Praying Sunnas of Fajr When You Are Likely to Miss the Congregation

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: If the Imam is in last rakat of Fajr prayer and I will not be able to get the catch the congreation if I pray the sunna of fajr, what would be ruling for the sunna prayer in that case? When should I pray them, if at all? 

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

If you are going to miss the Fajr congregation, you should not start praying your two sunna cycles (rak`ats). Rather, you should join the congregation.

However, it would be good to pray two voluntary cycles (rak`ats) after sunrise in order to remind yourself of the importance of the sunnas of Fajr, and to keep up with your spiritual routines. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said that they are “better than the world and all it contains.” [See: The Reward of Performing the Two Sunna Cycles (rak`ats) of Fajr]

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze