Meaning, Types and Benefits of Supererogatory Prayers for JSS 1

Supererogatory Prayers (Nawafil)

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain supererogatory prayers;
2. mention the benefits of supererogatory prayers;
3. state the consequences of not observing supererogatory prayers.

Memory Verse

وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا

“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional worship for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:79)

Qur’an Reading

The principal Qur’anic passages supporting the lesson are:

1. Surah Al-Isra (17:79) – On the observation of Tahajjud as an additional prayer.
2. Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:20) – On standing in prayer during the night.
3. Surah Al-Sajdah (32:16-17) – On those who arise from their beds to pray to their Lord.

Meaning of Supererogatory Prayers

Supererogatory prayers, known in Arabic as Nawafil, are voluntary prayers that a Muslim performs in addition to the five daily obligatory prayers.

The word “Nafl” (plural: “Nawafil”) literally means an extra, addition, or gift. While the five daily prayers (Subh, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) are compulsory (Fard) for every sane adult Muslim, supererogatory prayers are optional. They are performed to draw closer to Allah, earn extra rewards, and make up for any shortcomings in the obligatory prayers.

Types and Examples of Supererogatory Prayers

Supererogatory prayers are divided into different categories based on when and why they are performed. The main types include:

1. Sunnah Rawatib (Regular Optional Prayers)

These are the optional prayers attached to the five daily obligatory prayers. They are performed either immediately before or immediately after the obligatory prayers. Examples include the two rak’ahs before Subh, the four rak’ahs before Zuhr and two after it, the two rak’ahs after Maghrib, and the two rak’ahs after Isha.

2. Tahajjud (The Night Prayer)

Tahajjud is a highly recommended voluntary prayer observed during the late part of the night, after waking up from sleep and before the dawn (Fajr) prayer. It is usually performed in units of two rak’ahs and concluded with the Witr prayer. It is a time of deep spiritual connection when the world is quiet.

3. Tarawih (The Ramadan Night Prayer)

Tarawih refers to the special voluntary prayers performed in congregation or individually during the nights of the holy month of Ramadan. They are observed after the obligatory Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. Tarawih prayers are highly encouraged and serve as a means of listening to the recitation of the entire Qur’an during the holy month.

4. Other Occasional Nawafil

There are other voluntary prayers performed for specific reasons or at specific times. Examples of these include:

1. Duha: The forenoon prayer, performed after the sun has fully risen but before it reaches its zenith.
2. Tahiyyatul-Masjid: A two-rak’ah prayer performed upon entering the mosque as a form of greeting to the house of Allah, before sitting down.
3. Eid Prayers: The festive prayers performed on the mornings of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
4. Istikharah: A prayer performed to seek guidance from Allah when making an important decision.

Benefits of Supererogatory Prayers

The observation of Nawafil prayers brings numerous blessings to the individual, the community, and the nation. These benefits can be categorized into personal and national development.

Personal and Spiritual Benefits

The personal benefits of observing supererogatory prayers include:

1. Closeness to Allah: Performing voluntary prayers is the best way to earn the love and closeness of Allah, as stated in Hadith Qudsi where Allah mentions that a servant draws closer to Him through voluntary deeds until He loves them.
2. Compensation for Shortcomings: On the Day of Judgement, any deficiencies or mistakes made in a person’s obligatory prayers will be compensated for by their supererogatory prayers.
3. Forgiveness of Sins: Every prostration (Sajdah) performed in voluntary prayer raises the believer’s status and wipes away a sin.
4. Inner Peace and Self-Discipline: Regular voluntary worship instils patience, self-control, and mindfulness of Allah in daily life, leading to a peaceful mind and strong character.

Benefits in National Development

The spiritual growth of individuals directly impacts the wider society. The benefits of Nawafil prayers to national development include:

1. Promotion of Peace and Security: Individuals who regularly pray Nawafil develop a strong moral conscience. This discourages them from engaging in social vices, corruption, crime, and violence, thereby fostering a peaceful nation.
2. Community Unity and Solidarity: Congregational voluntary prayers, such as Tarawih and Eid prayers, bring people from different backgrounds together. This strengthens social bonds, unity, and mutual love among citizens.
3. Patriotism and Good Citizenship: Spiritual discipline teaches honesty, responsibility, and justice. Citizens with these values work hard, respect the law, and contribute positively to the economic and social growth of the country.

Consequences of Not Observing Supererogatory Prayers

Since supererogatory prayers are voluntary, a Muslim does not commit a sin and will not be punished by Allah for omitting them. However, neglecting them carries several spiritual consequences.

The consequences of not observing supererogatory prayers include:

1. Loss of Immense Rewards: A person who neglects Nawafil misses out on abundant blessings and the opportunity to earn extra rewards that could elevate their status in Paradise.
2. Vulnerability on the Day of Judgement: Without voluntary prayers, a person has no spiritual “safety net” to make up for any gaps, distractions, or mistakes made during their obligatory prayers.
3. Weaker Spiritual Shield: Obligatory prayers are protected by voluntary prayers. Neglecting Nawafil makes it easier for laziness to creep in, which may eventually lead to neglecting the obligatory prayers themselves.
4. Missed Opportunity for Divine Love: The special level of closeness and love from Allah promised to those who perform extra acts of worship is lost when a person limits themselves strictly to the bare minimum.

Summary of Differences Between Fard and Nafl Prayers

To understand these prayers clearly, the table below highlights the key differences between obligatory and supererogatory prayers: