The Significance and Virtue of the Ghafila Prayer

Question

Peace be upon you. Could you please clarify: 1) The relationship between the Ghafila prayer and heedlessness, 2) Its virtues. [AR_ID:907]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

1) The late Sayyid Khoei (may his soul rest in peace) mentioned that the reason for naming the time between the Maghrib and Isha prayers as the 'Hour of Ghafila' is that during the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), people would typically perform the Maghrib prayer at sunset, then return to their homes. After some time, they would return to the mosque for the Isha prayer. Thus, during this interval, they were mostly occupied with eating, drinking, or other activities, which is why this hour was called the Hour of Ghafila.

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2) As for its virtues, it has been narrated that:

First - It leads to the abode of honor and peace: It has been reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) that he said: 'Perform voluntary prayers during the Hour of Ghafila, even if it is just two light rak'ahs, for they will lead you to the abode of honor.' In another narration, it is referred to as 'the Abode of Peace,' which is Paradise.

Second - Whoever prays it and asks Allah for their needs, Allah will grant them what they ask for: It has been narrated from Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) that he said: 'Whoever prays two rak'ahs between the two Isha prayers, reciting in the first rak'ah Surah Al-Fatiha and the verse about the fish (Surah As-Saffat, verse 139) and in the second rak'ah Surah Al-Fatiha and the verse about the keys of the unseen (Surah Al-An'am, verse 59), and when he finishes the recitation, he raises his hands and says: 'O Allah, I ask You by the keys of the unseen that only You know, to send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and to grant me such and such.' Then he asks Allah for his needs, and Allah will grant him what he asks for.

May you be successful in all that is good.