Story No. 325 – Imam Zeynel Abidin (as) and importance of recommended (Nawafil) prayers

Once Imam Zeynel Abidin (as) was in the middle of his prayer when his cloak rolled down from his shoulder but he remained unconscious about it. When he finished his prayer one of his companions asked: ‘Oh son of the Holy Prophet (saw)! While you were offering prayer your clock rolled down but you did not pay attention to it.’

Imam Zeynel Abidin (as) replied: ‘Woe upon you! Do you know in front of whom I was standing? Such awareness prevented me from paying attention towards my cloak. Don’t you understand that a servant’s prayer is accepted only to the extent he pays attention towards Almighty Allah (SWT) during his prayer?’

The companion commented: Oh son of the Holy Prophet (saw), Therefore, on this basis we all are going to be doomed?

Imam Zeynel Abidin (as) replied: No! If you offer recommended (Nawafil) prayers, Almighty Allah (SWT) through them will treat your obligatory (Wajib) prayers as completed