How to Pray the Sunnah Prayers Around the Five Daily Prayers
Alongside the five obligatory prayers, there are recommended Sunnah prayers that bring extra closeness to Allah and gently cover any shortfall in our obligatory prayers. This guide explains what they are, when they come, and how to start praying them without feeling overwhelmed.
Bring your worship into one calm app
Niyyara is a free, private, ad-free companion with accurate prayer times, the full Quran, an exact Qibla compass, the azan, and duas. No subscriptions, no ads, ever.
What's in this guide
What the Sunnah Prayers Are
The Sunnah prayers are voluntary prayers that the Prophet, peace be upon him, regularly prayed alongside the obligatory ones. They are not obligatory, but they are strongly encouraged, and the ones attached to the daily prayers are often called the regular Sunnah prayers.
Their purpose is twofold: they draw a person nearer to Allah, and they help make up for small deficiencies in our obligatory prayers. Because they are voluntary, there is flexibility, and missing them is not sinful.
For a beginner, they are a gentle next step after establishing the five obligatory prayers. You can add them gradually rather than all at once.
The Regular Sunnah Prayers Through the Day
The regular Sunnah prayers are spread around the obligatory prayers, some before and some after. The commonly taught arrangement is as follows, though the exact counts and emphasis can vary between scholars and schools.
- Before Fajr: two units, widely regarded as especially valuable.
- Around Dhuhr: units before and after the obligatory prayer.
- Around Maghrib: two units after the obligatory prayer.
- Around Isha: two units after the obligatory prayer.
There are differences among the schools of jurisprudence about the precise numbers, so follow the guidance of qualified scholars or your local school of practice for the exact details.
How to Pray Them
The Sunnah prayers are prayed the same way as the obligatory prayers in their movements and recitation, just with the intention that they are voluntary. They are prayed individually, not in congregation, and quietly.
Make the intention in your heart for the specific Sunnah prayer, then pray the units as you normally would. There is no special or complicated procedure to learn beyond how you already pray.
Because they are voluntary, you can pray them at home, which is actually encouraged for voluntary prayers. Praying them at home also helps keep the habit private and sincere.
Getting the Timing Right
Each regular Sunnah prayer is tied to its obligatory prayer, either just before or just after it, and within that prayer's time. The ones before an obligatory prayer are prayed after its time enters but before the obligatory prayer, and the ones after are prayed once the obligatory prayer is complete.
There are also certain times when voluntary prayer is generally discouraged, such as around sunrise and sunset. The details of these times and their exceptions are discussed by scholars.
If you are unsure about timing in a particular situation, or about making up a missed Sunnah prayer, ask a qualified scholar rather than guessing.
Never miss a prayer time again
Niyyara gives you accurate prayer times for your exact location, a gentle azan, and step-by-step worship guides, all free and private. No ads, no subscriptions.
Why They Are Worth the Effort
Though voluntary, these prayers carry real value. They are a way to show love for Allah beyond the minimum required, and our tradition teaches that voluntary prayers help complete and repair our obligatory ones.
They also strengthen the habit of prayer overall. Someone who regularly prays the attached Sunnah prayers tends to guard their obligatory prayers more carefully, since the two become linked in routine.
Spiritually, they offer small, frequent moments of turning to Allah throughout the day, which keeps the heart connected between the obligatory prayers.
Building the Habit Gradually
Do not try to add every Sunnah prayer at once. Start with the ones most emphasised, such as the two units before Fajr, and let them become steady before adding more.
- Pick one Sunnah prayer to add first and keep it for a couple of weeks.
- Attach it firmly to its obligatory prayer so you pray them together.
- Once it is automatic, add the next one.
Because they are voluntary, be gentle with yourself on busy days. Missing them is not a sin, so there is no need for guilt, only a soft return. Steady, unhurried building is what makes the habit last.
Other Voluntary Prayers to Know
Beyond the regular Sunnah prayers attached to the five, there are other well-known voluntary prayers you may hear about, such as the night prayer and the mid-morning prayer. These have their own recommended times and virtues.
You do not need to take these on immediately. Focus first on your obligatory prayers, then the regular attached Sunnah prayers, and explore the others later as your routine allows.
For the details, counts, and best times of any of these voluntary prayers, learn from a qualified teacher or reliable scholarly source, since practices and emphasis can differ between schools of jurisprudence.
Keep the Quran close, every day
Read and listen to the full Quran, follow your last-read spot, and build a daily habit with Niyyara. Free forever, private by design, and completely ad-free.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Sunnah prayers obligatory?
No, they are voluntary and strongly encouraged. Missing them is not sinful, but praying them brings extra reward and helps make up for shortfalls in obligatory prayers.
How many Sunnah units go with each prayer?
There are commonly taught numbers, but they differ between schools of jurisprudence. Follow the guidance of qualified scholars or your local school of practice for exact counts.
Can I pray the Sunnah prayers at home?
Yes, and praying voluntary prayers at home is actually encouraged. They are prayed individually and quietly, not in congregation.
Which Sunnah prayer should I start with?
Many people begin with the two units before Fajr, which are highly emphasised. Keep it steady before adding more, one at a time.
Are there times I should not pray voluntary prayers?
Voluntary prayer is generally discouraged at certain times, such as around sunrise and sunset. The details and exceptions are discussed by scholars, so ask a qualified one when unsure.