Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

1+2+3+4=10 (Which are other two?)

Umm Habibah (r.a.) the mother of the believers, reported: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "A house will be built in Jannah for every believer who offers twelve Rakah of optional prayer other than the obligatory prayer in a day and a night.''

Related by Muslim.

Commentary:

If one makes it a practice to offer (at least) twelve extra rakahs in addition to the five obligatory prayers, the Messenger of Allah (saws) gave them the glad tiding of a house which would be built for them in Paradise.

The twelve extra (or Nafl) rakahs which the Prophet (saws) never failed to offer, and which are known as Sunnah Muaqqedah are:

1.      Two rakahs before the 'Fajr' prayer.

2.      Four rakahs before the 'Dhuhr' prayer and two rakahs after it.

3.      Two rakahs after the 'Magrib' prayer.

4.      Two rakahs after the 'Isha' prayer.

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Answer:

Twelve rakahs sunnah muakkeda

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Respected brother in Islam, the above listed numbers 1/2/3/4 are not the number of rakahs of the Sunnah Muaqqedah prayers, but rather simply placed to determine the chronological order.

The twelve rakahs of the Sunnah Muaqqedah prayers are:

·         Two rakahs before the 'Fajr' prayer.

·         Four rakahs before the 'Dhuhr' prayer and two rakahs after it.

·         Two rakahs after the 'Magrib' prayer.

·         Two rakahs after the 'Isha' prayer.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan