Solat Sunat - Some Virtues

Sunnat Muakad is an emphasised Sunnat which Rasulullah SAW performed punctually without leaving it out.

Umm Habibah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Whomsoever performs twelve Rakaats of Solat during the day and night, an abode in Jannah will be prepared for him; four Rakaats before Zuhr, two Rakaats after Zuhr, two Rakaats after Maghrib, two Rakaats after Isyak and two Rakaats before Fajr Solat."(Mishkat: Volume 1: Page 103).

Besides the above Hadith explaining the general virtue of performing the twelve rakaats of solat, there are other Ahadith explaining the virtues of some specific Sunnat Muakad Solats.

Abu Ayub Ansari RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Four rakaats before Zuhr with only one Salaam (i.e. with Salaam only after the fourth rakaat, not after two Rakaats also) is a means of opening the doors (of mercy) of the sky (Mishkat: Page 104).

* Please note: The Shafi'i school defines the Sunnat Muakad Solat before Zuhr is two rakaats only.

Umm Habibah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Whomsoever is punctual in performing the Four Rakaats Solat before Zuhr, Allah will make the fire of Hell Haraam upon him." (Ibid)

Huzaifah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Hasten with performing two Rakaats after Maghrib for they are lifted up with the Fardh Salaat." (Mishkat: Page 105)

Apart from the Sunnat Muakad Solat, occasionally Rasulullah SAW performed voluntary Nafl Salaats before Asr and Isyak, and mentioned great virtues for those Solats as well.

Ibn Umar RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"May Allah have mercy upon that person who performs four Rakaats before Asr Salaat."(Ibid)

Aishah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW used to be extremely steadfast on the two Sunnat Rakaats of Fajr Salaat. (Mishkat: Page 104)

Aishah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"The two Rakaats of Fajr Solat are better than the entire world and its contents." (Ibid)