The Purpose of Praying Salatul Hajat & How to Perform it

In Islam, there are five obligatory prayers that every Muslim must pray. It includes Fajr, Zohar, Asar, Maghrib, and Isha. But besides the obligatory prayers, there are voluntary prayers too in Islam. Tahajjud and salatul Hajat are some examples. Salatul Hajat is another voluntary prayer in Islam.  

The voluntary prayers are those that you can pray if you want to, however, it does not count as a sin if you miss them. Muslims usually pray the voluntary prayers (Nawafil) to add to their good deeds and to become closer to Allah subḥānahu wataʿālā. In this article, we will discuss the details of Salatul Hajat, the purpose of praying it, and the correct way to perform it. 

What is Salatul Hajat 

Salatul Hajat is a type of nafil prayer (Voluntary). Although salatul Hajat is not an obligatory prayer, it still has great value in eyes of Allah subḥānahu wataʿālā and is a way of getting all your duas (prayers) accepted. 

Salatul Hajat is also called the “prayer of need”. This means that Salatul Hajat is prayed by Muslims when they desperately need something or fulfillment of their wish. It is a means for Muslims to show their total dependence on Allah and their desire for His blessings and direction in every aspect of their daily lives. 

There are no unique Dua or Surah in Salatul Hajat; it is simply two Rakat of Nafil Namaz. After which one should make sincere supplications to Allah for the satisfaction of their needs. It is a powerful approach to connect with Allah and ask for His help when you are in trouble or need it. 

Meaning of Salatul Hajat 

The word “Salat” in the phrase “Salatul Hajat” refers to the five-times-daily Islamic religious prayer that Muslims practice. It is an obligatory act of worship and one of Islam’s five pillars. 

Salatul Hajat, on the other hand, describes a specific voluntary prayer. The word “Hajat” in Arabic means “to wish”. Salatul Hajat refers to a voluntary prayer that Muslims perform when they have a wish or desire, and they seek Allah’s guidance and assistance in fulfilling that wish.  

What is the Purpose of Salatul Hajat  

As it is called the “prayer of need”, the main purpose of praying salatul Hajat is to ask Allah subḥānahu wataʿālā for the fulfilment of a need or desire. Besides that, all the prayers have many benefits in Islam. They not only bring you closer to Allah but also is a source of better mental and physical health.  

As we grow up in life and jump from one phase to another, there’s always something on our next “want” list. As Muslims, we believe that Allah has all the knowledge, and power in the world. And he is the sole provider of everything, whether it is health, wealth, or literally anything. This is why we pray to him, and only to him for our needs and desires. 

Everyone has a different way of reaching out to their lord. Some perform long night prayers and make duas, whereas others fast and do regular tasbeeh. Salatul Hajat is another beautiful way of connecting with Allah, to let him know about what s is that you desire.  

It is mostly prayed for wishes and desires that have been delayed for a long time. Or when you are in need of something desperately. It is a powerful way of conveying your message to Allah. 

When Should You Pray Salatul Hajat 

You can pray salatul Hajat anytime you want to. However, it is recommended to be prayed in the last third of the night either before or after Tahajjud. 

Salatul Hajat cannot be prayed at times, which the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) prohibited us to pray nafil prayers.  

The Prophet of Allah said, “Do not pray at the hour of sunrise and at the time of sunset.” According to Ibn ‘Umar. [ Sahih Bukhari ] 

It is important to keep in mind that Salatul Hajat should not be prayed during the hours of prayer that are forbidden. Which include the period of time that follows the Fajr prayer until the sun has fully risen and the period of time that the sun begins to set. 

How to Pray Salatul Hajat (step by step)  

Salatul Hajat is prayed just like the other 5 obligatory prayers, However, only the intention is changed. The correct way to perform salatul Hajat step by step is given below. 

1. The first step is to make Wudu. The obligatory cleansing ritual in Islam.  

2. After making wudu, two rakats of salatul Hajat are offered with intention. They’re offered the exact same way as the fardh (obligatory) prayers are prayers. 

3. After you are done with performing two rakats, spend some time reciting duas, and durood shareef.  

4. The next step is to recite the dua of salatul Hajat.  

Dua for Salatul Hajat: 

لا إِلَهَ إلاَّ اللهُ الحَلِيمُ الكَرِيمُ، سُبْحَانَ اللهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ العَظِيمِ ، الحَمْدُ لِلهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِيْنَ ، أَسْأَلُكَ مُوجِبَاتِ رَحْمَتِكَ ، وَعَزَائِمَ مَغْفِرَتِكَ ، وَالْغَنِيمَةَ مِنْ كُلِّ بِرّ،ٍ وَالسَّلامَةَ مِنْ كُلِّ إِثْمٍ ،لاَ تَدَعْ لِيْ ذَنْباً إِلاَّ غَفَرْتَهُ، وَلاَ هَمَّاً إِلاَّ فَرَّجْتَهُ، وَلاَ حَاجَةً هِيَ لَكَ رِضاً إِلاَّ قَضَيتَهَا يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ 

“Only Allah, the Most Forgiving, the Ever-Generous, exists as a deity. Praise be to Allah, the Glorious Throne’s Lord. Glory be to Allah, the creator of all things. I pray for things that will result in Your mercy and Your entire pardon, including a fair share of all good deeds and protection from all vices. O Most Merciful of those who offer mercy, do not leave me with any sin that You do not pardon, any worry that You do not allay, and any need that I have that pleases You that You do not meet.” (Tirmidhi) 

5. The last step is to pray for whatever you desire, or for whatever specific you prayed salatul Hajat for. 

What Does Quran Say About Salatul Hajat? 

