Q: From your Namaaz chart (http://muftionline.co.za/node/11013) I have seen that there are total 15 rakaats in Esha salah. But I have heard that there are total 17 rakaats in Esha salah i.e. 4 sunnah, 4 fard, 2 sunnah muakadah, 2 nafl, 3 witr and 2 nafl. Please clarify.
A: This amount is established in the Ahaadith. As far as performing Salaah before esha is concerned, it is permissible for one to perform two rakaats nafil Salaah or more (e.g. four rakaats nafil Salaah) as it is reported in the Hadith that between the Azaan and Iqaamah, Salaah may be performed.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)