Sunnah Mu'akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah)
Voluntary prayers that the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed regularly and rarely omitted.
Sunnah Mu'akkadah refers to the voluntary acts that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed regularly and consistently, and which he rarely omitted. These acts hold a special status in Sunni jurisprudence because they are considered strongly recommended, even though they are not obligatory (fard).
The most important Sunnah Mu'akkadah prayers (rawatib) are: 2 rak'ah before Fajr, 4 rak'ah before Dhuhr and 2 after, 2 rak'ah after Maghrib, and 2 rak'ah after Isha. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever prays twelve voluntary rak'ah during the day, Allah will build a house for him in Paradise" (Sahih Muslim). Imam al-Nawawi classified these prayers as Sunnah Mu'akkadah in his commentary on Sahih Muslim.
Regularly omitting Sunnah Mu'akkadah is considered blameworthy (makruh) by most Sunni scholars, although it is not sinful. Abu Hanifah, Malik, al-Shafi'i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal all agreed on the importance of these prayers. Imam Ibn Qudamah mentions in al-Mughni that one who consistently omits them loses their credibility as a witness.
Related terms
Husayniyyah (Shia Assembly Hall)
A Shia Muslim assembly hall, named after Imam Husayn.
Sujud al-Tilawah (Prostration of Recitation)
A prostration performed when reciting or hearing specific Quranic verses.
Adab al-Salah (Prayer Etiquette)
The recommended norms and inner attitudes that enrich the prayer.
Minbar (Pulpit)
The elevated platform in the mosque from which the imam delivers the Friday khutbah.
Nisf Sha'ban (Mid-Sha'ban)
The 15th of Sha'ban — the birthday of Imam al-Mahdi and a night of forgiveness.
Marja' al-Taqlid (Religious Authority)
The highest religious authority in Shia Islam, whom the believer follows in prayer and legal matters.