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ToggleIn the vast range of the Islamic Volunatary Prayers (Nafl Salah) of the Islamic traditions, some prayers have their very special importance in the Islamic traditions and fulfilled with a very gratifying result. Salat ul Awwabin is mentioned in some narrations regarding voluntary prayers; however, scholars differ on their authenticity, and it is not established as a confirmed Sunnah prayer, although the authenticity regarding these narrations has some differing opinions among the Islamic scholars. It has not yet been confirmed to be an established Sunnah, although observing the Volunatary Prayers after Maghrib prayers has been permissible. For a true believer to gain a closer relation with Allah, the task of knowing and observing the prayer of Awwabin can have a very important role in their lives.
Awwabin Prayer: What is Awwabin Prayer? Meaning
“Awwabin” (عَوَّابِينَ) is of Arabic origin, with the root “A-W-B,” and it means “return” or “repentance.” The name “Al-Awwabun” means “(one) who turns back in obedience and worship,” which is connected to “repentance in all its forms.” Hence, the Salat Al-Awwabin is the voluntary prayer of those persons who often turn back to Allah in worship and repentance.
This name well describes the essence of this prayer. This is not a ritual or an action, but an act of spiritual recall—the need to move away from the worldly issues following the obligatory prayer of Maghrib to return completely to the Creator. This act carries the meaning of a returning heart towards the remembrance and pardon of God.
In the Indian subcontinent, people refer to this prayer as “Awwabin ki Namaz” or “Awabeen Salah.” Islamic experts on platforms like IslamQA have addressed related questions in their valid fatwas.
The Optimal Time for Awwabin Namaz (Awwabin Time)
The accuracy of this prayer has much to do with the timing involved. From various narrations and opinions by scholars:
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Awwabin Namaz Time: You perform the voluntary Awwabin Namaz after the obligatory Fard of Maghrib. But according to weak hadiths, one should offer Namaz Awwabin at any time after Maghrib until Isha Namaz.
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Best Window: Performing this deed at its best window is during the period between the Maghrib and the Isha prayer times. In fact, this period is an invaluable and overlooked opportunity for worship and devotion.
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Duration: This can be done from just after Maghrib till the end of the twilight, after which the sunset disappears, thus marking the start of the Isha timings according to all juristic opinions. Although permissible till Isha, it is recommended to be done before it.
As a result, when you type “Awwabin prayer time” or “Awwabin Namaz time,” you should remember that it is not an absolute time but a relative time corresponding to your local time for “Maghrib” prayers.
Authentic Evidence: Awwabin Namaz in Hadith
Islamic narrations also report voluntary prayers performed between Maghrib and Isha. The most…
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Hadith Regarding Reward: There is a narration that the performance of six Rak‘ahs at Maghrib offers a huge reward, but most of the jurists have declared it weak (Da‘eef).
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This Hadith is quoted in the context of the Awwabin Prayer. ‘Six Rak‘ah’ mentioned in some narrations include voluntary (Nafl) prayers after Maghrib; however, there is no authentic evidence that all six Rak‘ah are established Sunnah.
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Hadith of Virtue: Hadith narrations refer to the voluntary prayers after Maghrib as ‘Awwabin. Nonetheless, these are weak or unreliable narrations. Differences of opinion exist among scholars like Al-Albani on these narrations.
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Scholars employ this account to describe the voluntary supplications made between Maghrib and Isha.
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Some scholars mention these narrations to encourage general voluntary (Nafl) prayers after Maghrib; however, due to weak authenticity, Salat-ul-Awwabin is not established as a confirmed Sunnah prayer. Those following Hanafi school of jurisprudence rulings are able to consume practical rulings via scholars such as found on the website, islamqa.info.
Step-by-Step Method: The Procedure for Awwabin Namaz
You can perform Awwabin Salah effortlessly, just as you would offer any other Nafl prayer. The procedure to Pray Salah Awwabin is as follows:
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Niyyah (Intention): Your Niyyah should be to perform the Awwabin prayer (Salat ul Awwabin) solely for Allah.
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Number of Rakats (Awwabin Namaz Rakats): These voluntary prayers after Maghrib are to be offered in pairs of 2 Rak‘ahs, with no specified fixed number. Some scholars state 2, 4, and 6 Rak‘ahs are valid as Awwabin; however, no authenticated Sunnah exists regarding 6 Rak‘ah as Awwabin Namaz.
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Method of Prayer:
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Perform the Rakahs in pairs of two Rakahs each (as in the case of Sunnah prayer performances). After the completion of two Rakahs, perform the Tasleem by saying: “As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh” to the right and left
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You do not need to recite a specific Surah. You may read any Surah or verses from the Quran after Al-Fatihah in each Rak’ah.
