Importance of "Ishraaq prayer" in Islam:

 Importance of "Ishraq prayer" in Islam:

Ishraq symbolize radiance and brilliance. Conveys a sense of light and shining.

Ishraq prayer is a two rakah prayer that us offered after the sun has risen and become high, for those who pray fajr- in congregation in the mosque, then sit in the place where they prayed, remembering Allah SWT, may he be exalted, until they pray two rakah's.

Ishraq in Islam:

Ishraq is a special voluntary prayer in Islam that is performed shortly after sunrise. It is recommended to be prayed approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the sun has fully risen. This prayer, though not obligatory is considered highly rewarding and is often associated with blessings and spiritual enlightenment.

Ishraq prayer in the Quran Kareem:

Ishraq also known as Salaat-al-Ishraq is an optional prayer offered 15-20 minutes after sunrise with two rakah's. It has its original in the word for radiance or sunrise.

How to be prayed Ishraq:

To pray Ishraq you should remain seated in your place of worship after the Fajr prayer, remembering Allah SWT through zikr, Quran Kareem or seeking knowledge,until the sun has fully risen. Then, you perform two rakah's of prayer. The recommended reward for this practice is the equivalent of a complete Hajj and Umrah, but this is for those who perform it regularly, not just once.

Steps of prayer Ishraq:

1. Perform Fajr prayer:

Begin with the mandatory Fajr prayer .

2. Remain in place:

After the prayer , sit in the same place where you prayed.

3. Remember Allah SWT:

Engage in acts of remembrance, such as reading the Quran Kareem, making Dua or other forms of zikr.

4. Wait for sunrise:

Continue this until the sun has risen above the horizon, typically about 10-20 minutes after sunrise.

5. Offer two rakah's:

Once the sun is fully risen, offer two rakahs of voluntary prayer.

Important consideration:

Intention:

The intention is to express gratitude to Allah SWT and to seek blessings and forgiveness for the day.

Reward:

The promised reward of a complete Hajj and Umrah is for performing this ritual regularly.

Voluntary prayer:

Ishraq is a voluntary prayer, and while highly recommended,it is not obligatory.

Duha prayer:

Some scholars consider Ishraq to be the beginning of the broader Duha prayer, which can extended to eight rakah's or more.

Benefits of Ishraq prayer:

• If helps you accomplish all responsibilities for that day.
• A castle of gold is built in paradise for the person.
• One's sins are forgiven even though that are as much as the foam of the sea.

Ishraq prayer, also known as the post-sunrise prayer, is a voluntary (nafl) prayer performed shortly after the sun has fully risen — about 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise. It consists of two rak'ahs and carries numerous spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. Here are the key benefits of Ishraq prayer:

 Spiritual Benefits

1. Forgiveness of sins

According to a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

 "Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rak'ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and Umrah — complete, complete, complete."

— (Tirmidhi, Hasan by Albani)

While scholars clarify this doesn't replace the obligation of Hajj or Umrah, it shows immense reward and forgiveness from Allah.

2. Daily reward and blessings

Starting your day with remembrance and prayer sets a positive spiritual tone.

The one who prays Ishraq is counted among the grateful and obedient.

Closeness to Allah (SWT)

Voluntary prayers like Ishraq increase your love for Allah and strengthen your relationship with Him.

 Psychological and Mental Benefits

1. Calmness and peace of mind

Early morning devotion and reflection bring mental clarity and emotional stability.

2. Reduced stress and anxiety

Time spent in dhikr (remembrance) and focused prayer helps reduce worldly worries.

3. Improved discipline and routine

Performing Ishraq promotes consistency and a spiritually structured morning routine.

 Physical and Health Benefits

1. Boosts morning energy

The physical movement of prayer improves blood circulation and energizes the body.

2. Sunlight exposure benefits

Performing Ishraq after sunrise means exposure to early sunlight, which boosts vitamin D levels and helps regulate circadian rhythms.

3. Mind-body harmony

Combining physical movement with mindfulness and spiritual focus enhances overall well-being.

Benefit Type Specific Benefits

Spiritual Forgiveness of sins, reward like Hajj/Umrah, nearness to Allah

Mental/Psychological Stress relief, inner peace, better focus

Physical/Health Increased energy, better sleep rhythm, movement.

