“Say, ‘He is Allah, One.’” Nor is the reward for those passages of the same kind as the reward for this surah, even though the kind of reward for “Say, ‘He is Allah, One’” is superior. The less preferable may therefore be needed where the superior does not suffice, just as a person needs his leg where his eye cannot take its place. The same applies to created things: each has a wisdom for which it was created. So too with acts of worship. Everything prescribed by the Messenger has its wisdom and purpose and brings benefit [in fulfilling] (1) that purpose. Thus, none of the recommended acts he prescribed should be neglected.

Even if another category of worship is said to be superior, a particular act is superior to others at its proper time and place. In those prayers in which he used this opening supplication, his using it was better than using another. This supplication asks for purification, cleansing from sins, and distance from them. It is akin to seeking forgiveness before dawn and to his seeking forgiveness after prayer. He would also offer a similar supplication at the end of his standing upright after bowing, after praising Allah. Thus, he would sometimes begin his standing with it and would also conclude his standing with it. Various opening supplications have been reported from him, most of them in night prayer, as Ahmad mentioned.

It is recommended for someone praying at night to use all these opening supplications. This is better than consistently using one form and abandoning the others, for this was the guidance of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Yet it must also be said: the guidance of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is best, but for some people the best may not be suitable; rather, performing the less preferable act may be