Which 12 Rakahs earn a house in Paradise?

There are simple deeds that carry extraordinary rewards. One of these is performing the voluntary prayers that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently prayed alongside the obligatory prayers. In a beautiful hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever prays twelve rakahs in a day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim)

These twelve rakahs are connected to the daily obligatory prayers and form part of the Sunnah Mu’akkadah, the recommended prayers which the Prophet (peace be upon him) rarely missed. They are an opportunity not only to increase in closeness to Allah but also to invest in the akhirah.

The twelve rakahs are distributed as follows: two rakahs before Fajr, four before Dhuhr, two after Dhuhr, two after Maghrib, and two after Isha.

These extra efforts, when done regularly, are precious in the sight of Allah.

The two rakahs before Fajr are special. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding them:

“The two rakahs of Fajr are better than the world and all it contains.” (Sahih Muslim)

These moments before the busy day begins are filled with blessings and set the tone for the hours ahead.

Performing these prayers is not about burdening oneself but about gently weaving extra moments of worship into daily life. They serve as pillars that support and strengthen the structure of our faith. Over time, they become second nature.

May Allah make us among those who establish these prayers daily and who, through them, are granted homes of everlasting peace in Paradise.