Sunnat Namaz Complete Step-by-Step Guide with Rakats, Method

According to DawateIslami, the daily Sunnat and Nafl prayers include 2 Rakats Sunnah Muakkadah before Fajr, 4 Rakats Sunnah before Dhuhr, and 2 Rakats Sunnah Muakkadah after Dhuhr.

Before Asr, 4 Rakats Sunnah Ghair-Muakkadah are offered, while after Maghrib, 2 Rakats Sunnah Muakkadah are performed; for Isha, 4 Rakats Sunnah Ghair-Muakkadah are offered before Fard, followed by 2 Rakats Sunnah Muakkadah and 2 Rakats Nafl.

These prayers are emphasized in Hanafi fiqh as part of following the practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, especially Sunnat-e-Muakkadah, with detailed guidance available through DawateIslami’s Dar-ul-Ifta, Madani Channel, and Namaz ke Ahkam.

What is Sunnat Namaz

Sunnat Namaz is the blessed prayer that our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ regularly performed and encouraged his Ummah to observe. Although Sunnah prayers are not obligatory like Fard, they hold an important place in the daily worship of a Muslim and are generally offered before or after the Fard prayers.

The Holy Quran highlights the value of additional worship in Surah Al-Isra (17:79), while a Hadith in Sahih Muslim (728) mentions the virtue of offering twelve Rakats of Sunnah prayers regularly. It is narrated that Allah Almighty prepares a house in Paradise for the person who observes these twelve Rakats each day.

Difference Between Farz and Sunnat Namaz

It is important for every Muslim, especially beginners, to understand the difference between Fard and Sunnat Namaz. Fard Namaz is an obligatory command from Allah Almighty, and deliberately missing an obligatory prayer is a serious matter. Sunnah Namaz, on the other hand, refers to the prayers regularly performed and encouraged by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ; although they are not obligatory, observing them brings great reward.

Fard Namaz is the essential duty that every accountable Muslim must observe, while Sunnah prayers provide an additional means of worship and following the way of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Sunnah prayers also help complete and beautify a Muslim’s daily worship and, according to Islamic teachings, may make up for shortcomings in obligatory prayers.

Types of Sunnat Namaz (Sunnah Rawatib)

Sunnat Namaz Rawatib are the Sunnah prayers connected with the five obligatory daily namaz, which Rasulullah ﷺ regularly performed and encouraged his Ummah to observe. These Sunnah prayers are offered before or after the Fard prayers, including 2 Rakats before Fajr, 4 before and 2 after Zuhr, 4 Ghair-Muakkadah before Asr, 2 after Maghrib, and 2 after Isha.

Sunnah Rawatib also includes the Sunnah prayers associated with Jumu’ah, such as 4 Rakats before Fard and 2 Rakats after Fard. These prayers are an important part of daily worship, helping a Muslim follow the Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ, strengthen devotion, and increase closeness to Allah Almighty.

Sunnat Namaz Rakats Table Chart

Prayer Time	Sunnah Before Fard	Fard	Sunnah After Fard
Fajr namaz rakat	2 Rak‘ahs (Sunnah Mu’akkadah)	2	—
Zuhr namaz rakat	4 Rak‘ahs (Sunnah Mu’akkadah)	4	2 Rak‘ahs
Asr namaz rakat	4 Rak‘ahs (Ghair Mu’akkadah)	4	—
Maghrib namaz rakat	—	3	2 Rak‘ahs
Isha namaz rakat	—	4	2 Rak‘ahs
Jumu’ah namaz rakat	4 Rak‘ahs (Sunnah Mu’akkadah)	2	4 + 2 Rak‘ahs (Sunnah Mu’akkadah)

• Fajr Sunnat-e-muakkadah: 2 Rakats before Farz
• zuhar Sunnat-e-muakkadah: 4 before + 2 after Farz
• Asr Sunnat: 4 before Farz (Ghair Muakkadah)
• Maghrib Sunnat-e-muakkadah: 2 after Farz
• Isha Sunnat-e-muakkadah: 4 sunnat (ghair muaqadah) before Farz and after 2 sunnat

• Jumuah sunnat-e-muakkdah: 4 sunnat before farz + 4+2 sunnat after farz

Sunnat Namaz Muakkadah vs Ghair Muakkadah

Sunnah Muakkadah are those Sunnah prayers that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed regularly and rarely left without a valid reason. Offering these Namaz carries great reward and importance. Examples include the 2 Rakats before Fajr, the Sunnah prayers of Zuhr, and the Sunnah prayers after Maghrib and Isha.

Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah are prayers that Rasulullah ﷺ sometimes performed and sometimes did not. A person is rewarded for offering them, while leaving them does not carry the same ruling as leaving Sunnah Muakkadah. For example, the 4 Rakats before Asr are generally considered Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah. The purpose of both is to complete the obligatory Namaz and increase closeness to Allah, while Sunnah Muakkadah has a stronger emphasis.

Best Time to Pray Sunnat Namaz

It is important to perform Sunnah prayers at their prescribed times. Sunnah prayers that are offered before the Fard prayer should be performed before Fard, while those prescribed after Fard should be offered afterward. If a person misses a Sunnah prayer before Fard, its ruling can vary depending on the prayer and type of Sunnah, so the relevant fiqh guidance should be followed, especially for Sunnah Muakkadah.

The Sunnah prayers performed before the obligatory Fard prayer are called Sunnah Qabliyyah, while those performed after the Fard prayer are known as Sunnah Ba’diyyah. These prayers are an important part of following the practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and maintaining a regular Sunnah-based prayer routine.

