Q 2: We offer six supererogatory Rak`ahs (unit of Prayer) before Zhuhr (Noon) Prayer, then the obligatory Salah, followed by another four supererogatory Rak`ahs. What is the ruling on this? A: It was authentically reported in the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) that "The Prophet (peace be upon him) never missed four (Rak`ahs) before the Zhuhr Prayer." (Related by Al-Bukhari) It was also reported on the authority of Um Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever observes the practice of performing four Rak`ahs before Zhuhr prayer and four after it, Allah will shield them against the Fire (of Hell)." (Related by Abu Dawud, Al-Nasa'y and Al-Tirmidhy, who said: It is a Hasan (good) Sahih (authentic) Hadith) It is also authentically reported on the authority of Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that he narrated, "I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) two Rak`ahs of (optional Salah) before Zhuhr and two after it." (Related by (Part No. 6; Page No. 121

A: It was authentically reported in the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) that "The Prophet (peace be upon him) never missed four (Rak`ahs) before the Zhuhr Prayer." (Related by Al-Bukhari) It was also reported on the authority of Um Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever observes the practice of performing four Rak`ahs before Zhuhr prayer and four after it, Allah will shield them against the Fire (of Hell)." (Related by Abu Dawud, Al-Nasa'y and Al-Tirmidhy, who said: It is a Hasan (good) Sahih (authentic) Hadith) It is also authentically reported on the authority of Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that he narrated, "I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) two Rak`ahs of (optional Salah) before Zhuhr and two after it." (Related by (Part No. 6; Page No. 121)  Al-Bukhari and Muslim) According to these Hadith and others, it becomes utterly clear that it is Mustahab (desirable) for the Muslim to regularly observe four Rak`ahs before Zhuhr prayer and another four Rak`ahs after it, following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and seeking this great reward. Whoever increases or decreases this, there is no blame on them, because the time before and after Zhuhr prayer is a time during which any number of supererogatory prayers is permissible.