Ishraq prayer system:

Ishraq prayer is a two rakah prayer That is offered after the sun has risen and become high, those who pray fajr- in congregation in the mosque, then sit in the place where they prayed, remembering Allah SWT, may he be exalted until they pray two rakah's.

The system of Ishraq prayer refers to when, how, and how many rak'ahs it is prayed — essentially the method and timing. Here's a complete breakdown:

 1. Timing of Ishraq Prayer

Starts: About 15–20 minutes after sunrise (once the sun has fully risen above the horizon).

Ends: Before Duha prayer time, which is usually around mid-morning (about 10:30–11:00 am) depending on location and season.

📌 Important Note: It is haram (forbidden) to pray immediately at sunrise — wait until the sun is a spear’s length above the horizon (~15 mins).

 2. How Many Rak'ahs

Minimum: 2 rak'ahs (most common and authentic)

Maximum: There is no fixed upper limit, but some scholars mention up to 8 rak'ahs as part of Duha, which overlaps with Ishraq time.

 For Ishraq only: Pray 2 rak'ahs with sincerity.

3. How to Pray Ishraq

It is prayed just like any 2-rak'ah voluntary (nafl) prayer:

Method:

1. Niyyah (intention):

Silently make intention in your heart:

“I intend to pray 2 rak'ahs of Ishraq for the sake of Allah.”

2. Rak'ahs:

Perform 2 rak'ahs as you would any voluntary prayer.

You may recite any surahs you know.

3. Tasleem (Ending):

End with salam to the right and left.

Recommended Surahs (Optional):

Some scholars recommend (not obligatory):

1st rak'ah: Surah Ash-Shams (91)

2nd rak'ah: Surah Ad-Duha (93)

You can also recite any surahs you are comfortable with.

4. Difference Between Ishraq and Duhr.

Feature Ishraq Duha

Time 15–20 mins after sunrise Mid-morning (around 9:30–11 am)

Purpose Reward like Hajj/Umrah General voluntary prayer

Rak'ahs 2 rak'ahs 2 to 8 rak'ahs

Overlap? Yes, Ishraq is considered the beginning of Duha time 

When to pray ~15–20 minutes after sunrise

How many rak'ahs 2 rak'ahs.

Benefits Huge reward, forgiveness, spiritual energy.

Which surah is for Ishraq prayer:

It is recommended to read  the surah Al- Fatiha and Ayat Al kursi till Khalidoon, in the first Raka-at and in the second Raka-at to read, after surah Fatiha, Aamanar Rasul till the end of Suratul Baqarah.

Is Ishraaq namaz  :

Ishraq (sunrise): this is a Nafil prayer that is performed 15 minutes after sunrise. Although it is optional, there are many virtues associated with the ishraq nafil prayer.

The prayer after Ishraaq:

It is best to pray two rakah's of salat al- ishraq when the sun is well up, and then eight cycles of prayer of Zakat al- duha in the mosque after a quarter of the day has passed.

Origin of the name Ishraaq:

Ishraq follows the Semitic linguistics roots, common in Arabic and Hebrew languages, where words are derived from root verbs. Tracing back to the verb "Ishraq" the name is associated with light and brightness.

Minutes after sunrise can you pray:

If your miss the true dawn time for Fajr nmaz, you should wait until ishraq time, as it is not permitted to pray while sun is rising. Typically, this is approximately 20 minutes post sunrise. At this time, you can read the two Fajr rakah's.

Can I pray fajr at Ishraaq:

While the sun is rising, until it's fully risen Ishraq, it's forbidden time to pray. That period lasts for approximately twenty minutes. If you missed Fajr and the sun has already started rising, you must wait till Ishraaq sets in, then read your 2 sunnats followed by the 2 fard.

