In addition to the five obligatory prayers, the Sunnah provides beautiful voluntary (Nafl) prayers throughout the day that elevate a believer’s spiritual status and bring abundant barakah into daily life. Among the most cherished are Salat al-Ishraq, Salat ad-Duha (known in South Asia as Chasht), and Salat al-Awwabin.
1. Salat al-Ishraq (The Post-Sunrise Prayer)
The Ishraq prayer is performed shortly after sunrise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) revealed its immense reward in a famous narration:
“Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two Rak’ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and Umrah—complete, complete, complete.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, 586).
- Timing: Begins approximately 15 to 20 minutes after Sunrise (when the forbidden sunrise window expires) and extends until the sun rises high into the mid-morning sky.
- Number of Rak’ahs: 2 Rak’ahs.
2. Salat ad-Duha / Chasht (The Forenoon Prayer)
Salat ad-Duha is the daily charity owed for the 360 joints in the human body. Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Every morning, charity is due from every one of your joints… and two Rak’ahs performed in the forenoon (Duha) suffices for all of that.” (Sahih Muslim, 720).
- Timing: Commences after Ishraq and extends until about 10–15 minutes before Dhuhr (solar noon). The most virtuous time (Salat al-Awwabin) is when the mid-morning heat intensifies, roughly halfway between Sunrise and Dhuhr.
- Number of Rak’ahs: Minimum of 2 Rak’ahs, with 4, 8, or 12 Rak’ahs being recorded from the Prophet’s practice.
3. Salat al-Awwabin (The Prayer of the Repentant)
Performed between Maghrib and Isha prayers in sets of two, typically ranging from 6 to 20 Rak’ahs. Classical scholars praise this prayer as an opportunity to protect oneself from frivolous evening distractions and maintain a tranquil heart after sunset.
Salatify’s daily prayer grid provides clear timestamps for Ishraq and Chasht alongside your daily prayers so you never miss these precious opportunities for divine rewards.