Can we pray Sunnah and Nafl prayers in the Mosque?

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

It is better and preferable to offer the Sunnah and Nafl prayers at home. This is proven through the sayings of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasalam.

Saaiduna Ibn Umar Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasalam said: “Perform some of your prayers in your houses and do not make them graves.” (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

Imam Nawawi (RA) has said that what is referred to in this hadith is nafl prayers should be read in your houses.” (Sharh Muslim p.67 v.6)

Saaiduna Jabir Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasalam said: “When one of you finishes his prayer in his mosque, let him give his house a share of his prayer, for Allah (SWA) will create something good in his house from his prayer.” (Sahih Muslim)

Ibn Qadamah (RA) has written that it is more preferable to pray at home as it is closer to sincerity and furthest removed from showing off. (Al Mughni p.442 v.1)

However if a person fears that if he was to pray his sunnah and nafl at home there would not be that devotion and concentration or there is a fear of him forgetting then it will be more preferable for him to read it in the Mosque. (Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband p.227 v.4)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham