Offering Nawafil (Supererogatory) Prayers After Fajr and `Asr Prayers
Question
Offering Nawafil (Supererogatory) Prayers After Fajr and `Asr Prayers Could you please tell me if it is allowed for one to pray nawafil and sunnah prayers after Fajr and Asr . I know that it is allowed after Zuhr , Maghrib , and Ishaa but I cannot find any literature on the supererogatory prayers done after Fajr and Asr . Thank you kindly. Jazakallah Khair Nadia Janjua, USA Reply It seems that the worshippers of the sun used to prostrate before the sun at three times during a day. At the time of its rising; at mid-day, when it was in its full glory; and at the time of its setting. It was probably because of this reason that the Prophet (pbuh) showed his disapproval of offering prayers at these times. Generally, if the Fajr and the `asr prayers are offered a little late, there is not much time left for sunrise or sunset. It is probably because of this reason that offering supererogatory prayers is not recommended after these prayers. This is probably what is implied in the narratives according to which the Prophet (pbuh) has not recommended supererogatory prayers after Fajr and `asr prayers. However, if there is adequate time before sunrise and sunset after these prayers, there seems to be no harm in offering nawafil , after these prayers. As has been reported on the authority of `Ayesha (ra) that "the Prophet never missed offering two rak`ats after `asr prayers". I hope this helps. In case any question remains unanswered or if any further detail is required on any specific aspect, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking. My fondest regards to you and those around you. The Learner
Answer
Offering Nawafil (Supererogatory) Prayers After Fajr and `Asr Prayers Could you please tell me if it is allowed for one to pray nawafil and sunnah prayers after Fajr and Asr . I know that it is allowed after Zuhr , Maghrib , and Ishaa but I cannot find any literature on the supererogatory prayers done after Fajr and Asr . Thank you kindly. Jazakallah Khair Nadia Janjua, USA Reply It seems that the worshippers of the sun used to prostrate before the sun at three times during a day. At the time of its rising; at mid-day, when it was in its full glory; and at the time of its setting. It was probably because of this reason that the Prophet (pbuh) showed his disapproval of offering prayers at these times. Generally, if the Fajr and the `asr prayers are offered a little late, there is not much time left for sunrise or sunset. It is probably because of this reason that offering supererogatory prayers is not recommended after these prayers. This is probably what is implied in the narratives according to which the Prophet (pbuh) has not recommended supererogatory prayers after Fajr and `asr prayers. However, if there is adequate time before sunrise and sunset after these prayers, there seems to be no harm in offering nawafil , after these prayers. As has been reported on the authority of `Ayesha (ra) that "the Prophet never missed offering two rak`ats after `asr prayers". I hope this helps. In case any question remains unanswered or if any further detail is required on any specific aspect, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking. My fondest regards to you and those around you. The Learner
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