It is recommended (mustahab) to pray four rakat before the ‘Asr prayer and it is one the sunnahs of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
Many islamic books contain entire chapters dedicated to these four rakat, containing many hadith that speak of its virtues.
The benefits of praying four rakat before ‘Asr
- The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) made a special dua for those who pray them
- A house will be built in Paradise for the person
- It will serve as a protection against the hellfire
The special status of the ‘Asr prayer
To understand the significance of this four rakat before the afternoon prayer, we first need to establish the sigificance of the ‘Asr prayer itself.
Allah the Most High has singled out the ‘Asr prayer above all other prayers when He said:
“Observe the ˹five obligatory˺ prayers, especially the middle prayer [‘Asr], and stand in true devotion to Allah.” (Qur’an, 2:238).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) emphasised the seriousness of missing it and described it as loss of family and wealth, when he said:
“Whoever misses ‘Asr prayer, it is as if he has lost his family and his wealth.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari (552) and Muslim (626)).
Just as the ‘Asr prayer is the most important and virtues of all the five obligatory prayers, the sunnah prayer associated with it is also highly rewarding and important.
Hadith 1 – Praying 4 Rakat before ‘Asr is Sunnah
‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib said:
“Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) would pray four rak’ahs before the ‘Asr Prayer separating between them with sending salām (tasleem) upon the angels that are close to Allah and upon those who follow them from the Muslims and the believers.”
(Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi (429) in the chapter “What Has Been Related About The Four (Rak’ah) Before Asr”, Al-Nasa’i (874), Ibn Majah (1161) and Ahmad (650). Classed as Hasan (good) by Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani).
This hadith proves that the Messenger of Allah (saw) used to pray before ‘Asr prayer so it’s a Sunnah.
Hadith 2 – Allah will have mercy on the one who prays these four rakat
Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “May Allah have mercy on a person who prays four rak’ahs before Asr.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawud (1271) in the chapter “The Prayer Before ‘Asr”, Al-Tirmidhi (430) in the chapter “What Has Been Related About The Four (Rak’ah) Before Asr” and by Ahmad (5980) in his Musnad. It was classed as Sahih (authentic) by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih (2453) and Ahmad Shakir in his commentary on Musnad Ahmad (5/325). It was classed as Hasan (good) by Al-Mundhiri in al-Targheeb (1/275), Shuaib Al-Arna’oot in his commentary on “Ibn Hibban” (6/206) and by Al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abu Dawud (1271)).
A person who prays these four units will have received the supplication of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for Allah’s mercy. As we know, the supplications of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is always accepted! So whoever wishes for Allah’s mercy (i.e. His Forgiviness and Paradise) should make it a habit to regularly pray these optional rakat before the afternoon prayer.
Hadith 3 – A house will be build in Jannah
Umm Habiba reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever observes four units of prayer before the afternoon (Asr) prayer, Allah Almighty builds a house for him in Paradise.”
(Narrated by Abu Ya’la (7137). Al-Busiri said: “The narration was reported by Abu Ya’la, and in its chain is Muhammad ibn (Sa’id) Al-Mu’adhin. Al-Hafidh Al-Mundhiri said, “It is not known who he is.” I say, “Al-Bayhaqi declared him reliable, and the remaining narrators in the chain are trustworthy.” (Ithaf al-Khayyirah al-Muhrah (2316)). Hussein Salim Asad Al-Darani said in his checking of the Musnad: “Its chain of transmission is good”)).
Imagine the immense reward of praying these four rakat consistently for just one year; you will build for yourself 365 special mansions and palaces in Jannah!
Hadith 4 – Protection against the hell fire
There are also a number of weak narrations that indicate that whoever prays these four rakat will be forgiven and protected against the hellfire. The meanings of these reports are supported by the words of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): “May Allah have mercy on a person who prays four rak’ahs before Asr.” The greatest manifestation of Allah’s mercy on a servant is if he is forgiven and protected from the hellfire, may Allah make us amongst them!
Abdullah ibn ‘Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever prays four units (rak’ahs) before the afternoon prayer, the fire of hell will not touch him.” (Narrated by Al-Aqili in “Al-Du’afa Al-Kabeer” (4/463), Al-Tabarani in “Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat” (2580) and Abu Nu’aym in “Al-Hilya” (3/305) through various chains).
There is a difference of opinion on one of the narrators, Abdul Karim Abu Umayyah. Imam Malik narrated from him in his Muwatta and Shu’bah ibn Al-Hajjaj said about him: “Write from him, for he is an honourable man who does not lie.” (Ikmal Tahdheeb Al-Kamal (8/292)). The majority of scholars, however, such as Imam Ahmad, Yahya Ibn Ma’een, Yahya al-Qattan and Ibn Hajar, have deemed him to be weak. Al-Haythami commented in Majma’ al-Zawa’id (2/225): “It includes Abdul Karim Abu Umayyah and he is weak.” It was classed as Da’if by Al-Albani in Silsilah Ahadith ad-Da’ifah (5056) after examining all the chains.
Umm Salama reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever prays four rakat before the afternoon prayer, Allah makes his body forbidden upon the fire.” (Narrated by Al-Tabarani (23/281) (611). Classed as weak by Al-Albaani in Da’if al-Targheeb wa al-Tarheeb (328)).
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever prays four rak’ahs before the afternoon prayer, Allah will forgive him.” (Narrated by Al-Khatib in “Tareekh Baghdad” (14/308). Badr al-Din Al-Ayni said in Umda Al Qari (7/341): Al-Hasan did not hear from Abu Hurayrah).
How to perform the 4 rakat before Asr
Is it better to pray these four rakat together with one tasleem or pray them two by two?
The scholars have a difference of opinion on this issue.
According to Imam ash-Shafi’i and Imam Ahmad, all the voluntary prayers of the day and night should be prayed two at a time.
Others scholars, however, say that it is better to pray the four rakat together with one tasleem at the end. This is the Madhab of Imam Abu Hanifa. At-Tirmidhi, after narrating the aforementioned hadith of Ali, said: “Ishaq ibn Ibrahim would not separate the four rakat before the afternoon prayer into twos, and he used this hadith as evidence.”
Whichever method you choose, your prayer will be valid Insha’Allah.
Conclusion
The four rakat before the ‘Asr prayer is special prayer that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would pray and would make special Dua for those that prayed them, invoking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. Additionally, a house will be built in Paradise for the one who prays these four rakat so let those who seek a luxurious life in Jannah with many mansions, apartments and houses make it a habit of praying these four rakat before ‘Asr. It requires a little effort but the rewards are immense.
