 will be done in 4 rakats).

Benefits of Optional prayer

therefore,Are you feeling stressed? Want to connect more deeply with your faith? Optional prayers in Islam, also known as nafl or sunnah prayers, are an effective approach to improving your spiritual well-being. These optional prayers go beyond the five daily prayers you’re probably already connected with.

Consider them added chances to connect with God (Allah), ask forgiveness for daily mistakes, and achieve inner peace. They’re also bendable! You may recite them before or after your normal prayers, in the silence of the night, or whenever you need a break from a hectic day. The key is consistency; therefore, a few brief optional prayers may make a significant impact on your spiritual path.

Conclusion

Sunnah prayer is a prayer that Muslims perform to get close to Allah. It has spiritual advantages for those who choose to offer it. It’s a chance to get more benefits and improve your relationship with Allah.

These optional prayers have numerous benefits, including the forgiveness of sins, purification of the heart, and increased spiritual connection with Allah.

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