Significance of Ishraq in Hadith:

According to a narration in Sunan Tirmidzi one of the six major Hadith collections, the Prophet Muhammad SAW emphasized staying in the mosque after offering Fajr prayer in the congregation to pray two rakah's in remembrance of the Allah SWT. Prophet Muhammad SAW also described the reward of the Ishraq prayer equivalent to Holy pilgrimage (Hajj). In addition to this, Prophet Muhammad SAW is also reported to have said that Allah SWT asks believers to offer four rakah's at the outset of the day, and in return , he vows to help the righteous followers in fulfilling all the undertaken responsibilities throughout the day. To be precise, the promised reward and emphasis by the Messenger of Allah SWT manifests the utmost importance of the Ishraq prayer. Last but not the least, words of the Hadith also show that the routine of offering an ishraq prayer is a pious deed and a matter of remuneration.

How do we offer Ishraq prayer:

An individual is asked to offer this prayer in between 2 and 12 units, with a minimum set of two rakah's. As far as the details are concerned, it is highly recommended to wait after fajr salat and avoid changing the place for Ishraq prayer. Moreover, it is also preferable to recite Holy Quran while waiting for the time for Ishraq to start. Islamic scholars also emphasize on avoiding routine interactions and other necessary activities until the sun rises .At that point, one stands and the offers two or four rakah's. These rakats are offered in the same manner as in other obligatory if other optional prayers. Hadiths are loaded with the high merits of this sacred practice.

Final ending time of Ishraq prayer:

The time closes 15 minutes before the time for zuhr starts. To brief, it's somewhere between dawn and nightfall. The exact time expends on ghr time zone where you territorial region, is located. For instance, it dawn is at 6:00 AM and nightfall is at 8:00 PM in your respective time zone, the early afternoon will be 1:00 PM, and therefore Ishraq time will end at 12:45 PM and zuhr time will begin after 1:00 PM.

Though Islam does not forbid women to enter mosques, yet there are some genuine concerns for the women to visit mosques either for obligatory congregational prayers or optional offerings. In certain localities, there are meager facilities available for women in mosques, making it difficult for them to visit it very often. In such cases, women are encouraged to pray at home 

Are Men allowed to offer ishraq prayer at home:

Though it is highly recommended for men to offer this prayer in the mosque at the same place where he has performed Fajr prayer, yet in certain conditions, it is permissible to pray ishraq at home . In fact, according to numerous narrations in the Hadith books, Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW offered optional prayers in the promises of his residence.

Pre-requisites for praying Ishraq:

• Wear clean clothes, free from filth.
• Perform Ablution to clean the body from dirt and filth.
• Preferably, stay at the same where you performed Fajr prayer.
• Is is also preferred to secure a quiet and peaceful place free from worldly distractions to perform ishraq prayer.
• Last but not the last, make intention for the prayer while facing the Qibla.

Overall importance of optional prayers including Ishraq in Islam:

Obligatory prayers are one of the few basic matters that individuals shall be accounted for on the day of judgement. It is reported in Abu Dawud that Allah SWT shall commanded one of the angels to contemplate the account of the prayer of the believers to evaluate if it is complete or lacks some due to negligence. If the account is satisfactory, it will be recorded to the credit. However, it is deficient , Allah SWT asks an angel to check the record for the surplus supplications and compensates the missing obligatory prayers from.the one in the surplus credit. In this way, the optional prayers are deemed considerably important and cannot be entirely neglected. In addition to this, performing optional prayers, such as ishraq validate the complete submission of the believer to the will of Allah. Moreover, since these sacred acts are performed voluntarily they can be view as a gesture, to gain sn uttermost degree of satisfaction from the lord. Therefore, as reported In Hadith, Allah SWT promises a definite reward for the individuals performing supererogatory prayers. May Allah Almighty energizes us to fulfill all religious obligations while Giving due attention to supererogatory worships to get the more blessings.

Benefits of Ishraq prayer in Islam:

The Ishraq prayer is a voluntary (nafl) prayer in Islam, typically offered shortly after sunrise—about 15–20 minutes after the sun has fully risen. While it's not obligatory, it carries great spiritual rewards and benefits. Here are some of its major benefits according to Islamic teachings:

1. Earns the Reward of a Hajj and Umrah (Complete)

According to a hadith:

“Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rak‘ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and ‘Umrah.”

(Tirmidhi, Hasan by Al-Albani)

This reward is only for those who remain in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) after Fajr until they pray Ishraq.

