How to perform salat al Awwabin?

Salat al-Awwabin, which literally means the salah of those who turn to Allah alone, is commonly used to refer to the six supererogatory rak’ahs that are prayed after Maghrib. However, in an authentic hadith, the term salat al-awwabin refers to salat al-duha: the pre noon prayer. In one hadith it is mentioned that the blessed Prophet (may peace and salutations be upon him) went to the people of Quba when they were praying Salat al-Duha. He said, “Salat al-awwabin is to be offered at the time when a young camel’s hooves are scorched.” This hadith indicates that salat al-awwabin is the salah which is offered prior to noon [Salat al-Duha].

Nevertheless, there is no harm in referring to the six supererogatory rak’ahs after Maghrib as Salat al-Awwabin in terms of its meaning [the salah of those who turn to Allah alone]. The hadith of Tirmidhi narrates the virtue of Salat al-Awwabin. Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him) reports that Rasulullah (may peace and salutations be upon him) said, "Whosoever offers six rak’ahs after Maghrib and does not speak of any evil within that time, he will receive the reward of twelve years of worship."

The Prophet said:

“Whoever offers a prayer between the evening and late-night prayer, it is called the awabeen prayer.” (Ibn Mubarak, el-Raqaik).

The hadith simply states that one must offer six rak'ahs of salah to attain the said reward. Some scholars hold the opinion that the two sunnahs are included in these six while others say that they are excluded. Therefore, one should try to offer six rak'ahs after the two sunnahs, but if only four are offered, it will suffice.

How to perform salat al Awwabin