In Surah Al-Baqrah, verse no 186, Allah has asked the believers to reach out to him for all of their wishes and desires. 

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ 

“If My servants inquire about Me, tell them I’m close by, “Prophet.” They must believe in Me and acknowledge that I answer those who call upon Me if they want to receive guidance.” 

Hence, Allah, the Almighty, has promised to direct those who come to him in prayer in need and who are seeking to glorify him. 

In Surah Al-araf, verses no 205-206,  Allah subḥānahu wataʿālā has mentioned the correct way of asking for our hajaats. (wishes).  

وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْغَافِلِينَ 

[Prophet], recall your Lord inwardly, in all humility and awe, without shouting, in the mornings and in the evenings. 206 [Even] those who live in your Lord’s presence are not too proud to adore Him; they exalt Him and prostrate themselves before Him. 

Salatul Hajat in the light of Hadith 

Abdullah Ibn Aufa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Whoever has any need from Allah or from any of His creation, let him perform ablution and pray two rakat, and praise Allah well after salah and send durood on the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah be pleased with him), then let him recite the following dua: 

ا إِلَهَ إلاَّ اللهُ الحَلِيمُ الكَرِيمُ، سُبْحَانَ اللهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ العَظِيمِ ، الحَمْدُ لِلهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِيْنَ ، أَسْأَلُكَ مُوجِبَاتِ رَحْمَتِكَ ، وَعَزَائِمَ مَغْفِرَتِكَ ، وَالْغَنِيمَةَ مِنْ كُلِّ بِرّ،ٍ وَالسَّلامَةَ مِنْ كُلِّ إِثْمٍ ،لاَ تَدَعْ لِيْ ذَنْباً إِلاَّ غَفَرْتَهُ، وَلاَ هَمَّاً إِلاَّ فَرَّجْتَهُ، وَلاَ حَاجَةً هِيَ لَكَ رِضاً إِلاَّ قَضَيتَهَا يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ 

Translation: 

“Only Allah, the Most Forgiving, the Ever-Generous, exists as a deity. Praise be to Allah, the Glorious Throne’s Lord. Glory be to Allah, the creator of all things. I pray for things that will result in Your mercy and Your entire pardon, including a fair share of all good deeds and protection from all vices. O Most Merciful of those who offer mercy, do not leave me with any sin that You do not pardon, any worry that You do not allay, and any need that I have that pleases You that You do not meet.” (Tirmidhi) 

Benefits of Salatul Hajat 

All of the prayers in Islam hold great significance and serve as a way of becoming closer to the almighty Allah. However, the main purpose of voluntary prayers like Tahajjud, and salatul hajat is to add more good deeds and erase our sins specifically. They not only help believers in becoming closer to Allah but also help in the fulfilment of wishes and desires. 

1- Opportunity to Seek Guidance From Allah 

Clarity and direction from Allah can be obtained by praying Salatul Hajat when faced with tough situations or circumstances. It is a chance to ask Allah to guide you in making the right choices. Allah helps us by making us feel content with our decisions. He helps us by putting the right thing in our hearts. 

2- Fulfillment of Wishes 

Muslims believe that Allah is their ultimate provider and is able to provide all of their needs and desires. By asking Allah for assistance and intervention through Salatul Hajat, one might improve the likelihood that their desires will come true. 

3- Greater gratitude 

Offering Salatul Hajat to Allah might make one feel more thankful. Muslims can strengthen their gratitude for the blessings in their lives by acknowledging that everything comes from Allah and asking for His guidance and direction. 

4- Inner Peace and Happiness 

Prayer in general can give one a feeling of inner calm and peace. By allowing one to put their trust in Allah and ask for His assistance in overcoming their issues, praying Salatul Hajat in particular can reduce stress and worry. 

Final Words 

In conclusion, Salatul Hajat is a voluntarily offered prayer by Muslims to ask Allah for direction and guidance when they are in need. Muslims can strengthen their bond with Allah and depend more on Him by reciting this prayer. Many advantages can result from praying Salatul Hajat, including inner tranquilly, wish fulfilment, and protection from harm. Ultimately, it is a strong resource that Muslims can use in trying times and a reminder of Allah’s boundless kindness and grace. 

Salatul Hajat FAQS  

What is salatul Hajat? 

Salatul Hajat is also called the “prayer of need”. This means that Salatull Hajat is prayed by Muslims when they desperately need something or fulfillment of their wish. 

How many Rakats in salatul Hajat? 

To pray salatul Hajat you can pray a minimum of 2 rakats and then make supplications for whatever you desire. 

Can you Pray Salatul Hajat every day? 

Yes, you can pray Salatul Hajat every day.  

What is the best time to pray Salatul Hajat? 

You can pray salatul Hajat anytime you want to. However, it is recommended to be prayed in the last third of the night either before or after Tahajjud. Salatul Hajat cannot be prayed at times, which the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) prohibited us to pray nafil prayers 

Which Dua should be recited in Salatul Hajat? 

According to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), the supplication that should be recited is as follow. 

“There is no deity but Allah, the Most Forbearing, the Ever-Generous. Glory be unto Allah, Lord of the Great Throne. Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. I ask you for those things that bring about Your mercy and Your complete forgiveness; [for] a full portion of every righteous act, and safety from every vice. Do not leave any sin of mine except that You forgive it; any anxiety except that You relieve it; nor any need of mine that pleases You except that You fulfill it, O Most Merciful of those who show mercy.” 

Is Salatul Hajat Sunnah or Nafil? 

Salatul Hajat is a type of nafil prayer as it is a voluntary prayer.