Awwabin Namaz is a voluntary and highly recommended prayer in Islam, especially emphasized in Hanafi fiqh. The term Awwabin refers to those believers who repeatedly turn back to Allah in repentance, obedience, and remembrance. This prayer reflects a servant’s desire to remain connected to Allah beyond the obligatory acts of worship.
According to the Hanafi school of thought, awwabin namaz is performed after Maghrib namaz, following the two Sunnat rakat, and before the time of Isha begins. It holds great spiritual value and is considered a means of earning immense reward, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah. Although it is not obligatory, consistent observance of Salat Al-Awwabin is a sign of devotion and sincerity in worship.
What Is Awwabin Namaz?
Awwabin Namaz refers to the combined prayer of two Sunnah rak‘ahs and four Nafl rak‘ahs that are offered after the Fard prayer of Maghrib. When a person performs two Sunnah rak‘ahs followed by four Nafl rak‘ahs, the recommended (Mustahab) Salat Al-Awwabin is considered complete.
If, however, a person prays only two Sunnah rak‘ahs along with two Nafl rak‘ahs, this does not fulfill Salat Al-Awwabin, even though the prayer itself remains valid and rewarded as Nafl.
Meaning of “Al-Awwab” in Islam
In Islamic terminology, the word “Al-Awwab” comes from the Arabic root awba, which means to return.
- Linguistic (Lughat) meaning:
Al-Awwab refers to a person who returns again and again, especially after making a mistake. It conveys the sense of frequently coming back, turning, or reverting. - Shar‘i (Islamic) meaning:
In the Islamic context, Al-Awwab describes a believer who repeatedly turns back to Allah through repentance, obedience, remembrance, and worship. It refers to someone who seeks Allah’s forgiveness, corrects his actions, and remains steadfast in devotion.
The prayer named Salat Al-Awwabin is associated with this quality, as it is performed by those who continuously return to Allah and strive to increase their closeness to Him through voluntary.
Difference Between Ishraq, Duha, and Awwabin Namaz (Hanafi Fiqh)
- Ishraq Prayer
Ishraq is offered shortly after sunrise, once the sun has fully risen. It is a Nafl namaz and is connected to beginning the day with worship. - Duha (Chasht) Prayer
Duha is performed after Ishraq until before zawal (midday). It is a Mustahab prayer and carries great virtue, but it is separate from Salat Al-Awwabin in Hanafi fiqh. - Salat Al-Awwabin
Salat Al-Awwabin is offered after Maghrib, following the two Sunnah rak‘ahs and before Isha. It is Mustahab and is associated with those who repeatedly turn to Allah in repentance and devotion.
In summary, Ishraq, Duha, and Awwabin are three different voluntary prayers, each with its own time and identity according to the Hanafi school of thought.
Comparison table Ishraq, Duha, and Awwabin Namaz
| Prayer | Time | Ruling (Hanafi) | Description |
| Ishraq Prayer | Shortly after sunrise, once the sun has fully risen | Nafl | A voluntary prayer offered at the start of the day, symbolizing gratitude and remembrance of Allah. |
| Duha (Chasht) Prayer | After Ishraq until before zawal (midday) | Mustahab | A highly virtuous daytime prayer, distinct from Salat Al-Awwabin in Hanafi fiqh. |
| Salat Al-Awwabin | After Maghrib, following the two Sunnah rak‘ahs and before Isha | Mustahab | A recommended prayer associated with repentance, devotion, and repeatedly turning to Allah. |
Time of Salat Al-Awwabin (Hanafi)
According to Hanafi fiqh, the time for Salat Al-Awwabin is:
- After Maghrib: It is offered after completing the Fard Maghrib prayer and the two Sunnat rakat.
- Before Isha: It should be performed before the time for Isha begins.
The most preferred (Mustahab) time to offer Salat Al-Awwabin is:
- After the Sunnah of Maghrib
- Performing four Nafl rak‘ahs in two sets of two rak‘ahs each
- This timing ensures that the prayer is offered at its optimal recommended period, earning maximum reward and virtue.
Rakats of Awwabin Namaz (Hanafi Fiqh)
According to Hanafi fiqh, the complete Salat Al-Awwabin consists of 2 Sunnah rak‘ahs of Maghrib plus 4 Nafl rak‘ahs.
If someone prays only 2 Sunnah and 2 Nafl rak‘ahs, it is not considered complete Salat Al-Awwabin, although the Nafl prayers themselves are still rewarded.
