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How Many Rakats In Fajr?

As the day’s first prayer, Fajr holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. It marks the beginning of a new day and serves as a powerful connection between us and Allah SWT.

This article will explore how many Rakats are performed during Fajr prayer, how you should perform them, and most importantly… How waking up for Fajr prayer can help you get quality sleep! Sounds strange, right? But that’s a fact.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Fajr Prayer: An Overview

The Fajr prayer holds immense importance in the Islamic traditions. Among the five daily prayers or Salat that you are obliged to perform, Fajr marks the beginning of each day in the Islamic calendar, even before the sun rises.

Regardless of where you are, the time for Fajr begins at dawn and concludes just before the sun ascends the horizon.

This prayer comprises four Rakats or units: two Sunnat Moakaddah and two Fard. The term ‘Sunnat Mokadda’ indicates actions that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced consistently and earnestly recommended to his followers.

These two Rakats are highly commendable, even though they are not obligatory.

In contrast, the ‘Fard’ obligations are mandated by Islamic law and hold the status of being mandatory. Neglecting them without a valid reason is viewed as a transgression.

Making Fajr a regular part of your routine brings spiritual and tangible rewards. Engaging in this devotion during the early hours shows blessings that envelop your entire day as a protective shield against potential sins that might lead to consequences in the hereafter.

The Number Of Rakats In Fajr Prayer

Now, let’s explore the number of Rakats performed during the Fajr prayer in more detail.

Sunnah Rakats

Islam recommends Sunnah Rakats before Fajr Salat. Two voluntary Rakats should precede the obligatory Fajr prayer. Prophet Muhammad PBUH performed these Sunnah Rakats regularly and encouraged his followers to do so.

They help us purify our hearts, seek Allah SWT’s blessings, and strengthen our relationship with Him. These extra rakats can bring us many rewards and strengthen our faith InshAllah.

Fard Rakats

Fard Rakats are an essential component of the Fajr prayer. The two mandatory Rakats come after the Sunnah ones. They must be performed before sunrise. Otherwise, they will be invalid.

Performing these obligatory prayers offers entry into Jannah (paradise) InshAllah, brings many blessings throughout the day, and protects one from the fires of hell.

Both hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) and the Quran emphasize the significance of performing the Fajr prayer, including the Fard Rakats. As a result, every Muslim believer must fulfil this obligation.

Recite These Two Surahs in the Two Rakats

Abu Hurayrah R.A narrated that:

أَنَّ اَلنَّبِيَّ ‏- صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏-قَرَأَ فِي رَكْعَتَيْ اَلْفَجْرِ : ( قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا اَلْكَافِرُونَ )‏ و : ( قُلْ هُوَ اَللَّهُ أَحَدٌ )‏ } رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ .‏ 1‏

The Prophet (PBUH) recited Surat al-Kafirun and Surat al-Ikhlas in the two Rak’at of the Fajr (prayer). [Reported by Muslim]. Bulugh al-Maram

The Importance of Fajr Prayer in Islam

Fajr prayer holds great significance among the five daily prayers in Islam, making it the key to heaven and a pathway to Jannah. This is because it empowers you to initiate your day by connecting with Allah SWT, expressing gratitude, and seeking His guidance before embarking on other tasks.

Comprising four Rakats, this prayer not only bestows blessings upon your day but also protects against sins and the fires of hell.

Consequently, your dedication lies not only in performing the Fajr prayer on time but also in offering it with unwavering devotion and heartfelt submission.

Regular practice of Fajr leads to a balanced life marked by serenity and success, not only in a spiritual sense but also in health and prosperity.

The discipline it nurtures encourages mindfulness, which extends its positive influence across all facets of your life, whether personal, professional, social, or emotional.

Thus, through daily commitment to Fajr, you find purposeful direction in upholding your Deen while fostering an environment that nurtures holistic well-being in your journey.

How To Perform Fajr Rakat: A Step-by-Step Guide

The following steps are required to perform the two Sunnah and two Fard Rakats:

• Start with niyyah (intention) that you are praying either Sunnah or Fard prayer.
• Start by standing upright, facing the qibla (direction of the Kaaba).
• Raise your hands up to your ears or shoulders and say “Allahu Akbar” to start the prayer.
• Place your right hand over your left hand on your chest.
• Recite the first chapter of the Quran, which is called Surah Al-Fatiha.
• After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite any other portion or chapter from the Quran.
• Bow down into the Ruku position, keeping your back straight and hands resting on your knees.
• Say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times while in Ruku position.
• Stand straight after Ruku and say, “Sami Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hand” (Allah listens to those who praise Him, our Lord, all praise is for You).
• Go into Sujood (prostration) position by placing your forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes on the ground. (Sahih Muslim 490e)
• In the Sujood position, say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.
• Then rise from this position and sit briefly, then perform another sujood. After completing the second Sujood, stand up and repeat all the previous steps.
• When you stand up for the second rakah, Repeat steps 4 – 11 for the second rakah.
• After completing both Rakats, sit in a sitting posture and recite Tashahhud. After that, repeat Durood-e-Ibrahimi and make Dua.”
• Finally, end the prayer with Tasleem by turning your head to each side, starting from the right, and saying, “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah) to conclude the prayer. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 295)
• Remember, whenever you enter the bowing position, you must say the takbir “Allahu Akbar.” Still, when you rise from it, you don’t say takbir; instead, you say “Sami Allahuliman Hamidah” and “Rabban Walakal Hamd.” Then, for going into Sujood, you say takbir.
• A general rule you should remember is that whenever you change your position, you have to say “Takbir” except for rising from bowing.

