Congregational Prayers and Sunnah Prayers

This short but beneficial article will discuss the recommendations of praying in congregation and praying Sunnah prayers, each supported with Hadith.

Praying in Congregation

Praying in congregation (in a group) is most beloved to Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) than praying individually. There are authentic Ahadith which support this, like this one:

Narrated by 'Ubai bin Ka'b (radi allahu anhu), Allah's Messenger ﷺ said:

"A man's prayer offered with another man is purer than his prayer which he offers alone, and his prayer with two men is purer than his prayer with one, and if they are more (in number), it is more beloved to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic." (1)

Sunnah Prayers

There are many Sunnah prayers that can be offered, but this Hadith will explain these:

Narrated 'Umar (radi allahu anhu):

"I memorized from the Prophet ﷺ ten (voluntary) Rak'at- two before the Dhuhr prayer and two after it; two Rak'at after Maghrib prayer in his house, and two Rak'at after Isha prayer in his house, and two Rak'at before the Fajr prayer. [Agreed upon]." (2)

As a bonus Hadith, The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The two Rak'at at dawn are better than this world and what it contains." (3)

Conclusion

These optional prayers have great rewards behind them, and as always, I hope you benefited from this Insha-Allah.

May Allah bless you, and shukran.

Sources :

1. Reported by Abu Dawood and An-Nasa'i, graded Sahih by ibn Hibban.

2. Bulugh al-Maram Book 2, Hadith 254

3. Sahih Muslim