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Is it permissible to do more than twoRak’ahs after doing Wudu?

25-08-1999

Question 5253

Is it permissible for us to pray more than two rak’ahs after doing Wudu, as narrated in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said to Bilaal, “O Bilaal, tell me which is the deed in Islam in which you put most of your hope, for I have heard the sound of your sandals in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal said, “I do not do any deed in which I place more hope than this: I do not purify myself at any time of night or day, but I then pray as much as Allah decrees I should pray.” (Agreed upon)?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

The Sunnah is to pray two Rak’ahs after making Wudu, because of the hadeeth of Bilaal mentioned in the question, and other reports. But it is permissible for a person to pray as many naafil prayers as he wishes in addition to the two rak’ahs, except at times when naafil prayers are not allowed.

And Allah is the source of strength. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

Ablution Before Prayer
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