What is Salat al-Awabeen?
Salat al-Awabeen (صلاة الأوابين), meaning the "Prayer of the Oft-Returning (to Allah)," is a voluntary (Nafl) prayer performed after Salat al-Maghrib. It is one of the most virtuous Nafl prayers in Islam, praised by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for those who wish to draw closer to Allah through voluntary worship in the evening hours.
The Hadith About Awabeen
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever prays six rakats after Maghrib without speaking anything bad in between them, it will be equivalent to twelve years of worship for him." (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi). This extraordinary reward makes Awabeen one of the most efficient acts of worship a Muslim can perform.
Number of Rakats: Hanafi vs. Other Schools
- Hanafi School: 6 rakats in sets of 2, immediately after the 2 Sunnah of Maghrib.
- Shafi'i & Hanbali Schools: Awabeen is identified with Salat al-Duha. The evening 6-rakat prayer after Maghrib is still highly recommended.
- Maximum: One may pray up to 20 rakats after Maghrib as Awabeen.
Why Make Awabeen a Daily Habit?
In just 6 rakats, you earn a reward equivalent to 12 years of worship. This prayer is especially powerful for those who cannot wake for Tahajjud regularly. Making Awabeen a consistent part of your post-Maghrib routine transforms idle time into one of the most rewarding moments of your day.