The Fajr prayer is the dawn daily prayer recited by practicing Muslims. It is the first of the five daily prayers (salah). The five daily prayers collectively form one pillar of the Five Pillars of Islam, in Sunni Islam, and one of (the ten) Furoo-ul-deen, according to Shia Islam.
The Fajr prayer is mentioned by name in the Qur'an at 24:58. And is considered by Muslims to be more precious than their entire lives, inspired by the tafsir of the two hadiths that were transmitted on behalf of the Prophet Muhammad which explain the worth of the Fajr daily prayer as being God's most-favoured prayer since others are asleep. This has made the Fajr daily prayer the most essential and obligatory congregational prayer to be held by Muslims together in groups in mosques.
For both types of Islam, the Fajr prayer requires two Fard raka'ah prayed aloud. However, two Sunnah raka'ah are highly recommended prior to the two Fard raka'ah.
The time period within which the Fajr daily prayer must be recited is as follows:
This makes the Fajr prayer an indication of the beginning of the Muslim daily obligatory fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.