Understanding the Importance of Nawaafil

Allah, Glorified and Exalted, says in a sacred hadith: "And My

servant continues to draw near to Me through voluntary acts until

I love him." Voluntary acts are not extra deeds without effect, rather they are

a path to Allah's love and nearness to Him. So the regular Sunnah prayers,

the two rak'ahs of Duha, Witr before sleep, fasting a day for Allah, and remembering Allah,

Glorified and Exalted, can all be a reason for Allah's love for you.

On the Day of Judgment, when a person finds shortcomings in their obligatory duties, Allah asks

the angels, saying, "Look to see whether My servant has any

voluntary deeds." If he has voluntary deeds, He says,

Glorified be He, "Complete My servant's obligatory duties from his voluntary deeds."

In the end, voluntary acts make up for shortcomings in obligatory duties,

raise ranks, and bring the servant closer to their Lord.

Voluntary acts are the servant's ascent to the station of love.

Peace be upon you.