Importance and Virtues of Nafl Prayers
Five daily prayers have been made obligatory upon every Muslim. Alongside these obligatory prayers, Islamic law has prescribed certain additional prayers known as Nafl (voluntary) prayers. Among them are Tahajjud, Ishraq, Awwabin, Tahiyyatul Masjid, Tahiyyatul Wudu, Salat at-Tasbih, and Salat al-Hajat. Nafl prayers serve as an important means of attaining closeness to Allah and are a source of salvation in the Hereafter.
It is mentioned in hadith that on the Day of Judgment, the first matter to be accounted for will be a person’s prayer. If it is found to be sound, the person will be successful; if it is deficient, they will fail. If there is any نقص (deficiency) in the obligatory prayers, Allah will command the angels to see whether the servant has any voluntary prayers so that the shortcomings in the obligatory prayers may be compensated through them. The same principle will then apply to other deeds as well. Jami’ at-Tirmidhi — Hadith: 413 Sunan an-Nasa’i — Hadith: 466
This clearly indicates that Nafl prayers are not merely optional acts of worship; rather, they play a significant role in compensating for deficiencies in obligatory acts.
Among Nafl prayers, Tahajjud holds a special status. Allah says: “And during a part of the night, offer Tahajjud as an additional prayer for you; it is expected that your Lord will raise you to a مقام محمود (Praised Station).” — Surah Bani Isra’il — 17:79
This verse highlights that Tahajjud is a means of attaining special closeness to Allah. Although it is not obligatory for the Ummah, it holds great importance for those who seek nearness to Allah. A hadith states: “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 1163
This indicates the high rank of Tahajjud among voluntary acts of worship.
Ishraq prayer is also an important voluntary act. It is narrated that every joint of the human body requires charity each day. Saying SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, enjoining good, and forbidding evil are all forms of charity. However, two rak‘ahs of prayer in the morning (Ishraq) suffice in place of all these. Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 720
In another narration, it is mentioned that whoever performs the Fajr prayer in congregation and then remains engaged in the remembrance of Allah until sunrise, and thereafter offers two rak‘ahs of prayer, will receive the reward equivalent to a complete Hajj and Umrah. Jami’ at-Tirmidhi — Hadith: 586
These narrations clearly demonstrate the virtues and significance of Ishraq prayer.
The importance of Nafl prayers can also be understood from the fact that people often neglect them, considering them insignificant. However, these voluntary acts complete a believer’s deeds and bring blessings into their life. Utilizing small portions of time in worship positively impacts one’s overall life.
Therefore, along with maintaining the obligatory prayers with care, it is essential to give importance to Nafl prayers as well. Being consistent in voluntary worship helps a believer move closer to Allah and brings completeness to their acts of devotion.