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There are four
types of Prayers:
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| 1. Fardh
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Fardh is an Arabic world,
which means compulsory or obligatory. The Five daily
prayer i.e., Fajr, Dhuhr, 'Asr, Magrhib and 'Isha are
obligatory prayers. It is a sin to intentionally skip
a Fardh Prayer. If a prayer is missed because of
forgetfulness or due to some unavoidable
circumstances, then offering the missed Prayer as soon
as possible will rectify this mistake.
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2. Sunnah
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| The Holy Prophet, peace
be upon him, offered extra Raka'at of Prayer in
addition to those of Fardh Prayers. These are called
Sunnah Prayers. It is considered necessary by all
jurists to offer these prayers. The willful neglect of
Sunnah Prayers is censurable in the sight of Allah.
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Following
are the Sunnah Prayers:
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| a. |
Two
Rak'at of Sunnah Prayer should be offered before
the Fardh Prayer of Fajr. However, if a person
joins the congregation without having offered
Sunnah due to circumstances beyond his control,
he can offer these after the Fardh prayer. |
| b. |
Four Rak'at of
Sunnah Prayer before Fardh and two Rak'at after
the Fardh in Dhuhr Prayer. In case one is unable
to perform four Rak'at Sunnah before the Fardh
in Dhuhr Prayer, one should offer these after
the congregational Fardh Prayer. (Note:
Followers of Hanfi school of thought offer two
Sunnat while some other Muslims offer four
Sunnat after Fardh in Dhuhr Prayer.) |
| c. |
Two
Rak'at of Sunnah after the Fardh of Maghrib
Prayer. |
| d. |
Two Rak'at of
Sunnah after the Fardh of 'Isha Prayer. |
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| 3. Wajib
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| Wajib prayers are
necessary and willful neglect is considered sinful.
However, if someone misses any of these due to
unavoidable circumstances, Qadha (make-up of missed
prayer) is not required.
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The
following are Wajib Prayers:
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| a. |
Three
Rak'at of Vitr after 'Isha |
| b. |
Two Rak'at of
Eidul-Fitr and Two Rak'at of Eidul-Adha |
| c. |
Two
Rak'at are offered while performing the Tawaaf
of K'aba. |
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| 4. Nawafil
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| Nawafil plural form of
an Arabic word Nafl which means voluntary or optional
prayer.
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| Following are some of
the Nawafil Prayers:
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| a. |
Eight
Rak'at of Tahajjud |
| b. |
Two Rak'at after
the four/two Rak'at of Sunnah at the end of
Dhuhr Prayer |
| c. |
Four
Rak'at before Fardh of 'Asr Prayer |
| d. |
Two Rak'at after
the two Rak'at at the end of Maghrib Prayer |
| e. |
Four
Rak'at of Ishraaq Prayer |
| f. |
Two Rak'at offered
when one enters a mosque |
| g. |
Two
Rak'at offered when seeking blessing fro God
Almighty |
| h. |
Two Rak'at offered
as Salat-ul-Hajaat |
| i. |
Two
Rak'at offered as Thanksgiving Prayer |
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| One may offer as many
Nawafil Prayers as one wish. However, Nawafil should
not be offered during the forbidden times for Prayers.
Nawafil should not be offered between 'Asr and Maghrib
Prayer. It is preferable to offer Nawafil Prayers at
home rather than in a mosque. However, it is matter of
personal choice and there is no compulsion in this
matter.
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