of the mosque. As for anything beyond that, a person should consider what is more beneficial for him. If you are in a mosque that is crowded, with many people passing back and forth in front of you, then it appears that reciting the Quran will be more conducive to humility of heart and more beneficial. But if you are in a place free of distractions, then there is no doubt that prayer is better than recitation, because prayer combines recitation, remembrance of Allah, supplication, standing, sitting, bowing, and prostration. It is a garden among the gardens of worship, and is therefore superior.

For example, in the Sacred Mosque during the busy seasons, if a person prays, he may become weary from people crowding around him. In such a case, reciting the Quran with reflection and deliberation may bring about a humility of heart, tenderness, and strengthening of faith that he would not attain through prayer. Nevertheless, one must perform the greeting of the mosque.

Imam Ahmad—may Allah have mercy on him—was asked about an issue of knowledge, and he said to the questioner: “Consider what is better for your heart, and do it.” This is a profound statement. There is no doubt that Imam Ahmad meant matters for which no preference has been specified. As for that for which a preference has been stated, then the decisive word is what Allah and His Messenger have said. Even so, we observe from the Prophet’s ﷺ actions and condition that he would sometimes give precedence to what is less meritorious over what is more meritorious. At times he would fast until it was said, “He does not break his fast,” and at other times he would refrain from fasting until it was said, “He does not fast” (1). The same applies to the night prayer. At times delegations would come to him and occupy him from the regular sunnah prayer, so he would sit with them and not pray that regular prayer until after another prayer, just as he delayed the regular sunnah prayer of Zuhr until after Asr (2). Thus, the sensible person whom Allah grants success knows how to conduct himself regarding non-obligatory acts of worship,