13th April 2018
Question – What is Ishrāq and what is its purpose? Can I perform nafl or Qazā after reading Ishrāq? I understand it is two nafl which are read at least 20mins after sunrise, is this correct?
Answer: The Salāh of Ishrāq is 2-4 rak’ats Nafil Salāh performed instantly after sunrise. It is commonly referred to as Salātu-Duhā in the Ahādīth. Salātud- Duhā encompasses the time between after sunrise until the beginning time of Zuhr. Minimum 2 rak’ats and maximum 12 rak’ats.[1] Some scholars divide the time period into two Salāhs; the first is known as Ishrāq which starts after sunrise and the second is chāsht beginning approximately 90 minutes until the beginning time of Zuhr. Nevertheless, both Salāhs fall within the category of Salātud Duhā regarding which much reward has been promised;
- Sayyidunā Abū Darda radhiyallahu anhu and Sayyidunā Abū Dharr radhiyallahu anhu both relate that the Messenger of Allāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam reported from Allāh Almighty who says, “O Son of Ādam! Perform for me four rak’ats at the beginning of the day and I shall suffice for you the remaining part of the day.”[2]
- Sayyidah Mu’adhah radhiyallahu anhu enquired from Sayyidah A’isha radhiyallahu anha of the number of rak’ats the Messenger of Allāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam would perform for Salātud Duhā? She replied, “Four rak’ats and would increase (in number) of whatever Allāh Wished.”[3]
- Sayyidunā Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu anhu relates that my beloved (the Messenger of Allāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised me of three things; 1) to fast three days of the month, 2) two rak’ats of Duha and 3) and to perform Witr before sleeping.”[4]
- Sayyidunā Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu anhu relates that the Messenger of Allāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Whoever remains punctual on two rak’ats of Duhā then all his previous (minor) sins are forgiven even if (the excessive number of sins) equates to the froth of the ocean.”[5]
Its purpose is clear, in that to increase in reward and forgiveness. As it is an optional Salāh, it is allowed to perform Qadhā Salāh in replacement of Salātud Duhā after it. If you perform it before then ensure you don’t read it during sunrise.
[Allãh Knows Best]
Written by (Mufti) Abdul Waheed
Answer Attested by Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam
JKN Fatawa Department
[1] Fatāwa Hindiyyah, Kitābus Salah, Bab fin Nawafil, vol 1, p.124
(وَمِنْ الْمَنْدُوبَاتِ صَلَاةُ الضُّحَى) وَأَقَلُّهَا رَكْعَتَانِ وَأَكْثَرُهَا ثِنْتَا عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً وَوَقْتُهَا مِنْ ارْتِفَاعِ الشَّمْسِ إلَى زَوَالِهَا.
[2] Tirmizi, No: 475
[3] Muslim, No: 719
[4] Muslim No: 721
[5] Tirmizi No: 476