How is the Fajr prayer performed—its obligatory (fard), sunnah, and supererogatory (nafilah) parts?
The two rak'ahs of the Fajr Sunnah are performed before it (the obligatory prayer), and they are among the most emphasized Sunnah prayers. Their Sunnah is to be light (brief), and it is preferable to recite "Qul ya ayyuha al-kafirun" (Say, O disbelievers) in the first rak'ah and "Qul huwa Allahu ahad" (Say, He is Allah, [the] One) in the second. It is legislated to lie down on the right side after them, unless there is a fear of falling asleep or an ongoing conversation. One should not add to them, for "there is no prayer after the Fajr (obligatory) prayer except for two rak'ahs." And whoever prays the obligatory prayer, it is preferable for them to sit in their prayer place, remembering Allah and reciting the Qur'an until the sun rises approximately fifteen minutes after sunrise, then pray two rak'ahs, thereby attaining the reward of a complete Hajj and 'Umrah. Performing supererogatory prayers between these two times is prohibited.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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