Performing many supererogatory acts of worship

7-   Performing many supererogatory acts of worship:

Allaah The Almighty Says in a Qudsi Hadeeth (sacred narration): “…and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing voluntary good deeds, until I love him…”[Al-Bukhaari]

Conventionally speaking, drawing closer to Allaah The Almighty is usually done through performing additional good deeds and acts of worship besides the religious duties, because this is evidence of one’s keenness on satisfying his Lord. The slave who keeps doing good deeds, seems as if he is knocking on the door of his Lord hoping that it might be opened for him.

Hence, dear brother and sister in Allaah, I recommend you to observe the voluntary prayers.

Perform two Rak’ahs (units) before the Fajr (dawn) Prayer, as they are better than the world and all that it contains.

Perform four Rak’ahs in the forenoon (Dhuha Prayer), so that Allaah The Almighty protects you from all evils and trials. You would also be one of the best worshippers and slaves of Allaah The Almighty, as you will be recorded among the people who repent frequently.

Perform four Rak’ahs before and after the Thuhr (afternoon) Prayer, and your body will never suffer the fire of Hell.

Perform four Rak’ahs before the ‘Asr (late afternoon) Prayer and Allaah The Almighty will endow you with mercy from Him.

Perform two Rak’ahs after the Maghrib Prayer to revive the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

Perform two Rak‘ahs after the ‘Ishaa’ (night) Prayer.

Perform eleven Rak’ahs in the night prayer, which is the practice of the righteous people and their lifelong motto. It is also the honor of the believer and it is one of the greatest causes of expiating sins and misdeeds.

The least thing is to observe twelve voluntary Rak‘ahs every day and night, as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “If any Muslim slave (of Allaah) performs ablution perfectly and then prays, for the sake of Allaah, twelve Rak’ahs every day, other than the obligatory ones, Allaah will build for him a house in Paradise.” [Muslim]