The Importance of Sunnah for Asr Prayer and Its Rewards

Sunnah for asr prayer is one of the important prayers to offer. Sunnah prayers are voluntary acts of worship that bring immense rewards and strengthen a believer’s connection with Allah.

While there is no emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) before or after Asr, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged praying four rak‘ahs before Asr, saying:

“May Allah have mercy on a person who prays four rak‘ahs before Asr.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)

Including this Sunnah in your daily routine can enhance focus, devotion, and consistency in Salah.

Why Performing Sunnah for Asr Prayer is Important

Performing the Sunnah for Asr prayer before Asr is important because it brings immense spiritual benefits and rewards. While the Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) is not prescribed for Asr, there is a recommended Nafl (voluntary) Sunnah prayer that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged.

Sunnah for Asr prayer is an example of Following the Prophet’s Guidance

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“May Allah have mercy on a person who prays four rak‘ahs before Asr.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)

This shows the virtue of praying voluntary rak‘ahs before Asr.

 Learn how to read Asr prayer step by step!

Sunnah for Asr prayer Increases Mercy from Allah

The Prophet’s supplication for mercy upon those who pray Sunnah for Asr prayer. Pray four rak‘ahs before Asr signifies the great blessings attached to this Sunnah.

 

Protection from Neglecting Obligatory Prayers

Regularly praying voluntary Sunnah and Sunnah for Asr prayer helps maintain consistency in obligatory Salah and protects against laziness in fulfilling religious duties.

Being Closer to Allah when offering Sunnah for Asr prayer

In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah says:

“My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts of worship until I love him…” (Sahih Bukhari)

Sunnah prayers strengthen a person’s relationship with Allah and increase His love for them.

 Discover what is Tashahhud Prayer and how to recite it!

Completing Deficiencies in Obligatory Prayers

On the Day of Judgment, voluntary prayers and Sunnah for Asr prayer will be used to compensate for any shortcomings in obligatory prayers.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayer. If it is complete, it will be recorded as complete. But if there is any deficiency in it, Allah will say: ‘Look and see if My slave has any voluntary prayers,’ and the shortfall will be made up from that.” (Abu Dawood, An-Nasa’i)

 

How the Sunnah for Asr Strengthens Your Faith

Performing Sunnah for Asr prayer before Asr helps a person achieve a state of spiritual readiness, making the obligatory Asr prayer more focused and meaningful.

 

Gaining a Special Status in Jannah

Extra acts of worship bring a person closer to higher ranks in Paradise. Since voluntary prayers are a sign of devotion, they contribute to securing a greater reward in Jannah. Therefore, you should try to offer Sunnah for Asr prayer.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah said: “ My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts until I love him…’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6502)

How to Include Sunnah in Your Asr Prayer Routine

Including Sunnah for Asr prayer in your Asr prayer routine is a great way to earn extra rewards and strengthen your connection with Allah. Here’s how you can easily incorporate it into your daily practice:

1. Understand the Importance of Sunnah for Asr prayer

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“May Allah have mercy on a person who prays four rak‘ahs before Asr.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)

While these four rak‘ahs are not obligatory, they bring immense rewards and blessings.

Learn about the various types of prayers in Islam!

2. Plan Your Prayer Schedule

• Set aside a few extra minutes before Asr to pray the Sunnah for Asr prayer.
• Treat it as part of your routine, just like the Sunnah before Dhuhr or Maghrib.

3. Follow the Recommended Sunnah

• Pray four rak‘ahs before Asr (two sets of two rak‘ahs each). This is known as the Sunnah for Asr prayer.
• There is no Sunnah after Asr, as the Prophet ﷺ prohibited prayer after Asr until Maghrib.

4. Make the Sunnah a Habit

• Start with two rak‘ahs of Sunnah for Asr prayer, then gradually increase to four.
• Link it with an existing habit, like making wudu or reading Quran before Asr.

5. Focus on Intention and Sincerity when offering Sunnah for Asr prayer

• Remember that voluntary prayers bring you closer to Allah (Sahih Bukhari).
• Pray with sincerity, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.

6. Stay Motivated with Rewards

• Remind yourself that voluntary prayers complete deficiencies in obligatory Salah (Abu Dawood).
• Allah’s mercy is promised to those who observe this Sunnah.

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Conclusion

Observing the Sunnah for Asr prayer before Asr, though not obligatory, offers numerous spiritual benefits. It enhances one’s connection with Allah, earns extra rewards, and serves as a means of completing any deficiencies in obligatory prayers.  

By incorporating these voluntary rak‘ahs into your routine, you can increase your devotion, seek Allah’s mercy, and prepare spiritually for the Asr prayer. Consistency in this Sunnah brings greater blessings and rewards, both in this world and the Hereafter.

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FAQs

What are the 12 sunnah prayers?

The 12 Sunnah prayers include the two rak‘ahs before Fajr, four rak‘ahs before Dhuhr, two rak‘ahs after Dhuhr, two rak‘ahs after Maghrib, and two rak‘ahs after Isha.

Can you pray 4 sunnah after fard in Asr? 

No, it is not recommended to pray 4 Sunnah after the fard prayer of Asr, as the Prophet ﷺ prohibited praying after Asr until Maghrib.