Check out the main differences between Bohra and Sunni namaz, from how they time their prayers to the unique rituals and rakats, shaped by their Shia and Sunni roots.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Research suggests that Bohra namaz (Dawoodi Bohra, a Shia sect) and Sunni namaz differ mainly in timing and rituals.
- Bohras likely pray five times but combine some prayers into three time slots, while Sunnis typically pray five separate times.
- The evidence leans toward Bohras following Shia prayer rituals, like keeping arms by their sides, differing from Sunni practices.
Timing
Bohras often combine Zuhr and Asr and Maghrib and Isha, praying three times a day (Fajr, Zuhr-Asr, Maghrib-Isha), historically due to persecution. Sunnis usually pray each of the five prayers at their respective times, though combining is sometimes allowed, like during travel.
Rituals
Bohras, as Shias, follow different prayer rituals, such as keeping arms by their sides, using specific words like “Alhamdolillahi Rabil Alameen” after Surah al-Fatiha, and including qunoot in the second rakat, unlike Sunnis who fold arms and use different phrases.
Number of Rakats
Bohras and Sunnis have the same number of rakats for each prayer (Fajr: 2, Zuhr: 4, Asr: 4, Maghrib: 3, Isha: 4), but Bohras perform them in combined sessions.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Differences Between Bohra and Sunni Namaz
This detailed analysis explores the differences between Bohra namaz, explicitly focusing on the Dawoodi Bohra community (a prominent Shia sect), and Sunni namaz, based on extensive research from various reliable sources.
The investigation began by understanding the user’s query and identifying that Bohras are a Shia subgroup, necessitating a comparison with Sunni practices, one of Islam’s major branches.
The analysis involved examining general Shia-Sunni prayer differences and pinpointing specific Bohra practices, particularly timing and rituals.
Background and Context
The Dawoodi Bohras are part of the Fatimi Ismaili Tayyibi school of thought within Shia Islam.
They trace their heritage to the Fatimi imams, descendants of Prophet Muhammad through Imam Ali and Fatima.
Their faith emphasizes adherence to Islamic pillars, including the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and other religious practices ordained by Sharia.
On the other hand, Sunnis follow the majority denomination, focusing on the Sunnah (Muhammad’s exemplary behavior) and differing historically over the succession after Muhammad, leading to distinct practices.
Research began by exploring general differences between Shia and Sunni prayer, as Bohras, being Shia, would likely follow these traditions.
Sources like Medina Minds—Sunni Prayer vs Shia Prayer and Islam Stack Exchange—Differences between Sunni and Shia prayer provided detailed comparisons, which were then tailored to Bohra practices using community-specific sources like The Dawoodi Bohras—About the Bohras and forums such as Dawoodi Bohra Forum—Why do Bohras pray three times a day?
Key Differences in Prayer Timing
A significant difference identified is the timing of prayers.
While Bohras and Sunnis perform five daily prayers (Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha), Bohras often combine prayers into three time slots. Specifically, they pray Fajr separately, combine Zuhr and Asr, and combine Maghrib and Isha.
This practice, as noted in the forum discussion, originated during the reign of Aurangzeb when Bohras faced prosecution, leading the Syedna to reduce the number of times they needed to leave their homes for prayers to three, combining mid-afternoon (Asr) with Zuhr and Isha with Maghrib.
Despite this, all five prayers are performed in fewer sessions.
In contrast, Sunnis typically pray each of the five prayers at their respective times.
However, some Sunni schools (e.g., Hanafi) allow combining under specific conditions like travel or necessity, as in Wikipedia – Shia–Sunni relations.
This combination practice for Bohras is supported by hadith interpretations, with some Shia beliefs suggesting Hz.
Ali prayed three times a day, backed by hadith from the Prophet’s ascension, indicating flexibility in prayer timing.
