Salat ul Ishraq is a nafl prayer that why it is an optional prayer. The time for Ishraq namaz starts fifteen to twenty minutes after sunrise. Although, Ishraq is an optional prayer, however, ALLAH grants enormous rewards to those who offer it. It consists of two rakats but one can pray more in even numbers. It is a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW and hence it has great rewards and merits.
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that: “He who says Ishraq prayer without fail shall have his lesser sins forgiven even though they may be as numerous as foam specks on the surface of the sea.” (Tirmidhi)
Also, it is said by Prophet Muhammad SAW concerning the virtues of Ishraq prayer: Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Whoever prays Fajr in the congregation, then sits remembering ALLAH SWT until the sun rises, then prays two Rakats, will have a reward like that of Hajj and Umrah.” (Tirmizi Hadees No: 586)
Remember to wait until the sun rises completely above the horizon and don’t rush for your Israq prayer just at the time of sunrise.
It is advised that one should remain seated in the same place after fajr prayer doing some adkhar until the sun rises completely, and then perform 2 or more rakhas.
Before you go to bed, research what time the sun will rise in your city for the next day, and set an alarm for that time.
How to offer Ishraq Namaz
1st Rakat
First, do Niyyah (intention) by saying “I intend to perform two rakats of the salat al-Ishraq for Allah while facing toward Kaaba” and then say takbeer “ALLAH u Akbar”.
Now start by reciting Sana, subhanaka allahumma.
And then recite surah Fatiha and another surah from the Quran.
Do Ruku (the bowing position) and say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Azeem” 3 times
Go into the 1st Sajdah and say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la” 3 times
Now after the first sajdah, sit up from the first Sajdah (Sitting position between the two Sajdahs)
Now go into the 2nd Sajdah and read “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la” 3 times.
2nd Rakat
Stand up to proceed to the next rakat,
Read “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem”
Then Reciting Surah Al Fatiha
And then recite another Surah of the Qur’an.
Go into Ruku (the bowing position) and say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Azeem”.
Do the 1st Sajdah and read “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”
Now sit up from the first Sajdah in the Sitting position between the two Sajdahs.
Now go into the 2nd Sajdah and say “Subahaana Rabbiyal Aa’la”.
After completing the 2 rakats, you sit in the Tashshahud position and recite At-tahiyaat, durude Ebrahimi, and Dua e Masura.
Now end the prayer by saying salam. turn your face to the right first and say “Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah” and then to his left and do the same.
We must all spare some time to offer this beautiful prayer which holds huge rewards with it and a sunnah of our beloved Prophet.
One can offer this prayer to seek forgiveness for his sins from ALLAH SWT or to start your day with the blessings of ALLAH SWT on a positive note.
May ALLAH accept our prayers and help us to follow what is best for us.