Rakats of Awwabin Namaz table
| Component | Rak‘ahs | Status | Notes |
| Sunnah Maghrib | 2 | Mustahab | Part of the complete Salat Al-Awwabin |
| Nafl Awwabin | 4 | Mustahab | Combined with Sunnah Maghrib to complete the total of 6 rak‘ahs |
| Total | 6 | Mustahab | Full reward is obtained when all 6 rak‘ahs are performed together |
Virtues of Awwabin Namaz
Salat Al-Awwabin is a highly rewarding voluntary prayer in Islam. Its virtues include:
- Forgiveness of sins: Performing this prayer regularly helps a believer seek Allah’s pardon.
- Closeness to Allah: It strengthens a servant’s connection with Allah through devotion and repentance.
- Spiritual merit: It brings great reward, especially when offered consistently after Maghrib.
Hadith on Awwabin Namaz
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever prays six rak‘ahs after Maghrib and refrains from speaking evil during them will earn the reward of **twelve years of worship.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Scholars’ explanation (Ulama ki Tashreeh):
Hanafi scholars interpret this hadith to mean that performing 2 Sunnah Maghrib rak‘ahs followed by 4 Nafl rak‘ahs constitutes complete Salat Al-Awwabin, highlighting the immense spiritual reward and recommended nature of this prayer.
Conclusion
Salat Al-Awwabin is a highly recommended (Mustahab) voluntary prayer in Hanafi fiqh, performed after Maghrib. It consists of 2 Sunnah rak‘ahs of Maghrib followed by 4 Nafl rak‘ahs, totaling 6 rak‘ahs. Observing this prayer regularly brings forgiveness of sins, closeness to Allah, and immense spiritual reward. It reflects a believer’s devotion and commitment to turn repeatedly to Allah in repentance and worship.
Call to Action
Make it a habit to perform Salat Al-Awwabin after Maghrib daily, following the proper Hanafi method. Encourage family members and friends to learn and observe this blessed prayer to earn maximum reward and spiritual benefit. Start today and strengthen your connection with Allah through consistent voluntary worship.
Faqs – Awwabin Namaz
1. How to pray Awwabin prayer?
Pray 2 Sunnah rak‘ahs of Maghrib first, then 4 Nafl rak‘ahs. Each rak‘ah is performed like a normal prayer with Surah Al-Fatiha, another surah, ruku, sajdah, and tashahhud.
2. What are the benefits of Awwabin Namaz?
It forgives sins, brings closeness to Allah, and grants immense reward.
3. How many rakats of Awwabin Salat?
6 rak‘ahs total — 2 Sunnah Maghrib + 4 Nafl Awwabin.
4. What is the meaning of Awwabin prayer?
“Awwabin” means those who constantly turn back to Allah in repentance and obedience.
5. Is Awwabin Namaz Nafl or Sunnah?
It is Mustahab Nafl (voluntary but highly recommended).
6. When to pray Awwabin Namaz?
After Maghrib, following the Sunnah rak‘ahs, and before Isha.
7. Is Salat Awwabin a compulsory prayer?
No, it is not compulsory, but highly rewarded if performed regularly.
8. How do you get 100% dua accepted?
Make dua with sincerity, humility, and consistency, avoid sin, and pray in the best times like after obligatory prayers or during the last third of the night.
9. What happens if I say Astaghfirullah 1000 times?
It is highly rewarding, increases forgiveness, purifies the heart, and brings blessings from Allah.
10. Is it okay to pray Awwabin late?
It should ideally be prayed after Maghrib before Isha, but if missed, the nafl is still rewarded if offered later.
11. Why don’t Shias pray Taraweeh?
Shias follow different jurisprudence; they pray Nafl prayers differently and combine or skip Taraweeh as per their fiqh.
12. Is 2 Nafl enough for Tahajjud?
Yes, Tahajjud can be 2 rak‘ahs minimum, but more rak‘ahs bring greater reward.
13. What are the 3 forbidden times to pray?
- Sunrise
- Zenith (when the sun is highest)
- Sunset
14. Are Awwabin and Duha the same?
No, Duha is a daytime prayer (morning), Awwabin is after Maghrib.
15. Can Awwabin prayer be prayed silently?
Yes, like most voluntary prayers, it can be silent or aloud depending on whether praying alone or in congregation.
16. Does Awwabin prayer erase sins?
Yes, performing it regularly helps in forgiveness and removing minor sins.
17. Which prayer is only 3 rak‘at?
Maghrib Fard prayer is 3 rak‘ahs, the only obligatory prayer with 3 rak‘ahs.