Benefits of Fajr Prayer in View of the Quran and Hadith

Aisha (r.a) reported in a Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet (PBUH) stated that the two Rakats before Fajr (i.e., the two Sunnah Rakats) are “better than this world and all it contains.” This Hadith bears a compelling statement regarding the importance of Fajr. Countless Muslims miss this prayer daily and don’t know about its benefits.

Praying the five daily prayers is one of the obligatory five pillars of Islam. Fajr is the dawn (morning) prayer and thus usually the first prayer of the day for most people. Offering the dawn prayer has several physical and spiritual benefits. The importance of Fajr can be gleaned from the fact that Allah named the 89th Surah of the Quran after it.

Fajr Prayer Benefits

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a Hadith recorded in al-Bukhari that the angels of night and day were assembled at the time of the morning prayer. This was in reference to the Quran verse in Surah al-Isra, verse 78: “…Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.”

In another Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim, ‘Umara b. Ruwaiba is reported to have said that the Prophet (PBUH) stated that whoever performs the Fajr and Maghrib prayers would not enter the hell-fire. In Sahih al-Bukhari, a Hadith also states that whoever prays the Asr and Fajr prayers will be granted paradise.

There is another powerful Sahih Hadith in Sunan ibn Majah regarding the morning prayer. The Prophet (PBUH) said that whoever offers it will be under the protection of Almighty Allah. A similar narration is also transmitted in Sahih Muslim.

Another rather subtle benefit of the morning prayer is that it promotes a healthy lifestyle. The night is made for sleep, and several scientific studies show that people who work night-shifts suffer from declining health. The Islamic way of life promotes sleeping at night after Isha and waking up at Fajr time. This allows bodily functions to be normalized and helps us to fight against our inherent characteristics of lethargy and laziness. In a Hadith collected by Ibn Majah, the Prophet (PBUH) supplicated, “O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings.”

Last but not least, it's worth mentioning the Hadith about the two Sunnah of Fajr once again. In this authentic Hadith (collated in multiple Hadith collections), it is narrated that the two Sunnah Rakats preceding the dawn prayer are better than this world and everything in it. What, then, about the two obligatory Rakats?

What is the time for the Fajr prayer?

Allah says in the Quran in Surah al-Isra, verse 78: “Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur’an of dawn…” Fajr is, therefore, the prayer to be prayed in the morning and is called the Dawn prayer.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) stated in a Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim that the time for morning prayer is from the appearance of dawn and lasts until sunrise. If you are unsure about the Fajr prayer time today, several websites document timings for various locations. The schedules typically vary during the year. In the summer months, the time for morning prayer is generally earlier as the days are longer. Whereas, winter months see dawn prayer happening at a later hour.

How to perform Fajr Salah

The call to prayer (Adhan) for the morning prayer is different to the Adhan for the other daily prayers. This is due to the verse added in between, which is “as-salatu khairun minan-nawm,” meaning prayer is better than sleep. 

Fajr prayer is the shortest of the five daily prayers. In contrast to the other prayers that consist of three or four obligatory rakats, dawn prayer consists of just two obligatory rakats. However, it is accompanied by two Sunnah Rakats (alluded to earlier). According to a Hadith narrated by Aisha (r.a.) and recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim, the two Sunnah Rakats of Fajr were the Rakats that the Prophet (PBUH) adhered to the most, after the obligatory Rakats for the five daily prayers.

The two Sunnah Rakats must be performed before the two obligatory (fard) ones. According to a Hadith in Sahih Muslim, it is virtuous to recite Surah al-Kafirun and Surah al-Ikhlaas during this prayer. These two rakats must be followed by the two obligatory rakats, following which a believer can offer various supplications.

Some pray in congregation and arrive too late to offer the highly praised two Sunnah rakats. For them is a Hadith recorded by Imam Tirmidhi and Abu Dawood. In this Hadith, a man appeared to perform two Rakats after praying the obligatory ones in congregation. The Prophet (PBUH) asked him why he had done so and the man replied that he missed the two Sunnah Rakats. The Messenger (PBUH) then remained quiet, meaning that the action was permissible.

Fajr prayer dua/supplication and dhikr

Due to the importance of Fajr, acts such as asking for forgiveness, etc. are virtuous to do during this period. Allah says in Surah ar-Rum, verse 17: “So exalted is Allah when you reach the evening, and when you reach the morning.” Thus, there are a few forms of dhikr that are specified for morning prayer, alongside Maghrib prayer.

“La ilaha ill-Allah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd yuhyi wa yumeet wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’ in qadeer. There's no God but Allah alone, with no partner or associate, His is the Dominion and to Him be praise, He gives life and gives death, and He has power over all things.” This is one of the recommended acts of adhkaar, meant to be repeated ten times.

Another recommended Sunnah is to recite Surah Ikhlaas, Surah Falaq, and Surah Nas, three times apiece. This is specific to dawn prayer and Maghrib. After other prayers, it’s recommended to recite these once each.

Conclusion

As you can see, respected brothers and sisters, praying Fajr is one of the most praiseworthy of deeds. If you’re a new or young Muslim, learn Quran and how to perform Salah to avail of these blessings. If you’re one of the many Muslims who struggle to wake up for the morning prayer, make the required changes in your lifestyle.

Sleep early, set multiple alarms, and go to sleep with the mindset of wanting to wake up for dawn prayer. Ask Allah to help you in this quest, so that you can gain all the benefits of praying Fajr. Have the intention of pleasing Allah while knowing that it will only be to your advantage should you succeed. May the task be made easy for us all. Aameen.