Hadith Text & Transmission

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "If anyone keeps on praying regularly four rak'ahs before and four after the noon prayer, he will not enter the Hell-fire."

Abu Dawud said: Al-'Ala' bin Al-Harith and Sulaiman bin Musa reported it from Makhul with his chain, similarly.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud 1269 emphasizes the immense virtue of performing the voluntary prayers surrounding the noon (Dhuhr) prayer. The four rak'ahs before Dhuhr are known as the Sunnah Ratibah, while the four after constitute the confirmed Sunnah prayers.

Classical scholars explain that the promise of protection from Hell-fire applies to those who consistently maintain these prayers with proper devotion and sincerity. This reward demonstrates Allah's immense mercy toward those who exceed the obligatory acts of worship.

The transmission note by Imam Abu Dawud indicates this narration reached him through multiple reliable chains, strengthening its authenticity and importance in the chapter of Voluntary Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat).

Legal Ruling & Practice

The majority of scholars consider these eight rak'ahs as highly emphasized Sunnah prayers (Sunnah Mu'akkadah). While not obligatory, their consistent performance is a sign of piety and attachment to the Prophet's practice.

Some jurists recommend praying these in sets of two rak'ahs with separate tasleem, following the general pattern of voluntary prayers. The tremendous reward mentioned serves as motivation for Muslims to preserve these supplementary acts of worship.