What is nafl prayer?

Nafl prayers (Sunnah prayers) are voluntary prayers that are recommended but not obligatory for Muslims to perform. These prayers are not required by Islamic law, but are encouraged as a way to earn extra blessings and draw closer to Allah. Nafl prayers can be performed at any time except during certain times when prayer is prohibited, such as during sunrise, sunset, and when the congregation is engaged in obligatory prayers.

There are several types of nafl prayers, including the Sunnah Muakkadah (emphasized Sunnah prayers) which are highly recommended to perform, and the Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah (non-emphasized Sunnah prayers) which are less emphasized but still encouraged to perform. Nafl prayers can also be performed individually or in congregation, and can be done at home, in the mosque, or in any clean place.

Some common times for performing nafl prayers include before and after the five daily obligatory prayers, the Duha prayer (performed in the morning after sunrise), the Tahajjud prayer (performed in the late hours of the night), and the Witr prayer (performed after the Isha prayer). Muslims are encouraged to incorporate nafl prayers into their daily routine as a way to increase their devotion and strengthen their connection to Allah.