My servant cannot get near to Me through anything else more lovable to Me than doing the obligatory religious duties. However, by doing supererogatory duties he gets nearer to Me, and when he becomes near to Me, I shall be his eyes to see with, his ears to hear with, his hands to grasp with, and his legs to walk on. (Bukhari, "Riqaq," 38)

Supererogatory prayers are offered in cycles of two rak'ats. Praying two rak'ats when around three quarters have passed after sunrise (ishraq), two to eight rak'ats in broad daylight until the sun reaches its zenith (duha), and four rak'ats between the evening and late evening prayers (awwabin).

Such supererogatory prayers are important, for as recorded by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Muslim, and Abu Dawud, the Messenger said the following about the duha (broad daylight) prayer:

Charity is required from every part of your body daily. Every saying of "Glory be to God" is charity. Every saying of "All praise be to God" is charity. Every saying of "There is no deity but God" is charity. Every saying of "God is the Greatest" is charity. Ordering good is charity. Eradicating evil is charity. And what suffices for that (as a charity) are the two rak'ats of the duha (broad daylight prayer). (Muslim, "Musafirun," 84)

Offering Supererogatory Prayers at Home. Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Muslim relate from Jabir that the Messenger of God said: "If one of you offers his prayers in the mosque, then he should offer a portion of his prayers at home, as God has made saying prayers in one's home a means of betterment (for him)." Ahmad records from 'Umar that the Messenger of God said: "The supererogatory prayers prayed by a person at home are a light. Whoever wishes should light up his house."

Reciting Long Passages. It is preferred to prolong one's recitation during supererogatory prayers. God's Messenger would stand and pray until his feet or shanks swelled. When he was asked about it, he said: "Should I not be a thankful servant?" (Bukhari, "Tahajjud," 16)