Prayer Intention and Fard/Sunnah: Understanding and Performing Your Salah Correctly
Welcome to the Ummah. In this article, we will delve into the details of prayer intention, specifically how to pray Fard and Sunnah correctly according to Islamic teachings. We will also discuss the importance of making intention for both types of prayers and address common questions related to the order.
Understanding Fard and Sunnah in Prayer
In Islamic practice, prayers are categorized into two types: Fard and Sunnah.
Fard Prayer
Fard prayers are compulsory and must be performed. Missing them intentionally is considered a major sin. The Fard prayers are:
Fajr: The first Fard prayer consists of two rakaats of Sunnah, followed by two rakaats of Fard. Zohar: It comprises four Sunnah rakaats, four Fard rakaats, two Sunnah rakaats, and two Nafil rakaats. Asar: Four Fard rakaats. Maghrib: Three Fard rakaats, followed by two Sunnah rakaats and two Nafil rakaats. Isha: This prayer has seventeen rakaats: four Sunnah rakaats, four Fard rakaats, two Sunnah rakaats, two Nafil rakaats, three Wajib rakaats (Zayl), and two Nafil rakaats.Sunnah Prayer
Sunnah prayers are recommended but not obligatory. Islahi scholars recommend performing these prayers for both spiritual and religious reasons. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Sunnah prayers:
Fajr: Two rakaats of Sunnah Mufard, followed by two rakaats of Fard. Zohar: Four Fard rakaats followed by two Sunnah rakaats, then two Nafil rakaats. Asar: Four Fard rakaats. Maghrib: Two Sunnah rakaats, followed by two Nafil rakaats. Isha: Four Sunnah rakaats, followed by four Fard rakaats, two Sunnah rakaats, two Nafil rakaats, three Wajib rakaats, and two Nafil rakaats.Important Points on Prayer Intention
In Islam, the intention for performing any act of worship is a critical aspect. It is one of the fundamental principles of faith. Here are some key points:
Intention and its Place
The intention for prayer does not need to be expressed verbally. According to the scholarship of Islamic jurisprudence, the intention is formed in the heart and does not need to be made aloud. There is no consensus among scholars that necessitates verbalizing the intention. Instead, it is connected to knowledge and awareness.
Consensus and Hadith
Imaams of Islam have reached a consensus that the intention should be formed in the heart. The concept of intention is based on knowledge. If a person knows what he is doing, he has, by definition, made an intention. Furthermore, there are no authentic Hadiths explicitly stating the act of verbalizing the intention is a requirement. In fact, the Hadith intoaction “Inna mal amalu bin niyah” [The purpose of deeds is the intention] by Imam Bukhari aligns with the idea that the intention should be in the heart, not verbally uttered.
Imaams’ View on Intention
Shall we start a new section like making intention and all as of Fard after completing Sunnah for Sunnah? The answer is no. This is unnecessary because the intention is already formed within the Fard prayers. For instance, when one finishes the Sunnah of Fajr and then proceeds to the Fard rakaats, the intention for the Fard is already there. Repeating the intention only confuses the process and can lead to unnecessary complications.
Conclusion
Understanding and performing the Fard and Sunnah prayers correctly is vital for Muslims. The intention for prayer, while important, should be formed in the heart and does not need to be verbalized. Approaching prayer with sincerity and awareness aligns with the teachings of Islam and helps one connect spiritually with Allah. Embrace the journey, and remember, every step forward is a step towards Allah. Feel free to ask more questions, and may Allah guide you towards righteousness. Please remember me in your dua.
Note: This article aims to provide guidance based on Islamic teachings and scholarly insights. It is always recommended to consult with aqualified scholar for further clarification.