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Kindly explain the importance of Sunnat-e-Muakkadah. How many Rakaats ofSunnat-e-Muakkadah are there?

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Furthermore, what should I do if I did not perform my Fajr Sunnats and upon reaching the Masjid, the congregational Salaat commenced?

Answer

Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Salaat is an emphasised Sunnat which Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) performed punctually without leaving it out.
The Fuqahaa have stated that a person will be sinful for not performing his
Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Salaats (Shaami vol.1 pg.498; Kuwait).

Hadhrat Umm Habiba (Radhiyallaahu Anha) narrates that Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Whosoever performs twelve Rakaats of
Salaat during the day and night, an abode in Jannah will be prepared for
him; four Rakaats before Dhuhr, two Rakaats after Dhuhr, two Rakaats after
Maghrib, two Rakaats after Esha and two Rakaats before Fajr Salaat (Mishkat
vol.1 pg.103; Kuwait).

Besides the above Hadith explaining the general virtue of performing the
twelve Rakaats of Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Salaat, there are other Ahaadith
explaining the virtues of some specific Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Salaats.

Hadhrat Abu Ayyoub Ansari (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Four Rakaats before Dhuhr with only one
Salaam (i.e. with Salaam only after the fourth rakaat, not after two Rakaats
also) is a means of opening the doors (of mercy) of the sky (Mishkat pg.104;
Kuwait).

Hadhrat Umme Habiba (Radhiyallaahu Anha) narrates that Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Whosoever is punctual in performing the
four Rakaats Salaat before Dhuhr, Allah will make the fire of Hell Haraam
upon him.’ (Ibid)

Hadhrat Huzayfah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Hasten with performing two Rakaats after Maghrib for
they are lifted up with the Fardh Salaat.’ (Mishkat pg.105; Kuwait)

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Whosoever leaves out the
four Rakaat Sunnats before Dhuhr, will not get my intercession on the day of
Qiyaamat.’ (Shaami vol.1 pg.494; Kuwait)

It should be noted that on Friday, after the Jummu’ah Salaat for males, it
is also Sunnat-e-Muakkadah to perform 4 Rakaats with one Salaam. (Shaami
vol.1 pg.497; Kuwait)

Apart from the Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Salaats, occasionally Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) performed voluntary Nafil Salaats before Asr
and Esha, and mentioned great virtues for those Salaats as well.

Hadhrat Abu Hurayra (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Whosoever among you performs Salaat
after Jummu’ah should perform four Rakaats.’ (Mishkat pg.104; Kuwait)

Ibn Umar (Radhiyallaahu Anhuma) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam) said, ‘May Allah have mercy upon that person who performs four
Rakaats before Asr Salaat.’ (Ibid)

The most emphasised Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Salaats is the two Rakaats before the
Fardh of Fajr Salaat.

Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiyallaahu Anha) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) used to be extremely steadfast on the two Sunnat Rakaats of
Fajr Salaat. (Mishkat pg.104; Kuwait)

Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiyallaahu Anha) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘The two Rakaats of Fajr Salaat are better than the
entire world and its contents.’ (Ibid)

It is mentioned in Sharhul Inaaya that if one reaches the Masjid and the
congregational Fajr Salaat has already commenced and the person has not yet
performed the two Sunnats of Fajr, then if he expects that he can perform
the Sunnats of Fajr and join the Imaam (at least) in the last Qaaida
(sitting), he should perform the two Rakaats of Sunnat (and then join the
Imaam).’ (Fathul Qadeer vol.1 pg.414; Maktaba Rashidiyya). However, the
Sunnats should not be performed in the Masjid proper.

It is reported in Bayhaqi from Hadhrat Abu Hurayra (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) that
the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘When the Fardh Salaat
begins then no other prayer should be performed besides the Fardh Salaat,
except the two Sunnats of Fajr (they can be performed when the Fardh Salaat
is being performed).’ (Bazlul Majhood vol.2 pg.261)

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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