Question
Method and Timings of Nafl Prayers
Could you please explain us about the timings and method of praying Tasbeeh, Ishraq, Dhuhah, Eclipse and Rain prayer?
Answer
The timings and method of the prayers you have enquired about are as follows:
Tasbeeh prayer:
The Tasbeeh prayer can be offered at any time except the timings that have been prohibited by the Prophet (pbuh). The following narrative records the method of the prayer and the number of Raka’aat to be offered. Ikramah narrates, “The Messenger of Allah said to Abbaas Ibn Abdul-Muttalib: ‘…pray four rak’aat, reciting in every rak’ah al-Fatihah and a Surah. And when you finish the Qur’anic recitation of the first rak’ah, say, while standing, ‘Subhaanallah wa al-hamdulillaah, wa laa ilaaha illallaah, wa Allaahu Akbar’ [Glory be to God. All gratitude is due to God. There is no god except the one true God. God is the greatest] fifteen times. Then make ruku’, and while you are in ruku’, say the same ten times; then stand straight, and say the same ten times. Then go down in prostration, and while you are in prostration, say the same ten times. Then sit after the prostration, and say the same ten times. Then go fall into prostration again, and say the same ten times. Then sit after the second prostration, and say the same another ten times. That is seventy-five [repetitions] in each rak’ah.” (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Ibn Khuzaimah etc.) The report has not been accepted by more authentic sources like Bukhari and Muslim. This may mean that the traditions regarding the practice were not considered reliable by the more prominent scholars.
We believe that the Duha and Ishraaq are not separate prayers. Both refer to a single prayer, which the Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have offered. The time for Duha starts after the sun has ascended a little in the sky and lasts till the sun reaches its meridian. The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said that one should offer this prayer when we feel the sun hot. (Ahmad, Muslim, and at-Tirmizi)
The method of the prayer is no different then the ordinary supererogatory prayers which can be of two raka’at in the minimum number and the maximum number the Prophet [pbuh] is reported to have offered is twelve raka’aat However, generally there is not limit for the number of Raka’ah to be offered in such supererogatory prayers. (Ahmad, Muslim, and ibn Majah)Â
Eclipse prayer:
The prayers of the lunar and solar eclipse are the same. Two rak’aat are generally offered in this prayer.
Rain prayer:
The rain prayer is offered to seek forgiveness of God and entreat for rain in drought. An imam leads two-raka’ah prayer. This is generally followed by supplication for rain.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Tariq Mahmood Hashmi
April 10, 2004