 2. Forgiveness of Sins

It is narrated that praying voluntary prayers like Ishraq leads to forgiveness:

 "The son of Adam does not perform any deed on the Day of Judgment more beloved to Allah than prayer."

(Tirmidhi)

And among these, Ishraq is known to bring great reward, especially when performed regularly.

3. Brings Blessings in One’s Day

By starting your day with remembrance and prayer, it spiritually aligns your actions and invites barakah (blessings) into your day—emotionally, mentally, and even materially.

 4. Increases Connection with Allah

Consistently offering Ishraq helps establish a stronger spiritual routine, promoting a deeper, calmer, and more conscious connection with your Creator.

 5. Promotes Mindfulness and Peace

This quiet time after sunrise, when the world is still settling, is ideal for focusing the heart, calming the mind, and starting your day grounded in faith and reflection.

6. A Sign of a Devout Believer

Engaging in Ishraq prayer is a mark of someone striving to earn Allah’s pleasure beyond what is required. It is a way to show love, sincerity, and spiritual ambition.

How to Pray Ishraq:

After sunrise (wait 15–20 minutes).

Pray 2 rak‘ahs (can be 2 or 4 according to some scholars).

Intend it as “Salat al-Ishraq.”

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to pray Salat al-Ishraq:

How to Pray Ishraq Prayer

 1. Time of Ishraq

Starts: About 15–20 minutes after sunrise (once the sun has fully risen).

Ends: Before Duha time ends (roughly before midday or before the Dhuhr prayer).

Best time is right after sitting for dhikr (remembrance) after Fajr until sunrise.

 2. Intention (Niyyah)

You don’t need to say it out loud.

Silently make the intention in your heart:

 "I intend to pray 2 rak‘ahs of Salat al-Ishraq for the sake of Allah."

 3. How Many Rak‘ahs?

Usually 2 rak‘ahs.

Some scholars allow up to 4 rak‘ahs if you wish, but 2 is sufficient for reward.

 4. Prayer Method (Like Any 2 Rak‘ah Salah)

Perform it just like any other 2 rak‘ah voluntary prayer:

First Rak‘ah:

1. Make intention (niyyah).

2. Say Takbir: "Allahu Akbar"

3. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.

4. Recite any other Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas or Al-Asr).

5. Perform Ruku (bowing).

6. Stand back up.

7. Perform Sujood (prostration).

8. Sit briefly.

9. Perform second Sujood.

10. Stand up for 2nd rak‘ah.

Second Rak‘ah:

1. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha.

2. Recite another Surah.

3. Ruku.

4. Stand up.

5. Sujood (first and second).

6. Sit for Tashahhud.

7. Recite Tashahhud and Salawat (Durud Ibrahim).

8. End with Tasleem: "As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah" (to the right and left).

 What to Say Afterward:

You may make dua and thank Allah for giving you the chance to perform this prayer.

Difference between Ishraq and Duha:

Ishraq is right after sunrise.

Duha can be prayed a bit later in the mid-morning (e.g., 30–45 minutes after sunrise up until before Dhuhr).

You can combine the intention of Ishraq and Duha, but for the specific reward of Hajj & Umrah, it’s best to follow the hadith: Fajr in jama’ah + sit for dhikr + 2 rak‘ahs after sunrise.

Conclusion:

The Ishraq prayer holds a special place in the life of a spiritually conscious Muslim. Though not obligatory, it is immensely rewarding, offering benefits that extend beyond this world into the next.It is a chance to begin the day with light, remembrance, and peace — all while drawing closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged this prayer by promising a reward equal to Hajj and Umrah for those who pray it after Fajr and dhikr. That alone shows its incredible value.Moreover, Ishraq is a sign of sincerity, devotion, and discipline. It fosters a mindful connection with Allah, brings barakah into your day, and helps maintain a steady spiritual rhythm.The Ishraq prayer is a small act with enormous reward — a simple yet powerful way to deepen your relationship with Allah, start your day on the right foot, and earn blessings in both worlds.

“Take advantage of five before five...” — and one of them is your free time before you're busy. (Hadith).So if you can, make space for Ishraq in your morning routine — even 2 rak‘ahs can open doors of mercy and reward.