Hadith Text & Reference

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to offer two light rak`at between the Adhan and the Iqama of the Fajr prayer.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 619

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the Sunnah of performing two rak'at before the obligatory Fajr prayer. Scholars emphasize that these should be performed lightly, meaning reciting shorter chapters from the Qur'an after Al-Fatihah, to avoid delaying the congregation.

The wisdom behind this practice includes: preparing the heart for prayer, gaining additional reward, and following the Prophet's perfect example. These rak'at are highly emphasized, with some scholars considering them more virtuous than the voluntary prayers of the entire night.

It is recommended to recite in the first rak'ah: "Say: O you disbelievers!" (Surah Al-Kafirun) and in the second rak'ah: "Say: He is Allah, the One" (Surah Al-Ikhlas), or alternatively the verses concerning faith from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:136).

Legal Ruling & Significance

The majority of scholars consider these two rak'at as a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah). They should be performed even while traveling and should not be deliberately abandoned.

If one joins the congregation after the Iqamah has been called, they should pray these Sunnah rak'at after the Fard prayer if time permits. The Prophet (ﷺ) never omitted these prayers, indicating their great importance in the Islamic tradition.