Author: Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafidhahullah)
Question:
What is the ruling on offering Sunnah prayers at the same place where the obligatory (Fard) prayer was performed? Please explain in the light of Quran and Hadith.
Answer:
After completing the obligatory prayer, it is recommended to either move to a different place to perform the Sunnah prayers or engage in some conversation before beginning the Sunnah prayers. This separation is necessary to distinguish between the obligatory and Sunnah prayers. Performing Sunnah prayers immediately at the same place without any separation contradicts the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed:
"أَنْ لَا نُوْصِلُ صَلٰوۃً بِصَلَاۃٍ حَتّٰی نَتَکَلَّمَ أَوْ نَخْرُجَ"
(“Do not connect one prayer with another until you speak or change your place.”)
[Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Jumu’ah, Hadith 883]
① Engage in brief conversation or
② Move to a different spot to perform the Sunnah prayers.
While it is permissible to offer Sunnah prayers at the same place after some separation, changing the location is a recommended and virtuous practice.
May Allah grant us the ability to perform prayers in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). (Ameen)
Question:
What is the ruling on offering Sunnah prayers at the same place where the obligatory (Fard) prayer was performed? Please explain in the light of Quran and Hadith.
Answer:
After completing the obligatory prayer, it is recommended to either move to a different place to perform the Sunnah prayers or engage in some conversation before beginning the Sunnah prayers. This separation is necessary to distinguish between the obligatory and Sunnah prayers. Performing Sunnah prayers immediately at the same place without any separation contradicts the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed:
"أَنْ لَا نُوْصِلُ صَلٰوۃً بِصَلَاۃٍ حَتّٰی نَتَکَلَّمَ أَوْ نَخْرُجَ"
(“Do not connect one prayer with another until you speak or change your place.”)
[Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Jumu’ah, Hadith 883]
Key Points:
- Separation Between Obligatory and Sunnah Prayers:
- The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized separating the Fard and Sunnah prayers by either speaking briefly or moving to a different spot.
- This practice ensures a clear distinction between the two types of prayers.
- Permissibility of Offering Sunnah at the Same Place:
- Sunnah prayers can still be offered at the same place where the Fard prayer was performed, provided there is some separation (e.g., by engaging in conversation).
- However, changing the place is preferred and carries additional merits.
- Virtue of Changing the Place for Sunnah Prayers:
- Imam Nawawi (رحمه الله) considered changing the place for Sunnah prayers to be better (afdal).
- This practice increases the number of places where prostration (sajdah) is performed, which could serve as additional witnesses for the worshipper on the Day of Judgment.
Conclusion:
After offering the obligatory prayer, one should either:① Engage in brief conversation or
② Move to a different spot to perform the Sunnah prayers.
While it is permissible to offer Sunnah prayers at the same place after some separation, changing the location is a recommended and virtuous practice.
May Allah grant us the ability to perform prayers in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). (Ameen)