The Obligatory and Recommended Acts

Imam Ali (AS) said, The one who seeks nearness [to Allah] by performing the obligatory and the recommended [acts], doubles his gain.

Imam Ali (AS) said, Verily whoever busies himself with what is obligatory upon him instead of that which has been guaranteed for him, and is satisfied with what has been decreed for and against him; he will be the healthiest person in wellbeing, the most profiting from felicity and the most benefitting from happiness.

Imam Ali (AS) said, Verily if you were to occupy yourself with meritorious supererogatory acts instead of fulfilling the obligatory ones, then the merit you acquire will never make up for the religious obligation that you have neglected.

Imam Ali (AS) said, When recommended acts come in the way of obligatory actions, then abandon them.

Imam Ali (AS) said, It is upon you to preserve every matter that you cannot be excused for neglecting.

Imam Ali (AS) said, Fulfilling the obligatory is from the most noble of actions.

Imam Ali (AS) said, There is no worship like the performing of obligatory acts.

Imam Ali (AS) said, No closeness is achieved through recommended actions if they hamper the obligatory actions.

Imam Ali (AS) said, Do not perform a recommended act at the time of an obligatory one; start with the obligatory [prayer] and then pray whatever more you wish to.