Pray the Nafl Prayers (Sunnah) Regularly
Um Habibah narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever prays twelve rak`ahs in a day and night, a house will be built from him in Paradise: four rak`ahs before Zhuhr, two rak`ahs after it, two rak`ahs after Maghrib, two rak`ahs after `Isha’, and two rak`ahs before Fajr in the morning Salat.” (At-Trimidhi)
Nafl or Sunnah prayers are very beneficial and important. Offering the Sunnah acts of worship is a sign and evidence for following the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is optional and voluntary. The Muslim is not sinful for neglecting nafl, but is rewarded for doing it. Therefore, nafl worship is recommended. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) narrated from Allah Most High that He said, “And my servant continues to draw closer to me by voluntary actions until I love him…” (Al-Bukhari)
It was also narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The first thing that the people will be called to account for on the Day of Resurrection will be the prayers. Our Lord will say to the angels although He knows better: ‘Look into the prayer (formal obligatory prayer) of my servant to see if he observed it perfectly or has been negligent in it.’ So if he observed it perfectly it will be recorded to his credit, but if he had been negligent in it in any way, Allah would say: ‘See if My servant has any extra prayers.’ Then if he has any extra prayers, Allah would say: ‘Make up the deficiency in My servant’s obligatory prayer with his supererogatory prayers.’ Thereafter all his actions will be examined in like manner”. (Abu Dawud)
Voluntary prayers, whether in gratitude for Allah’s numerous bounties or for guidance, or a need help us find direction in life, supplement our spiritual efforts, and enter us into the infinite grace and mercy of Allah. Allah the Almighty says,
Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do. (Al-`Ankabut 29:45)
Prayer is indeed the ultimate gift.
In this short video, Dr. Muhammad Salah gives us some advice on how to pray the nafl prayers regularly.
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Source: Huda Youtube Channel.