Hadith 1098 Ibn `Umar (Radhi Allahu Huma) reported: I performed along with the Messenger of Allah
two Rak`ah of optional prayers before Dhuhr and two after the Dhuhr (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].
Commentary: There are two kinds of Nawafil which are performed before or after the obligatory prayer.
Firstly, the one which were performed by the Prophet
more frequently. According to the present Hadith, their total comes to ten Rak`ah while in other Ahadith their total is twelve or fourteen Rak`ah. They are called Sunnah Mu'akkadah or As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib That is, the Rak`ah which are proved from the saying and practice of the Prophet
and which were performed by him usually. These are said to be Compulsory prayers.
Secondly, such Nawafil which were not performed by the Prophet
regularly. These are called Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah and are said to be Optional prayers. In any case, Nawafil have great importance in creating a special link between the worshipper and Allah, and for this reason the believers do not neglect them. But their status in Shari`ah is of Nawafil the performing of which is rewarding and omission of which is not sinful. One thing that should be borne in mind in respect of As-Sunnan Ar-Rawatib or Mu'akkadah is that it is better to perform them at home. This was the usual practice of the Prophet
, and this is what he ordained the Muslims.
For an explanation of this Hadith by Dr Muhammad Salah view the video included in Hadith No. 1097