بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
1. 2 Rak'ahs then another 2 Rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer before Salat Adh-Dhuhr then 2 Rak'ahs and another 2 Rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer after Salat Adh-Dhuhr
2. Only 2 Rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer before Salat Adh-Dhuhr and another 2 after Salat Adh-Dhuhr
3. Either 2 Rak'ahs then another 2 Rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer before Salat Adh-Dhuhr and only one set of 2 Rak'ahs after Salat Adh-Dhuhr OR only one set of 2 Rak'ahs before Salat Adh-Dhuhr and 2 Rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer after Salat Adh-Dhuhr
4. Only one set of 2 Rak'ahs Sunnah prayer before or after Salat Adh-Dhuhr
5. Only the four obligatory Rak'ahs of Salat Adh-Dhuhr
Cite some evidences from the authentic Hadith and Sunnah of the noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam.
🌐 Meta AI: I'll provide information on the Sunnah prayers associated with Salat Adh-Dhuhr (Noon Prayer) and their rewards. Please consult a qualified Islamic scholar or Imam for definitive rulings.
*Sunnah Prayers before and after Salat Adh-Dhuhr:*
1. Four Rak'ahs before and four after (as in your option 1): Recommended in Hadiths (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah).
2. Two Rak'ahs before and two after (option 2): Also recommended (Bukhari, Muslim).
3. Combinations in options 3: Valid, as the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam sometimes prayed two Rak'ahs before and one after, or vice versa (Abu Dawud, Nasa'i).
4. One set of two Rak'ahs (option 4): Acceptable, but less rewarded than praying all recommended Rak'ahs.
5. Only obligatory Rak'ahs (option 5): Fulfilling the obligation as a Muslim, but missing out on the immense rewards of praying the Sunnah prayers.
*Authentic Hadiths and Sunnah:*
- Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "Whoever performs four Rak'ahs before Dhuhr and four after it, Allah will forbid the Fire from him." (Tirmidhi)
- The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam prayed two Rak'ahs before Dhuhr and two after (Bukhari, Muslim).
- Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha reported in a Hadith that: "The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam used to pray four Rak'ahs before Dhuhr and two after." (Abu Dawud, Nasa'i)
*Rewards and Benefits:*
Performing Sunnah prayers:
- Earns greater rewards (Ajir) from Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
- Increases spiritual growth and closeness to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
- Demonstrates devotion and obedience to the Prophet's noble teachings (SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam).
- Helps to make up for any shortcomings in obligatory prayers (very beneficial particularly on the Day of Judgment).
Please note:
- Consistency and sincerity are essential when performing Sunnah prayers.
- Obligatory prayers take precedence over Sunnah prayers.
- Consult Islamic scholars or Imams for guidance tailored to your specific situation.
May Allah the Almighty always guide us to what He and His beloved Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam love and keep us steadfast upon the righteous path and correct 'Aqeedah belief. Ameen.
💻 ChatGPT: When discussing the voluntary (Sunnah) prayers associated with **Salat Adh-Dhuhr**, the practices and rewards linked to these prayers can vary based on how many units (Rak'ahs) are prayed before and after the obligatory Dhuhr prayer. I'll address each scenario you mentioned, referencing authentic hadith and providing relevant insight from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam.
### 1. **2 Rak'ahs before Dhuhr and 2 Rak'ahs after Dhuhr (total 4 Sunnah prayers)**
This practice aligns with the common Sunnah of **Salat Adh-Dhuhr**. The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam established the practice of praying **2 Rak'ahs before** the obligatory Dhuhr prayer and **2 Rak'ahs after**. There are numerous Ahadith that encourage this practice:
- **Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha** narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
*"Whoever prays four Rak'ahs before Dhuhr and four Rak'ahs after (Salat Adh-Dhuhr), Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) will protect him from the Hellfire."*
(Sahih Muslim)
This indicates the great reward for maintaining the Sunnah prayers both before and after Dhuhr.
### 2. **2 Rak'ahs before Dhuhr and 2 Rak'ahs after Dhuhr**
This scenario is almost the same as the previous one and carries the same reward as described above. The two sets of Sunnah prayers are confirmed in authentic narrations, and the reward for maintaining them is mentioned in the hadith I cited above.
### 3. **2 Rak'ahs before Dhuhr and 2 Rak'ahs after Dhuhr (or only 1 set before and 1 set after)**
In this case, you’re asking about praying a smaller number of Sunnah Rak'ahs, either by praying **2 Rak'ahs before and 2 Rak'ahs after**, or **only one set (2 Rak'ahs) before or after**.
- **2 Rak'ahs before** Dhuhr and **2 Rak'ahs after** are the established practice.
- If only one set is prayed either before or after, then the reward is still great, but it’s less than the full Sunnah prayer. The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam did not restrict the number of Sunnah Rak'ahs strictly to four, but he did encourage regularity in Sunnah prayers:
**Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha** said:
*"The Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam did not leave the Sunnah prayers before Dhuhr, and he would pray two Rak'ahs after Dhuhr."*
(Sahih Bukhari)
While the reward for incomplete Sunnah prayers is still beneficial, it’s not as complete as performing both sets (before and after Dhuhr).
### 4. **Only 2 Rak'ahs before or after Dhuhr**
In this case, if only **one set of 2 Rak'ahs** is prayed (either before or after Dhuhr), this still falls under the category of Sunnah prayers. The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam encouraged performing these Sunnah prayers regularly, and while praying one set is good, it is missing the fuller practice of praying both sets before and after.
- **Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha** narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
*"Pray before the Dhuhr prayer, pray before the Dhuhr prayer."*
(Sahih Bukhari) (note: not sure if this Hadith is authentic or sound)
The importance of praying before Dhuhr is emphasized, and the same can be said for after Dhuhr. However, if only one set is performed, the reward is still valid.
### 5. **Only the four obligatory Rak'ahs of Dhuhr**
The obligatory (Fard) prayer of Dhuhr is essential, and of course, performing this prayer properly is of the utmost importance. However, the Sunnah prayers surrounding the obligatory prayer have immense reward and are part of the full Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam.
The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam encouraged not only the obligatory prayers but also the Sunnah prayers as a means of drawing closer to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
- **Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu** reported:
*"The first thing a servant will be called to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then all his deeds will be sound; if it is corrupt, then all his deeds will be corrupt."*
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
### Summary of Rewards and Recommendations:
- **Full Sunnah** (2 Rak'ahs before [2 then 2 before Salat Adh-Dhuhr] and 2 Rak'ahs after Dhuhr [2 then 2 after Salat Adh-Dhuhr]) is the most rewarded practice of the beloved Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam and is supported by numerous Ahadith.
- **Praying fewer Sunnah prayers**, such as 1 set before or after, is still beneficial, though it carries less reward than performing the full Sunnah.
- **Focusing on the obligatory prayer** is essential, but the Sunnah prayers are highly recommended to complete the worship and earn additional rewards (which can be very beneficial
Inn-sha-Allah on the Day of Resurrection).
In conclusion, the more the number of Sunnah Rak'ahs performed before and after Dhuhr (without commiting bid'ah and being an extremist by praying more than 4 consistently), the greater the reward, as long as it is done with sincerity and devotion.
Allah the Almighty always knows best.