What is the ruling regarding the Sunnah prayers of Fajr (Dawn Prayer)?
Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The two rak'ahs preceding the obligatory Fajr prayer are emphasized above all other voluntary (Nawafil) prayers. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, stated that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was most steadfast in observing the two rak'ahs of Fajr. Furthermore, these two rak'ahs are considered better than the entire world and what it contains, or more beloved than the world and what it contains. The obligation to pray them remains even if one is driven away by cavalry, as stated by the Prophet, peace be upon him, according to Abu Hurairah. It is recommended to keep them brief, as Aisha reported shortening them to the extent that she doubted whether he recited Surah Al-Fatiha (Umm al-Kitab).