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“Maintain a state of humility, concentration (Khushu’), and remembrance of Allah.
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Du’a (Awwabin Prayer Du’a): Though there isn’t a hadith stating a particular Du’a you must make after your Salah, you may make as many supplications as you wish, in whatever language you wish, to ask forgiveness, mercy, and guidance—for it is an “Awwabin” prayer, a prayer of one who is returning to Allah.
Awwabin Namaz: Benefits of this Special Namaz
Some narrations mention virtues of voluntary prayers after Maghrib. However, these narrations are weak, so Muslims should understand their status accordingly. Knowing them will enhance our motivation to:
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Immense Reward: Some weak narrations mention reward for voluntary prayers after Maghrib. Given the weak narrations, we should hope for Allah’s reward without certainty.
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Spiritual Purification: This represents “daily repentance or the return to God with the cleansing of lesser sins and the reinforcement of faith in God in the Muslim.”
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Completion of a virtuous act: Performing voluntary prayers after Maghrib is a recommended form of worship and thus seeking Allah’s pleasure and closeness through voluntary worship.
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Protection from Sin: The condition of the Hadith “does not speak ill between them” emphasizes the importance of being cautious about one’s tongue and remaining pure between the obligatory and supererogatory prayers.
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Peace and Tranquility: Spending time after a busy day in a prayer to Allah gives a sense of immense tranquility and contentment.
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The interval between Maghrib and Isha is an excellent time for worship and making Du’a. Performing the ‘Awwabin Prayer and then making Du’a has a good effect on the acceptance of prayers.
This will be the reward for those who perform the Solat Awwabin. This demonstrates the profound benefit of this prayer. It serves as a vital resource for spiritual development. Ultimately, it draws the worshipper closer to Allah.
Daily Prayers Detail
Common Questions and Clarifications (FAQs)
Q1: Awwabin prayer contains how many Rak’ahs? Is it 4 or 6?
A: “Based on the above-mentioned Hadith wherein a great reward is mentioned for six Rak’ah after Maghrib, though scholars have differed regarding the strength of this narration, Some scholars allow praying 2, 4, or 6 Rak‘ah as voluntary (Nafl) prayers after Maghrib; however, there is no authentic evidence that a specific number is fixed for Salat ul Awwabin. In most cases, this will include the two authentic Sunnah of Maghrib plus Nafl prayers of 4 Rak’ah. You may offer this Nafl prayer in sets of 2, 4, 6, or more Rak‘ah. However, no authentic evidence proves that six Rak‘ah are preferable. This is because the related narrations are weak.'”
Q2: Can I pray Awwabin Namaz after the Isha Namaz or at any other time?
A: The specific virtue and name “Salatul Awwabin” is associated with a time slot between ‘Maghrib’ and ‘Isha.’ Although you can pray other prayers (Tahajjud, for instance) after ‘Isha,’ they will not carry the specific name “Salatul Awwabin,” because in order to be called “Salatul Awwabin,” it must be offered within its specific time slot.
Q3: Can you tell me which Surah/Dua I need to recite in Awwabin Salah?
A: No, there isn’t a genuine narration from the Prophet (ﷺ) speaking over specific verses in Surahs or a fixed Du’a for this prayer. Recite from the Quran as in other Nafl prayers. After completing your prayer, make your own supplications.
Q4: What is the difference between Salatul Awwabin and Salatul Ishraq/Chasht?
A: They are different prayers at different times. Salatul Awwabin is offered after Maghrib prayers. Salatul Ishraq/Chasht is offered after sunrise (well risen, approximately 15-20 minutes after sunrise). Both are very virtuous acts but with a different time
Q5: I belong to the Hanafi School of thought. What are the specific rules in Awwabin prayer in Hanafi Fiqh?
A: Hanafi fiqh permits and encourages voluntary (Nafl) prayers after Maghrib. Believers generally perform these voluntary prayers in sets of two Rak’ah. You may perform Nafl prayers, such as Salat al-Awwabin, during this time. This period is not disliked and lasts from after Maghrib until Isha.
Conclusion: Adopting the Tradition of ‘Awwabin’
The beauty of Salat Awwabin lies in being a hidden delight in a Muslim’s daily routine. It can turn a short span left after observing an obligatory prayer into a sea of spiritual strength and rewards from Almighty Allah. To become a part of those who strive to be among the Awwabun, one must realize the significance of Salat Awwabin, knuckle down to observing it at the right time, do it with a pure heart, and grasp the significance of this ritual.
Form a simple intent tonight: After you perform your Maghrib prayer, offer voluntary Nafl prayers with sincerity. Begin with any number of Rak‘ah you can manage and make it a habit. May Allah SWT accept our voluntary acts of worship and reward us for our effort. Ameen.
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