The sunna before 'isha'

Question

Before the fard of 'isha', people usually pray four rak'as with the intention (niyya) of sunna. It is not an emphasized sunna — is it a non-emphasized sunna or not? If not, should it be prayed with the intention of sunna or of nafl? [Please answer] so that ordinary people may benefit.

Answer

This prayer is a non-emphasized sunna; it is also called nafl. The intention may be made either way.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.