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
Qibla (Prayer Direction)
The direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer.
Du'a (Personal Supplication)
Personal address and supplication to Allah for help and guidance.
Takbir (Allahu Akbar)
The exclamation "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), marking transitions in the prayer.
Muwalat (Continuity in Prayer)
The requirement of continuous and coherent performance of the prayer's parts.
Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage)
The lesser pilgrimage to Mecca, which can be performed at any time of the year.
Arba'een (The 40th Day)
The 40th day after Imam Husayn's martyrdom, marked by the world's largest pilgrimage.