And part of the wisdom in this is to distinguish obligatory prayer from other prayers, just as acts of worship are distinguished from other acts. This is why it is recommended to hasten the breaking of the fast, delay the predawn meal, and eat before the prayer on Eid al-Fitr, and why fasting a day or two immediately before Ramadan is forbidden. All of this serves to distinguish prescribed fasting from fasting that is not prescribed, and worship from other acts. The same applies to distinguishing the Friday prayer, which Allah has made obligatory, from other prayers.

Moreover, many adherents of innovation, such as the Rāfidah and others, do not intend to perform the Friday prayer; rather, they intend to perform Zuhr. They make it appear that they have given the closing salutation when they have not. They thus pray Zuhr while an observer supposes that they are praying the Sunnah prayer. Distinguishing obligatory prayer from voluntary prayer therefore helps prevent this innovation. There are many similar examples. And Allah, Glorified is He, knows best.