The main difference Between Fajr and Subh is that Fajr is the term referring to the sunnah prayer performed in the morning. 'Subh,' on the other hand, pertains to the fard morning prayer.
One of the five pillars of Islam is to pray daily. Prayer is considered to be a "religio-spiritual obligation." In other words, it's one of those things that has a moral obligation associated with it and the spiritual one.
Knowledge of some common Arabic words is essential for every Muslim. Most Muslims are aware of Fajr and Subh and how to pronounce these words. But many have a problem understanding the difference between the two words.
So, in this article, I will guide you to remove the confusion and enlighten you on every information you need to know about the differences between Fajr and Subh.
What is Fajr?
Fajr is one of the two times when Muslims are supposed to pray. It is compulsory for all Muslims in the five daily prayers. Fajr is considered a time of great spiritual importance because it signifies awakening from the sleep of Nafs (self). A time of spiritual refreshment and advancement, it is a very important moment in the life of a Muslim.
Fajr means "To emerge" - hence to be awakened from one's dream or sleep caused mostly by Nafs, the soul or ego.
What is Subh (Sahbi)?
Subh or Sahbi is another name given to the time when Sunrises. Muslims living in different parts of the world have different names for their time for waking up from sleep, but "Subh" or "Sahbi" is common among them all. "Subh" is also a time of great spiritual importance because it signifies the Nafs' "Dreaming" emergence. It is a very important moment in the life of a Muslim. Muslims are required to pray Subh and Fajr prayer at the same time.
Pastors aware of different names for every part of the day should be alert to this trend and adjust their services accordingly.
Differences Between Fajr and Subh
So now you might be confused a little about "which prayer do I have to pray?" And if you are a new Muslim convert, there is no chance that you are not confused. So how would you know the answer to this question? It is easy to figure out if you are in a country with two different times for prayers.
Signification
When it comes to Maliki terminology, 'Fajr' pertains to the "sunnah prayer" in the morning, and "Subh" relates to the "Fard, or the Obligatory Prayers" in the morning. Some organizations may use other vocabulary and terms, and many will often refer to morning prayers as "Fajr" to refer to them, and it is completely incorrect at all.
Order
There is a distinction when you refer to the Ishraq salah as Subh prayer. Fajr begins at Subh Sadiq and lasts till daybreak, with the Ishraq salah (voluntary) beginning twelve mins later.
In Islam, the Fajr prayer is among the five obligatory salah (prayer sessions). Since the Islamic day begins at sundown, the Fajr prayer is technically the third prayer performed each day. It is normally the very first prayer of the day if the prayers are started at midnight.
Comparison Chart: Fajr Vs Subh
Area | Fajr | Subh (Sahbi) |
Time of prayer | Muslims perform numerous prayers. Fajr is one of the five daily prayers that a Muslim must perform. The Fajr prayer is expected to be performed in the early morning before sunrise and then again before sunrise at the end of the Fajr prayer (Subh). An optional time known as Dhuhr or Zuhr can be taken between these two prayers (Subh and Fajr). | The early morning prayer that follows Fajr is prescribed for those who can make it before the sun rises, even if this entails great hardship. In Islam, it is an obligation for each Muslim to attend Subh prayer in the congregation. |
The person announcing the prayer | The dawn prayer that breaks the night is prescribed for everyone in Islam; it is offered three times every day, according to Sunnah, and most scholars agree that it should be offered at least in the congregation. | The time of Subh prayer is announced by an announcement called Iqama. The person who announces the Iqama may be referred to as the Mu'adhin (one who calls to prayer). Muslims in every city and town are expected to attend the Iqama because a highly respected person usually gives it. It may be a sheik, a preacher, or even a well-known celebrity in their community. |
Announcement | The Fajr prayer time is announced by an announcement called Adhan (Azan). This term means "call." The person who announces the Adhan may be referred to as the Muezzin (one who calls to prayer). Muslims in every city and town are expected to attend the Adhan because they usually give it highly respected. It may be a sheik, a preacher, or even a well-known celebrity in their community. The Adhan is made at dawn (Tahajjud), although no specific time for it has been prescribed in Islam. | Subh or Sahbi is another name given to the time when Sunrises. Muslims living in different parts of the world have different names for their time for waking up from sleep, but "Subh" or "Sahbi" is common among them all. "Subh" is also a time of great spiritual importance because it signifies the Nafs' "Dreaming" emergence. |
Similitudes
Although I have mentioned a couple of differences between the two, most people identify the two as the same. Most people say that there is no distinction between fajr and Subh prayers; they are both prayers of submission. It is made up of two rak'ahs of music. The time for this prayer comes once the genuine daybreak begins to tear and continues until the sun comes up in the sky above. There is also a prayer that occurs before it, which consists of 2 rak'ahs, which is called the Sunnah of Subh or the two rak'ahs of Fajr, and it is performed before it.
FAQ
What is the difference between Dhuhr, Subh, and Asr prayers?
The difference between these three prayers lies in their names, timings, and duration.
Which prayer should be offered when praying three times? Could it be Dhuhr or Subh prayer?
It is incumbent upon Muslims to offer mandatory prayers at their due fixed times. However, if a Muslim has not offered one of these obligatory prayers because he could not do so, he must appoint another time for its offering and complete it.
Conclusion
Now you might have been confused and begun to question a lot of things that a Muslim pray, but still, you have started following the instructions related to prayer; it means that your relationship to all the prayers has taken an important step in your life.
Perhaps the only step left is to start praying, which can be done by either contacting a local mosque or reading this article will make it easy for you who do not know how to pray properly.