• Ishraaq prayer*1

  Also called as Duha prayer. Salat al-Ishraaq, a voluntary (nafl) prayer, is performed between two obligatory prayers, Fajr and Dhuhr. The time of Ishraaq, which consists of two to twelve Raka’ahs, begins 30-45 minutes after sunrise and continues until just before the time for Dhuhr prayer. According to the Sunni thought, performing this prayer is believed to be effective in seeking forgiveness for one's sins. Abu Hurairah (Radiallahu Anhu) relates that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has said, "He who says Ishraq prayers without fail shall have his lesser sins forgiven even though they may be as numerous as foam specks on the surface of the sea." [at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah] One may perform 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 Raka'ahs of this prayer as well as other nafl prayers. A'isha (Radiallahu Anha) was asked how much the Prophet (PBUH) used to pray for the Duha prayer. She said, “Four Raka’ahs or he increased it to how many times Allah wills.” [Muslim] Prophet Mohammad (PBUP) is reported to have said that Allah says, 'O son of Adam, perform 4 Raka’ahs of Salat (Ishraaq) in the early part of the day. I shall help you in accomplishing all your responsibilities during the rest of the day.' [Mishkaat pg.116] The Prophet (PBUH) was reported as saying, “Allah will build a golden castle in Paradise for whoever prays 12 Raka’ahs for the Duha prayer.” [at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]

• Salat al-Awwabin (Prayer of the Oft- Repentant)*2

  Awwabin is the plural of Awwab, and this refers to the one who is obedient, or one who turns to obedience, or 'the one who submits himself to the worship of Allah by asking for forgiveness'. After performing the obligatory (Fard and Sunnah) prayers of Maghrib, one may perform from 6 to a maximum of 20 Raka’ahs of nafl, in sets of 2 units. This prayer has been called as Awwabin. The Prophet (PBUH) was reported as saying, “Whoever prays, after the Maghrib, 6 Raka’ahs without talking of anything indecent in between them, this would be equivalent to 12 years of worship for him.” [at-Tirmidhi] “Allâh will build a house in Paradise for the one who prays twenty Raka’ahs after Maghrib.” [at-Tirmidhi] It was also narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) himself had been performing 6 Raka’ahs of Awwabin prayer after completing his Maghrib prayer. (Shawkani, Naylul Awtar, III, 64).