Detailed Ritual Differences
Beyond timing, the rituals of Bohra namaz align with broader Shia practices, which differ from Sunni methods in several ways, as detailed in the following table based on Medina Minds – Sunni Prayer vs Shia Prayer:
| Aspect | Sunni Prayer | Shia Prayer (Bohra) |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Position | Arms folded in various positions (below navel to chest, right over left) | Arms straight by the sides |
| Raising Hands for Allahu Akbar | Not mentioned to raise hands for each Allahu Akbar | Usually raise hands for each Allahu Akbar |
| Words After Ruku | Usually say “Rabbanaa wa la kal-hamd” | Do not say “Rabbanaa wa la kal-hamd” |
| Ameen After Surah al Hamd | Say Ameen | Usually say “Alhamdolillahi Rabil Alameen” |
| Sitting Position Words | Usually say “Rabbighfirli wa irhamni” (optional) | Usually say “Astaghfirullahi Rabii Wa Atoobu Ilaihi” |
| Qunoot in 2nd Rakat | Have a qunoot in the 2nd rakat | Have qunoot in the 2nd rakat |
| Tahashud Wording in 2nd Rakah | Different wording | Different wording from Sunni |
| 3rd/4th Rakah Recitation | Recite Surah Fatiha | Recite “Subhaaanallahi wal Hamdolillahi wa laa ilaaha illallahu Allahu Akbar” |
| After Sajda to Qiyam | Do not have Qunoot in the 2nd rakat | Sit down then get up into qiyam, say “Bihawlillahi ta’aala wa quwatai hi wa aqoomo wa aqud” |
| Salah Ending | Ends with “Assalamuallaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu” in standing position, no takbir at end | Ends with “Assalamuallaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu” in sitting position, Takbir 3 times as mustahab |
| Bismillah Recitation | Say “Bismillah” out loud in loud salah (Sha’afi only, others do not) | Recite Bismillah loudly in every Salah |
| Fajar, Maghrib, Isha Recitation | Not specified for aloud recitation in all parts | Read everything aloud (sajda, ruku, tashahud, qunoot) except 3rd/4th rakah qiyam |
| Zuhar, Asar Recitation | Not specified for aloud recitation in all parts | Recite everything aloud except Surah Fatiha, selected surahs, 3rd/4th rakah qiyam, but Bismillah aloud |
| Surah After Fatiha | Get up straight into Qiyam | Highly recommended to read Surah Ikhlaas in 2nd rakah, only surah readable in both rakahs |
These differences stem from theological interpretations, with Shias (including Bohras) following practices that align with the Prophet’s family, particularly Imam Ali, as noted in Wikipedia – Shia–Sunni relations.
For instance, Shias place their forehead on a clay tablet (mohr) or soil during prostration, a common practice among Bohras, while Sunnis typically use a prayer mat.
Number of Rakats and Structural Similarities
Despite these differences, the number of rakats for each prayer remains consistent between Bohras and Sunnis, as confirmed by a comment on a blog post, DAWOODI BOHRA NAMAZ AND ENGLISH TRANSLATION: LEARN DAWOODI BOHRA NAMAZ IN ENGLISH, stating there is “very little difference between Sunni and Bohra Namaz as far as action and numbers of rakat and salams are concerned.” Specifically:
- Fajr: 2 rakats
- Zuhr: 4 rakats
- Asr: 4 rakats
- Maghrib: 3 rakats
- Isha: 4 rakats
However, Bohras perform these rakats in combined sessions due to their prayer timing practice, which does not alter the total number but affects how they are scheduled.
Additional Bohra-Specific Practices
Bohras have additional practices not typically found in Sunni Islam, such as “vasheq namaz,” which is mentioned in the same blog post and is similar to nafal (voluntary) prayers performed on essential nights.
This aligns with their Shia identity, emphasizing additional devotional acts, as seen in community discussions on Reddit – r/exBohra on Difference in Azaan and Namaz, which also noted differences in the call to prayer (Azaan), though that is separate from the prayer itself.
Community and Historical Context
The Dawoodi Bohra community’s prayer practices are managed by local Amils (leaders appointed by the Dai) at mosques, as noted in Wikipedia – Dawoodi Bohra, where they lead daily prayers and preside over sermons.
Their practices are deeply rooted in Fatimi traditions.
They focus on community congregation, especially during events like Ashara Mubaraka, as seen in The Dawoodi Bohras—Dawoodi Bohras Observe Ashara Mubaraka at Home.
This communal aspect reinforces their unique identity, including shared Islamic practices and distinct Shia-Bohra elements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between Bohra and Sunni namaz are primarily in the timing (combining prayers into three time slots) and the specific rituals (following Shia methods, such as arm position, recitation, and additional practices like qunoot).
While the number of rakats remains the same, how prayers are performed and scheduled reflects Bohras’ Shia heritage and historical adaptations.
This analysis ensures a comprehensive understanding, acknowledging the complexity and richness of both traditions.
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