Salat-ul-Ghadah

Q: What is Salat-ul-Ghadah and the time and manner related to its offering? What is the wisdom behind offering it?

A: Salat-ul-Ghadah is the Morning Prayer, that is, the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer which is one of the Five Obligatory Prayers due to be offered by Muslims every day. It is offered after its time is due, starting from the break of Al-Fajr-ul-Sadiq (true dawn) until sunrise. It is Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) to offer it while it is still dark and to prolong it until early morning, before sunrise, but in a way that does not cause fatigue to the Ma'mums (persons being led by an Imam in Prayer). It consists of two Rak`ahs (units of Prayer) in which the Qur'an is recited loudly.As for the wisdom behind it, it is one of the obligatory acts enjoined by Allah (Exalted be He) upon His Servants to show obedience to Him, as in all other acts of worship. Therefore, anyone who offers it together with other obligations as legally prescribed will be greatly rewarded; otherwise, they will lose (Part No. 5; Page No. 108) much.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.