How many rakat in all prayers?
Islamic prayer, or Salat, is a fundamental pillar of the faith, serving as a direct means of communication between the believer and Allah. Understanding the structure of the five daily prayers and the concept of rakats is essential for every Muslim. In this article, we unravel the mysteries of rakats, exploring their significance in the context of Fardh, Sunnah, and Nafl prayers.
The Five Daily Prayers:
Muslims are obligated to perform five daily prayers, each holding unique spiritual significance:
The obligatory prayers for a Muslim are five, and their total number is 17 rak’ahs:
– Fajr is two rak’ahs.
– Dhuhr is four rak’ahs.
– Asr is four rak’ahs.
– Maghrib is three rak’ahs.
– Isha is four rak’ahs.
Fajr: The pre-dawn prayer, signifying the beginning of the day.
Dhuhr: The midday prayer, observed after the sun has passed its zenith.
Asr: The late afternoon prayer, a moment of reflection and connection.
Maghrib: The sunset prayer, symbolizing gratitude for the day’s blessings.
Isha: The night prayer, offering a time of peace and introspection.
Sunnahs are as follows, (Supererogatory):
1) Two rak’ahs before Fajr prayer.
2) Four rak’ahs before Dhuhr prayer, and 2 rak’ahs after it.
3) Two rak’ahs in the Asr prayer.
4) Two rak’ahs after Maghrib prayer.
5) Two rak’ahs after Isha prayer.
Benefit:
The Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: If anyone prays in a day and a night twelve rak’ahs voluntarily (supererogatory prayer), a house will be built from him in Paradise on account of these (rak’ahs).
Sunnahs “Voluntary” (Nafl) Such as:
1) Two more rak’ahs until the following Dhuhr Sunnah
2) Four rak’ahs before Asr
3) Two light rak’ahs before Maghrib
4) Duha prayer – and some jurists consider it a confirmed Sunnah – which is four rak’ahs according to the correct view, up to eight, the minimum of which is two rak’ahs, and its time is from after sunrise the length of a spear, that is, about a third, or half an hour, until just before noon.
5) Two rak’ahs before Isha after the call to prayer
These are the confirmed and unconfirmed daily Sunnahs. It is preferable to pray the confirmed Sunnahs and it is desirable to pray all the Sunnahs
Fardh (Obligatory): Fardh rakats are the core units of each prayer that are obligatory and must be performed without exception. They form the foundation of a Muslim’s daily worship routine.
Sunnah (Supererogatory): rakats are additional units associated with specific prayers, While not mandatory, they are highly recommended for greater spiritual reward. Sunnah rakats are voluntary units performed before or after the obligatory prayers. They hold immense spiritual merit and are recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Nafl (Voluntary): Nafl rakats are supererogatory prayers that are not obligatory but carry significant spiritual benefits. These can be performed at any time and in any quantity, allowing flexibility in one’s worship.
Conclusion:
Understanding the rakats in the five daily prayers is crucial for Muslims seeking a deeper connection with Allah. Fardh, Wajib, Sunnah, and Nafl rakats collectively contribute to a comprehensive and spiritually enriching prayer routine, fostering personal growth and strengthening the bond between the believer and the Divine.
