Project "Revive a Sunnah" Week 12

Week 12: December 22nd-29th 2006
(2nd-9th of Dhul Hijjah 1427 AH)

Praying the sunnah of Fajr is of the utmost importance. So much so that, when the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) traveled, he would observe the two rak'ahs of sunnah before Fajr. In these two rak'ahs, the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) is reported to have recited specific surahs; These surahs are "Al-Ikhlas" and "Al-Kafiroon." While it is impossible for us to know how many of us know/practice this sunnah, I thought it would be important for us to revive it, insha Allah -- just in case.

From the Ahadith:

1.
Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I observed the Prophet (PBUH) for one month reciting in the two supererogatory Rak`ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak`ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak`ah].
[At-Tirmidhi]

2.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) recited in the two supererogatory Rak`ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak`ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak`ah].
[Muslim]

Likewise, it is mentioned that the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) would recite the same two surahs in the sunnah of Maghrib prayer.

Ibn Mas'ud says: "I cannot count how many times I heard the Messenger of Allah recite, in the two rak'at after maghrib and in the two rak'at before fajr 'Say: O disbelievers,' and 'Say: He is Allah, the One.'"
[This is related by Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi]
(Fiqh us-Sunnah: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/law/fiqhussunnah/fus2_11.html)

It is important to keep in mind that one may recite any surah or ayah during the sunnahs of Fajr and Maghrib prayers. However, if one recites the surahs mentioned in these ahadith, and makes the intention to follow the sunnah of the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam), then he/she will be rewarded by Allah ('azza wa jall), insha Allah.


You are most welcome to direct any Feedback/Comments/Suggestions/Nominations to albosnawi@gmail.com

May Allah reward you all.
Praise be to Allah and may the blessings be upon the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam).

Wa Salaamu Alaykoum,

Kemal Smajlovic