We have written a complete, detailed guide on the Fajr prayer, so if you want to learn more about it, then you may click How to Perform Fajr Prayer.

Additional Practices And Spiritual Reflection

Following the Fajr prayer, engaging in personal supplications (Du’a) and seeking Allah SWT’s forgiveness is recommended.

Take a moment to thank Allah SWT for the blessings and guidance you have received because of this prayer.

Benefits of Performing Fajr Prayer Regularly

Regulates your circadian rhythm

Circadian rhythm is a biological clock built into our brains that tells us when to wake up and sleep. The advantage of having an optimized circadian rhythm is that it allows you to fall asleep quickly and improves your sleep quality.

Do you know what optimizes this Circadian clock? The Sunlight does!

As you know, we Muslims must wake up in the morning to pray for Fajr. This makes it easier for us to get Sunlight, so our circadian rhythm gets optimized. Making it easier for us to have quality sleep!

You can be more productive

The morning time is considered the most productive and healthy part of the day. This is because, at this time, no one is there to distract you. Moreover, you are fully energetic at this time. If you are a Muslim, you can efficiently utilize this time to get ahead because you must wake up for Fajr before sunrise!

Allah SWT protects you

‏ “‏ مَنْ صَلَّى الصُّبْحَ فَهُوَ فِي ذِمَّةِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ‏“‏ 

“Whoever offers the morning prayer, he is under the protection of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime.” Sunan Ibn Majah 3946

Allah SWT is the best of all protectors, and according to Prophet Muhammad PBUH, when someone prays two Rakats of Fajr, he is under Allah SWT’s Protection!

So, don’t you think missing out on this opportunity is a great loss?

You can enter into Jannah

 “‏ مَنْ صَلَّى الْبَرْدَيْنِ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ “

‘Whoever prays the two cool prayers (`Asr and Fajr) will go to Paradise.’ “ Sahih al-Bukhari 574

Although praying five times a day will get you to heaven, the fact that Prophet Muhammad PBUH specifically mentioned these two salat suggests something special about them. This hadith can be used to demonstrate the significance of these two prayers to Muslims.

Furthermore, the Sunnah prayers of Fajr were mentioned by Prophet Muhammad PBUH as superior to this world and everything it contains.

‏ “‏ركعتا الفجر خير من الدنيا وما فيها‏”‏

“The two Rak’ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world, and all it contains.”

Riyad as-Salihin 1102

Comparing Fajr Prayer Rakats with other prayers

Fajr prayer has a unique number of rakats compared to other prayers, making it essential for every practicing Muslim to understand and perform correctly. Below is a brief comparison with other prayers.  

Dhuhr Prayer

Muslims perform the Dhuhr, or the Noon Prayer after the sun has passed its zenith and begins to decline. This prayer consists of 10 Rakats: four sunnahs, 4 Fard, and two sunnahs.

Asr Prayer

In Islam, the afternoon prayer is known as Asr. It is made up of eight Rakats, among which are Sunnah Non-Mokaddah and Fard. It is believed that offering Asr prayer can gain significant spiritual benefits and blessings from Allah SWT.

Maghrib Prayer

Maghrib prayer, also known as the Evening Prayer, is integral to Islam’s daily devotions. It is made up of seven Rakats: 3 Fard (obligatory), 2 Sunnat Moakkadah (highly recommended), and 2 Nafl (optional).

The number of Rakats performed during Maghrib prayer differs from the number of Rakats performed during other daily prayers. Offering the Maghrib prayer on time is critical, as failing is considered a punishable offense.

Isha Rakats

The night prayer, Isha Salat, is made up of four mandatory Rakats. Offering two Rakats of sunnah after performing 4 Fard Rakats of Isha Salat is recommended. After that, you pray three Rakats of Witr.

Isha is the last prayer of the day. By offering this prayer regularly, you can seek Allah SWT’s blessings and forgiveness.

Conclusion

The Fajr prayer holds immense significance as it forges a pivotal connection between you and Allah SWT.

Comprising four Rakats – two Sunnah Mu’akkadah and two Fard – it serves as the foundation of your day, enveloping it with spiritual devotion and gratitude.

Through its practice, you invite blessings, protection, and a path toward paradise InshAllah. Embracing the Sunnah and Fard Rakats, you converse profoundly with Allah SWT, fostering a life of discipline and purpose.

As the first light of dawn emerges, the Fajr prayer brightens the skies and illuminates your heart, guiding you towards spiritual growth and overall well-being.

FAQs

Are there any additional prayers or Sunnah Rakats recommended before or after Fajr?

Yes, it is highly recommended to perform two Rakats of Sunnah prayer before the obligatory two Rakats of Fajr prayer.

What is the significance of performing the Sunnah Rakats before Fajr?

Performing the Sunnah Rakats before Fajr prayer is a way to earn extra rewards and draw closer to Allah SWT. It is a practice that was regularly observed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Can I still pray Fard (obligatory) if I miss the Sunnah prayers before Fajr?

Yes, if you miss the Sunnah prayers before Fajr, you can still perform the obligatory two Rakats of Fard prayer for Fajr. However, it is encouraged to try and make up for missed Sunnah prayers at a later time if possible.