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Why Pre-Dawn Prayer is Better Than the World and Everything in It

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Explainer Named sources Context piece
  • The pre-dawn prayer (Salat al-Fajr) is a highly recommended Sunnah (optional) practice consistently performed by Prophet Muhammad.
  • Hadiths emphasize its immense value, stating that two rak'ahs of the pre-dawn prayer are better than the world and all it contains.
  • Religious figures like Ustaz Adi Hidayat explain that the reward for this prayer can be interpreted as ease in life, good health, and spiritual blessings.

The pre-dawn prayer, known as Salat al-Fajr or qabliyah subuh, holds a special significance in Islam as a highly recommended Sunnah practice that Prophet Muhammad consistently observed. This prayer is not typically performed in congregation and takes place after the true dawn breaks or after the morning call to prayer (adhan).

Two rak'ahs of the pre-dawn prayer are better than the world and all it contains.

— Prophet Muhammad (as narrated by Aisha RA)Highlighting the immense value and reward of the pre-dawn prayer.

Numerous hadiths, sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, underscore the profound virtue of this prayer. One widely cited hadith, narrated by Aisha RA, states: "Two rak'ahs of the pre-dawn prayer are better than the world and all it contains." Another tradition highlights the Prophet's dedication, noting, "There is no Sunnah prayer that the Prophet Muhammad SAW paid more attention to than the two rak'ahs of the pre-dawn prayer." Furthermore, a hadith from Abu Hurairah advises, "Do not abandon the two rak'ahs of the pre-dawn prayer even if you are pursued by cavalry."

There is no Sunnah prayer that the Prophet Muhammad SAW paid more attention to than the two rak'ahs of the pre-dawn prayer.

— Prophet Muhammad (as narrated in Muttafaq 'alaih)Emphasizing the Prophet's personal dedication to this specific optional prayer.

These narrations collectively emphasize the immense importance and reward associated with the pre-dawn prayer, suggesting its value surpasses worldly possessions. Ustaz Adi Hidayat, a prominent Islamic preacher, has elaborated on the spiritual benefits during his lectures. He explained that the reward for performing the pre-dawn prayer can be understood in various ways: some interpret it as a life of ease and comfort, others as great rewards in the hereafter, and still others as a smooth and unhindered life, where one remains healthy while others are ill, and one's affairs proceed smoothly.

Two rak'ahs before subuh are better than the world and all it contains.

— Prophet Muhammad (as narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)Reiterating the superior reward of the pre-dawn prayer compared to worldly life.

The consistent emphasis on this prayer in Islamic teachings highlights its role in spiritual discipline and seeking divine blessings, offering a pathway to both worldly well-being and eternal reward for those who adhere to it.

Do not abandon the two rak'ahs of the pre-dawn prayer even if you are pursued by cavalry.

— Prophet Muhammad (as narrated by Abu Dawud and Baihaqi)Illustrating the critical importance of not missing this prayer under any circumstances.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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