Welcome to this comprehensive guide on learning how to say Sunnah prayers. Sunnah prayers, also known as voluntary prayers, hold great significance in the Islamic faith as they are prayers performed in addition to the obligatory ones. These additional prayers offer a chance to seek further closeness to Allah and enhance your spiritual connection. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying Sunnah prayers, providing tips, examples, and addressing any regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying Sunnah Prayers
The formal way of saying Sunnah prayers follows a structured pattern with specific actions and recitations. Follow these steps to perform the Sunnah prayers formally:
1. Intention (Niyyah)
Begin by making a sincere intention in your heart for the specific Sunnah prayer you wish to offer. This intention should be for the sake of Allah alone, seeking His blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
2. Takbeer
Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) to start the prayer.
3. Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran, after the Takbeer. This is followed by reciting additional verses or chapters from the Quran according to your personal choice and familiarity.
4. Ruku’ (Bowing)
Bend from the waist, placing your hands on your knees, and say “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah) three times or more while in the bowed position.
5. Standing back up from Ruku’
Raise your upper body from the bowing position while saying, “Sami’Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa laka al-hamd” (Allah listens to the one who praises Him, our Lord, all praise is yours).
6. Sujud (Prostration)
Place your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes firmly on the ground in full submission to Allah. Say “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah) three times or more while in prostration.
7. Sitting between Sujud
Sit upright on your left foot, placing your hands on your thighs or knees. Say “Rabbighfirli” (O Allah, forgive me) in a whispering tone.
8. Repeat Sujud and Sitting
Perform another prostration followed by sitting, as mentioned in steps 6 and 7 above. This completes one unit (rak’ah) of the Sunnah prayer.
9. Tashahhud
After completing the desired number of units for the Sunnah prayer, end with the Tashahhud by sitting on your left foot and reciting the Shahada (testimony of faith) and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
10. Tasleem
Finish the prayer by turning your head to the right and saying, “Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah). Then repeat the same to the left, completing the prayer with a sense of peace and tranquility.
Informal Way of Saying Sunnah Prayers
The informal way of saying Sunnah prayers allows for flexibility and personal preference within the guidelines of the formal way. Here are some tips to practice the informal way:
- 1. Make it a Habit: Establish a routine by setting aside specific times for Sunnah prayers regularly.
- 2. Choose Your Favorite Surahs: Recite verses or chapters from the Quran that hold personal significance or are easy for you to memorize.
- 3. Extend Your Prostrations: Spend extra time in prostration, seeking closeness to Allah and expressing gratitude.
- 4. Supplicate in Sujud: While prostrating, pour out your heart to Allah, seeking forgiveness, guidance, or blessings.
- 5. Vary the Number of Units: Offer a different number of units for Sunnah prayers based on your circumstances and time available.
- 6. Focus on Reflection: During the informal Sunnah prayers, take a moment to reflect on your relationship with Allah and seek self-improvement.
Tip: Remember, the beauty of Sunnah prayers lies in the voluntary nature, so embrace the opportunity to connect with Allah on a personal level.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of saying Sunnah prayers adds depth and nourishment to your spiritual journey. Whether you choose to follow the formal way with structured steps or opt for an informal approach, remember that sincerity and mindfulness are the key elements. Make your intention pure, recite the Quran with devotion, and engage in prostration as a symbol of complete submission. Embrace Sunnah prayers as a means to strengthen your relationship with Allah and bring tranquility to your soul.
