Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 195

The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) along with the Obligatory Prayers

باب فضل السنن الراتبة مع الفرائض وبيان أقلها وأكملها وما بينهما

This chapter turns from the obligatory prayers to the voluntary ones that surround them. These extra units of prayer are a way to draw nearer to Allah beyond what is required.

The hadith here highlight the steady reward in keeping such optional prayers and the gentle openings between the call to prayer and its starting that invite a believer to pray a little more. The tone is encouraging rather than commanding, leaving room for the worshipper's own choice.

Hadith 1097

Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) the Mother of the Believers reported:

عن أم المؤمنين أم حبيبة رملة بنت أبي سفيان، رضي الله عنهما، قالت سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، يقول‏:‏ ما من عبد مسلم يصلي لله تعالى كل يوم ثنتي عشرة ركعة تطوعًا غير الفريضة، إلا بنى الله له بيتًا في الجنة أو‏:‏ إلا بني له بيت في الجنة‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak'ah of optional Salat other than the obligatory Salat in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allah)." [Muslim].

In plain words

A house in Paradise is promised for the Muslim who, seeking Allah's pleasure, regularly prays twelve units of voluntary prayer beyond the obligatory ones in a day and night. A small daily habit with a great reward.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1097 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 107

Hadith 1098

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما، قال‏:‏ صليت مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، ركعتين قبل الظهر وركعتين بعدها، وركعتين بعد الجمعة، وركعتين بعد المغرب، وركعتين بعد العشاء‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) two Rak'ah of optional prayers before Zuhr and two after the Zuhr (noon prayer), and two after the Friday prayer, and two after the Maghrib (evening) prayer, and two after the 'Isha' (night) prayer." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Ibn Umar describes the optional prayers he saw the Prophet keep around the obligatory ones: two before and after Zuhr, two after the Friday prayer, two after Maghrib, and two after Isha.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1098 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 108

Hadith 1099

'Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن عبد الله بن مغفل، رضي الله عنه، قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏"‏بين كل أذانين صلاة، بين كل أذانين صلاة، بين كل أذانين صلاة‏"‏ وقال في الثالثة‏:‏ ‏"‏لمن شاء‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There is a Salat (prayer) between every Adhan and Iqamah; there is a Salat between every Adhan and Iqamah." (While saying the same for the) third time (he (ﷺ) added), "It is for him who desires (to perform it)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

The Prophet repeated that there is a prayer to be offered between every call to prayer and its starting, then noted it is for whoever wishes. A standing invitation to use that time in worship.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1099 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 109