Excellence of optional prayers

Note
: these extra 12 rakaats of optional prayers, according to Imam Nasaai and
Tirmithi are : 2 rakaats before the obligatory prayer of Early morning (fajr), and 4 rakaats
before (Duhr)
and 2 rakaats after it ,and 2 rakaats after the obligatory of early evening
prayer (magrib)
and 2 rakaats after the obligatory prayer of night (isha) prayer.

2.        Abu Huraira(RA)said : “My Khalil (friend) (the Prophet SAW) advised me to
observe three things and I shall not leave them till I die: a. “To observe
fasting three days every (lunar) month; b.” To offer the Duha prayer; c. To
offer Witr prayer before sleeping.” [Bukhari and Muslim.]

3.       Aisha narrated that the
Prophet(SAW)said : “The two rakaats before dawn
(fajr) prayer are better than the word and all that it contains.”
[Muslim. ]

4.       Aisha narrated that the Prophet
(SAW) was never more regular and strict in offering any Nawafil than the two
rakaats (sunnah
before) dawn (fajr)
prayer.     [Al-Bukhari and Muslim. ]

5.      One should make Witr as the last
salah (prayer) (at night). Abdullah bin Umar(RA)narrated thet the Prophet(SAW)
said : “Make Witr as your last salah (prayer) at
night.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim.]

6.      If anyone enters a mosque, he should
offer two raka’ah before sitting. Abu Qatada(RA) narrated that the Prophet
(SAW) said : “If any one of you enters a mosque, he
should pray two raka’ats before sitting.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim.]

7.      Abu Huraira(RA)narrated that Allah’s
Messenger(SAW) said to Bilal(RA) “Tell me about the
most hopeful act (i.e one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah)
you  have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of
the steps of your shoes in front of me in paradise.” Bilal said : “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that
whenever I make  ablution (wudoo) at any time of night or day, I offer
salah (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to offer[ Al-Bukhari
and Muslim.]