Hadrat Jabir Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was asked: “Which Salaah is the best?” He replied: “Standing for lengthy periods.” [Sahih Muslim]
Hadrat Abdullah bin Hubshiy Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was asked: “Which deed is the best?” He replied: “Standing for lengthy periods (in Salaah).” [Abu Dawud]
It was the practice of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, Sahaabah and the pious of the Ummah to engage in lengthy Salaah during the day and night. By engaging in Nawafil, one becomes the beloved of Allah Ta’ala. However, if one is unable to do so, then the bare minimum is that one performs their five daily Salaah (in the Masjid with Jamaat for men), the Witr Salaah which is Waajib (obligatory), and the Sunnat-e-Muakkada Salaah (which are 2 Rakaats before the Fardh of Fajr, 4 Rakaats before the Fardh of Zuhr and two Rakaats after the Fardh of Zuhr, 2 Rakaats after the Fardh of Maghrib and the 2 Rakaats after the Fardh of Esha). In total, these are 12 Rakaats during the day and night. It is recorded in the Hadith Sharif, “Whoever performs 12 Rakaats during the day and night, then Allah Ta’ala will build him a palace in Jannah. [Abu Dawud] It takes approximately 20 minutes in total to perform these 12 Rakaats everyday for which a palace in Jannah is promised.
