Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to pray two light rak`at before the morning (compulsory) prayer after the day dawned and the Mu'adh-dhin had finished his Adhan. He then would lie on his right side till the Mu'adh-dhin came to pronounce the Iqama.
The Sunnah of Two Rak'at Before Fajr
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 626) describes the Prophet's consistent practice of performing two brief rak'at of voluntary prayer after the Fajr adhan and before the obligatory prayer. Scholars explain these are the Sunnah ratiba (established Sunnah) of Fajr, highly emphasized and never abandoned by the Messenger.
Timing and Sequence
The prayer is performed after true dawn (subh sadiq) appears and the mu'adhdhin completes the call to prayer. This timing ensures the prayer falls within its proper window while distinguishing it from the night prayers.
The brevity of these rak'at demonstrates their nature as a Sunnah prayer rather than an obligatory one, yet their consistent performance shows their high merit in the Shari'ah.
The Right-Side Resting Position
The Prophet's lying on his right side between the Sunnah and Fard prayers indicates the permissibility of resting in the mosque while waiting for congregational prayer. Scholars note this position facilitates readiness for prayer while allowing bodily comfort.
This practice also teaches Muslims to arrive early for prayers and utilize the waiting time in beneficial remembrance of Allah rather than idle talk or worldly matters.
Spiritual Benefits
Ibn al-Qayyim explains that these two rak'at serve as spiritual preparation for the obligatory prayer, warming the heart and focusing the mind for communion with Allah.
The consistent performance of this Sunnah demonstrates the Prophet's balance between worship and natural human needs, providing a complete model for the Muslim's daily routine.