Solat Hajat is a special prayer that serves as a way for Muslims to connect with Allah (SWT) and seek His assistance when they are in need or have specific desires or goals. It is a form of supplication where one seeks divine intervention to fulfill a need, whether for personal, spiritual, or worldly concerns. The act of performing Solat Hajat is highly recommended in Islam, especially when one is experiencing hardship or has important matters to resolve. As outlined by Islamic scholars such as Syekh Nawawi Banten, this prayer is an act of humility, devotion, and trust in Allah’s mercy. In this guide, we will explore the detailed steps on how to properly perform Solat Hajat, including its requirements, steps, and supplications to be recited.
Here, we will break down the following key points to help guide you through performing Solat Hajat:
- Niat (Intention) for Solat Hajat
- Performing the Solat (Prayer)
- Reading Surah Al-Fatihah, Ayat Kursi, and Surah Al-Ikhlas
- Post-Solat Supplications and Duas
- Important Guidelines and Tips
How to Perform Solat Hajat
A. Niat (Intention) for Solat Hajat
The first step before beginning Solat Hajat is to make the intention (niat) in your heart, as intention is key in all acts of worship in Islam. The intention should be sincere and focused on seeking Allah’s mercy to fulfill a particular need or desire. You can make the intention silently or verbally. Here is the niat for Solat Hajat:
- Arabic Niat: أُصَلِّيْ سُنَّةَ الحَاجَةِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ أَدَاءً لِلهِ تَعَالَى
- Translation: “I intend to perform the two Rak’ahs of the Sunnah prayer of Hajat for the sake of Allah.”
It is important to understand that the intention is to request Allah’s help, and it can be for any necessity, such as seeking relief from hardship, success in an endeavor, or solving a particular problem.
B. Performing the Solat (Prayer)
Once the niat is made, you can begin performing the Solat Hajat. This prayer can be performed with two or twelve Rak’ahs (units of prayer). Both options are valid, but the more common practice is to perform two Rak’ahs. Below are the detailed steps for performing the Solat Hajat:
- Stand in a clean and quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
- Begin with Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar) to start the prayer.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah in the first Rak’ah, followed by a Surah of your choice (Surah Al-Ikhlas is highly recommended).
- Perform Rukuk (bowing) and then rise back to standing position.
- Proceed to Sujud (prostration), and then sit in the Tashahhud position.
- After completing the first Rak’ah, stand up for the second Rak’ah.
- Repeat the same process: recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a Surah, perform Rukuk, Sujud, and Tashahhud.
- After completing the second Rak’ah, end the prayer with Taslim (saying Assalamu Alaikum) to the right and left sides.
Table: Summary of the Steps for Solat Hajat
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Niat (Intention) | Make the sincere intention for Solat Hajat. |
| Step 2 | Takbir | Start with “Allahu Akbar” to begin the prayer. |
| Step 3 | Recite Surah Al-Fatihah | In the first Rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a short Surah. |
| Step 4 | Rukuk (Bowing) | Bow down and praise Allah in the Rukuk position. |
| Step 5 | Sujud (Prostration) | Perform Sujud to show humility to Allah. |
| Step 6 | Tashahhud (Sitting) | After the second Rak’ah, sit for the Tashahhud and complete the prayer. |
| Step 7 | Taslim | End the prayer by turning the head to the right and left sides. |
C. Reading Surah Al-Fatihah, Ayat Kursi, and Surah Al-Ikhlas
In Solat Hajat, it is highly recommended to recite certain Surahs to elevate the prayer. The following Surahs and Ayahs should be recited in the prayer:
- Surah Al-Fatihah: This is the opening Surah of the Qur’an and must be recited in every Rak’ah of the prayer.
- Ayat Kursi: It is highly encouraged to recite Ayat Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255) after Al-Fatihah in every Rak’ah for added blessings and protection from harm.
- Surah Al-Ikhlas: After reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, Surah Al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) is commonly recited for its benefits in seeking Allah’s mercy and help.
Benefits of These Surahs:
- Surah Al-Fatihah: Opening of prayer, seeking Allah’s guidance.
- Ayat Kursi: Protection and blessings from Allah.
- Surah Al-Ikhlas: Emphasizes the oneness of Allah.
D. Post-Solat Supplications and Duas
After completing the two Rak’ahs of Solat Hajat, it is encouraged to make duas (supplications), asking Allah for what is needed. The following supplications are recommended to recite after the prayer:
- First Supplication: سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي لَبِسَ العِزَّ وَقَالَ بِهِ… (Read the full supplication as mentioned in the text)
- Second Supplication (based on hadith): لاَ إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ الحَلِيمُ الكَرِيْمُ…
- Personal Duas: After reciting the recommended duas, you can make personal supplications to Allah, asking Him to grant you success in your endeavors, ease in your difficulties, or fulfilling any specific needs you may have.
E. Important Guidelines and Tips
- Timing: Solat Hajat can be performed at any time, but it is best performed in the quiet hours of the night.
- Frequency: It is recommended to perform the prayer as often as needed, especially when facing difficulties or significant challenges.
- Sincerity: Approach the prayer with sincerity, humility, and trust in Allah’s mercy.
- Post-Salat Supplications: Always take time to make personal duas after finishing the prayer, as this is the time when your supplications are most likely to be accepted.
In conclusion, Solat Hajat is a powerful and effective way to seek help from Allah when facing challenges or when needing divine intervention in any area of life. By following the correct procedure for performing the prayer, reciting the recommended Surahs, and making sincere supplications, one can strengthen their connection with Allah and increase their chances of receiving His mercy and assistance. Whether performed for personal needs, spiritual growth, or worldly matters, Solat Hajat serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in Allah’s power and mercy. Through this act of worship, a Muslim can find solace, clarity, and support in their times of need.