Observing the Etiquettes of Prayer
By: Shaykh Nizam Thanisri (may Allah have mercy on him)
نَحْمَدُهُ وَنُصَلِّي عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ الْكَرِيمِ
Therefore, to observe even a single recommended (mustahabb) act and to avoid a disliked (makruh) act—even if it is only mildly disliked (makruh tanzihi)—is far superior to engaging in dhikr (remembrance), reflection, meditation, or focused spiritual attention. All the more so if the act is severely disliked (makruh tahrimi).
However, if these acts of worship are performed along with such careful adherence and avoidance, then “he has certainly attained a great success” (فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِیْمًا). Otherwise, without this foundation, it is nothing but fruitless hardship.
For example, giving even a single coin in the category of obligatory zakat is better than giving away mountains of gold in voluntary charity. Likewise, observing the etiquettes of charity—such as giving to close relatives or the needy—is far more virtuous.
It is reported that Imam Aʿzam Abū Ḥanīfa (may Allah be pleased with him), due to having once missed a single recommended act in wudu (ablution), repeated his prayers of forty years.