Fajr prayer, also known as the dawn prayer, is one of the five obligatory Salah (prayers) in Islam, signifying the commencement of a new day, providing Muslims the opportunity to start their day with recall and devotion of Allah.
This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth overview of the procedure for carrying out the Fajr prayer, comprising of the intention (niyat), the Qunut supplication, as well as delves into the virtues of this essential practice of devotion.
### Understanding the Fajr Prayer
The Fajr prayer consists of two Rak'ahs (units of prayer) and functions as the inaugural of the five daily prayers, taking place at dawn before sunrise. It includes two Rak'ahs: the Sunnah (non-mandatory yet highly advised) and the Fard (mandatory) prayer.
### Niyyah for Fajr Prayer (Niyat)
The niyyah for the Fajr prayer is made internally, not verbalized. It entails an internal resolve to perform the prayer genuinely for the purpose of Allah. For the Fajr prayer, the intention can be expressed as:
"I intend to conduct the two Rak'ahs of the obligatory (or Sunnah, if performing the Sunnah Rak'ahs) Fajr prayer for the sake of Allah, facing the Qibla."
### Procedures for Fajr Prayer
1. **Beginning the Prayer (Takbiratul Ihram)**:
- Initiate by standing in an upright stance and facing the Qibla.
- Raise your hands towards your ears and say "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), indicating the start of the prayer.
2. **Reading of Al-Fatiha and Another Surah**:
- After the opening supplication, articulate Surah Al-Fatiha (the initial chapter of the Quran).
- Follow it with the reading of another Surah or a few verses from the Quran, commonly Surah Al-Ikhlas in the initial Rak'ah and Surah Al-Falaq or An-Nas in the next Rak'ah.
3. **Ruku (Bowing) and Sujood (Prostration)**:
- Complete the Rak'ah with Ruku, saying "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem" (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty) 3 times.
- Perform the two Sujoods in every single Rak'ah, articulating "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) 3 times in every single prostration.
4. **Tashahhud**:
- After concluding the two Rak'ahs, sit for the Tashahhud.
- Voice the Tashahhud supplication.
5. **Terminating the Prayer (Tasleem)**:
- End the prayer by moving your head to the right and then to the left, uttering "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) on occasion.
### Qunut Supplication in Fajr Prayer
The Qunut supplication is sometimes voiced throughout the Fajr prayer, particularly in the second Rak'ah simply before or pursuing the Ruku. The Qunut is a supplication for direction, patience, and relief from difficulty. The following is one of the typical Qunut supplications:
- **Transliteration**: "Allahumma inna nasta'inuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu
'minu bika wa natawakkalu 'alayka wa nuthni 'alaykal khayr kullah. Nashkuruka wa la nakfuruka wa nakhla'u wa natruku man yafjuruk."
- **Meaning**: "O Allah, we seek Your help and ask for Your forgiveness, and we believe in You and rely on You.
We praise You for all the good, and we are grateful to You, and we forsake and turn away from the one who disobeys You."
### https://www.merdeka.com/jatim/tata-cara-aqiqah-tuntunan-dan-hukumnya-menurut-islam-kln.html Virtues of Fajr Prayer
1. **A Symbol of Dedication and Self-control**:
- Conducting the Fajr prayer shows a Muslim's devotion and dedication to their faith, as it obliges getting up early and starting the day with devotion and remembrance of Allah.
2. **Psychological and Mental Advantages**:
- The calmness and peace experienced throughout the Fajr prayer hold deep influences on one's spiritual and mental well-being, creating a positive outlook for the rest of the day.
3. **A Witness for the Believer**:
- The Fajr prayer functions as a testimony by the angels. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared: "The two Rak'ahs (units) of the Fajr prayer are greater to this world and all it holds."
4. **Protection Throughout the day**:
- Engaging in the Fajr prayer in congregation serves as a method of protecting the believer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asserted that the one who participates in the Fajr prayer in congregation is placed under the safeguard of Allah.
### Conclusion
The Fajr prayer holds a pivotal position in a Muslim's daily ritual, symbolizing the beginning of the day with celestial connection and reflection. The Qunut supplication adds an additional layer of spiritual depth, seeking guidance and support from Allah. Understanding and carrying out the procedure, intention, and supplications of the Fajr prayer can significantly boost a believer's spiritual adventure, bringing peace, rigor, and a higher awareness of the divine presence into their daily life. The virtues of the Fajr prayer underscore its significance and the plentiful spiritual rewards it provides, transforming it into an integral practice for Muslims across the world.