Is it recommended for the worshipper during voluntary prayer (Nafl) to stop at verses of Mercy and seek them, and stop at verses of Punishment and seek refuge from them?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended for the one praying a voluntary prayer if a verse of Mercy is recited to ask for it, and if a verse of Punishment is recited to seek refuge from it. This is established by the Hadith of Hudhayfah, who prayed with the Prophet (PBUH) and observed this practice in both bowing and prostration. Similarly, in the Hadith of 'Awf ibn Malik, the Prophet (PBUH) recited Surah Al-Baqarah during night prayer, stopping at verses of Mercy to ask and at verses of Punishment to seek refuge.
Supporting text
This practice is not recommended in the obligatory prayer (*Fard*) because it has not been transmitted from the Prophet (PBUH) in that context, despite the abundant description of his recitation during obligatory prayers.