Is it recommended to maintain consistent voluntary devotional acts?

Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 1 · Bab 9

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is recommended for a person to have established voluntary devotional acts that he observes consistently. If these voluntary acts are missed, they should be made up (qada). Imam Ahmad found it agreeable for a person to have specific, known numbers of cycles (rak'at) of voluntary prayer during the night and day. If one has energy, they should lengthen them, and if they lack energy, they should shorten them. This practice is supported by the statement of Aisha regarding the Prophet, peace be upon him, being asked about the best deeds, to which he replied, 'The most constant, even if little.' Another narration states, 'The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those done constantly by their performer, even if they are few.' This is supported by the consensus of agreement (Muttafaqun 'alayh) on these reports.