Sunnah rawatib is one of the important practices that Islam strongly encourages us to perform consistently. This sunnah prayer is part of the sunnah mu’akkadah prayer, which is a sunnah prayer emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad due to its great virtue. Linguistically, rawatib comes from the word “râtib,” which means constant, regular, and consistent. According to fiqh terminology, it refers to sunnah prayers that accompany the five daily fardhu prayers, either before or after them, as a support for worship.
Scholars divide sunnah rawatib into two categories. First, sunnah rawatib mu’akkadah or highly recommended, which are 12 rakaats that were always performed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These include 2 rakaats before dawn, 4 rakaats before noon, 2 rakaats after noon, 2 rakaats after sunset, and 2 rakaats after nightfall. Second, rawatib ghairu mu’akkadah, which are additional rak’ahs that were sometimes performed and sometimes omitted by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
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The Virtues of Sunnah Rawatib for Fardhu Prayers
Sunnah rawatib has many virtues. The main reward of this prayer is to cover up shortcomings in fardhu prayers. No human being is perfect, so mistakes are bound to occur in obligatory prayers. By performing sunnah prayers, a Muslim has the opportunity to make up for these shortcomings. In addition, these sunnah prayers are a sign of a servant’s love for Allah. Companions who are accustomed to adding sunnah prayers show their longing to be closer to Him. Even the Prophet Muhammad promised a house in heaven for those who are consistent in performing sunnah prayers.
The Qur’an also emphasizes the importance of sunnah worship in strengthening the relationship between humans and Allah. In Surah Az-Zariyat verse 56, it is stated, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (QS. Az-Zariyat: 56)
This verse emphasizes that every act of worship, including sunnah prayers, is a means to strengthen the purpose of our creation.
In addition, Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 45, “And seek help with patience and prayer. Indeed, prayer is difficult, except for those who are humble.” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 45)
This verse is the basis that prayer, both fardhu and sunnah rawatib, is a source of strength for a Muslim.
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Hadith Arguments About Sunnah Rawatib
There are several hadiths that explain the virtues and performance of sunnah prayers. First, about the 12 rakaats of sunnah rawatib. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever performs twelve rakaats of sunnah prayers in a day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 728)
The second hadith is about the Sunnah Rawatib before dawn, “Two rak’ahs of sunnah before dawn are better than the world and everything in it.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 725).
Third, the hadith about sunnah prayers as a complement to fardhu prayers, which reads, “The first deed to be reckoned on the Day of Judgment is prayer. If a person’s obligatory prayers are imperfect, then their sunnah prayers will be used to perfect them.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 864)
The above hadiths show that sunnah rawatib plays an important role in perfecting obligatory prayers and bringing great rewards to those who are consistent.
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Practicing Sunnah Rawatib in Everyday Life
Consistency in practicing sunnah rawatib is the key to obtaining the maximum benefit from this act of worship. Adding two rakats before dawn can be an easy first step to follow. Then, gradually add other sunnah rawatib rakaats according to your ability and available time. Discipline in performing sunnah rawatib prayers helps to form a more structured and solemn worship routine, so that every fardhu prayer becomes more meaningful. People who are consistent in performing sunnah rawatib will feel extraordinary inner peace and an increased spiritual closeness to Allah. Every sunnah rakaat that we perform regularly becomes an investment of rewards that continues to flow, as well as a reminder to always be mindful and submissive in every movement of worship.
The sunnah rawatib practice, although light, has great spiritual value because it can cover the shortcomings of obligatory prayers and bring multiple rewards from Allah. Awareness of the importance of Sunnah Rawatib encourages every servant to improve the quality of their worship as a whole, from the quality of devotion in fardhu prayers to sincerity in performing sunnah prayers.
Thus, consistency in performing sunnah rawatib cultivates spiritual discipline that impacts daily life, making the heart calmer, the mind more focused, and the soul closer to Allah. By understanding the essence of sunnah prayers, a Muslim no longer sees them as an additional heavy obligation, but as a way to strengthen their relationship with the Creator, beautify obligatory worship, and obtain continuous rewards. This consistent and conscious practice is proof of a servant’s love for Allah, as well as an effective way to organize worship so that it is more perfect and acceptable.
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Almsgiving Complements Worship and Brings Blessings
Just as sunnah prayers complement fardhu prayers, almsgiving also complements daily acts of worship. Prayer strengthens our relationship with Allah, while charity strengthens our relationship with others. Both complement each other, fill in the gaps, and bring blessings into our lives. By consistently maintaining the sunnah rawatib and making charity a habit, a Muslim not only earns rewards from Allah, but also brings tangible benefits to themselves and others.