Where to Pray Sunnat Namaz (Home or Mosque)

It is generally considered preferable to perform Sunnah prayers at home when possible. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often perform the obligatory prayers in the mosque and then offer some Sunnah prayers at home. This practice can bring blessings to the household and helps a person maintain sincerity in worship.

If praying at home is not possible for a valid reason, performing Sunnah prayers in the mosque is also permissible. The Sunnah prayers connected with Friday and certain other prayers performed in the mosque are also established in Islamic tradition.

Common Mistakes in Sunnat Namaz

While performing Sunnah Namaz, some common mistakes can occur, which may reduce the reward. It is important to avoid them:

• Neglecting intention (Niyyah): Starting the prayer without a clear intention in the heart.
• Rushing through the prayer: Not performing Ruku (bowing) and Sajdah (prostration) properly.
• Skipping Sunnah prayers altogether: Not regularly offering Sunnah Namaz, especially the Fajr Sunnah.
• Ignoring the proper time: Performing Sunnah prayers during disliked (Makruh) times.
• Equating Sunnah with Fard: Considering Sunnah as obligatory like Fard, or criticizing those who do not perform it.
• Lack of concentration and humility (Khushu’): Praying while distracted or inattentive.

If Sunnah Namaz is offered correctly, with calmness, attention, and according to the Sunnah, it beautifies the act of worship and becomes a means of drawing closer to Allah.

Rewards of Sunnat Namaz

Sunnah prayers carry great reward and spiritual benefits, as mentioned in authentic Hadith. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regularly offered these prayers and encouraged his followers to observe them. Offering Sunnat Namaz helps complete shortcomings in obligatory (Fard) prayers, strengthens a person’s connection with Allah, and becomes a source of reward in the Hereafter.

According to a Hadith in Sahih Muslim, a person who regularly performs twelve Rakats of Sunnah prayers in a day is promised a house in Paradise. This highlights the virtue of maintaining the Sunnah prayers regularly and making them a consistent part of daily worship.

Activity: Namaz 

Start your prayers today and earn immense rewards! Strengthen your connection with Allah, complete your Fard prayers, and follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ. Don’t wait—make Sunnah Namaz a part of your daily routine and secure your spiritual blessings in this life and the Hereafter.

Faqs-Sunnat Namaz

How to do Sunnah Namaz?

• Make intention (Niyyah), stand facing Qiblah, recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah, perform Ruku (bowing), Sujood (prostration), and complete the required rak‘ahs calmly following the Sunnah.

How to perform 4 rak‘at Sunnah Namaz?

• Offer 2 rak‘ahs at a time, following the same steps as Fard prayer: Niyyah → Takbir → Surah recitation → Ruku → Sujood → Tashahhud → Salam.

How many Sunnah are in Namaz?

• Each daily prayer has Sunnah before and/or after Fard prayers; total varies. Example: Fajr 2, Zuhr 4 before + 2 after, Asr 4 before, Maghrib 2 after, Isha 2 after, Jumu’ah 4 before + 4+2 after.

How is Sunnah different from Fard Namaz?

• Fard is obligatory and must be performed. Sunnah is voluntary, highly recommended, and brings extra reward.

Can I pray only 4 fards for Isha?

• No, Isha Fard is 4 rak‘ahs. You may offer Sunnah after for extra reward, but Fard must be completed first.

What are the three types of Sunnah?

• Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized), Ghair Mu’akkadah (non-emphasized), and Nafl/Tahajjud (voluntary night prayer).

How to pray Sunni step by step?

• Follow Niyyah → Takbir → Surah recitation → Ruku → Sujood → Tashahhud → Salam, just like in Fard prayer, with proper timing and calmness.

Is Tahajjud prayer 2 nafl or Sunnah?

• It is a voluntary night prayer (Nafl), highly recommended (Sunnah).

Does sperm break Salah?

• Yes, ejaculation nullifies Wudu; you must perform Wudu before praying again.

Is Sunnah Namaz compulsory?

• No, it is not compulsory, but highly recommended for extra reward.

How do you get 100% dua accepted?

• Make sincere dua with humility, proper intention, consistency, and after obligatory prayers, while avoiding sins.

Is it Sunnah to shower with your wife?

• Private intimacy is allowed; no specific Hadith prescribes showering together as Sunnah.

How to pray Sunnah Namaz?

• Follow the same steps as Fard prayer, offer before or after Fard as prescribed, with proper intention and concentration.

Is Zuhr 4 4 2 2?

• Zuhr Fard: 4 rak‘ahs. Sunnah: 4 before, 2 after. (2 nafl)So total 12 rak‘ahs if including Sunnah.

What are the common mistakes during rak‘at?

• Rushing, improper Ruku or Sujood, distracted mind, neglecting intention, skipping Sunnah, wrong timing.

Do I pray Sunnah or Fard first?

• Follow the prescribed order: Sunnah before Fard if Sunnah is before, Fard in the middle, Sunnah after Fard if prescribed.

Is marriage a Fard or Sunnah?

• Marriage is strongly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) for those able to fulfill its rights, but obligatory (Fard) in certain Islamic contexts to avoid sin.

How many Sunnat Namaz are there?

• Varies per day: Fajr 2, Zuhr 6, Asr 4, Maghrib 2, Isha 2, Jumu’ah 10 (including before and after).

How to pray 4 Sunnat Namaz?

• Perform 2 rak‘ahs at a time, following proper Sunnah steps, with calmness and proper recitation.

Is Tahajjud Nafl or Sunnah?

• It is a voluntary night prayer (Nafl), highly recommended (Sunnah).

What happens if I miss Fajr prayer?

• You should perform it as soon as possible (Qadha), and you may offer extra Sunnah prayers to gain reward.