Making Intention for Nafl Prayers During the Day: Two or Four Rak‘ahs

Question

If a person performs voluntary (nafl) prayers during the day, how many rak‘ahs should he intend to pray at a time — two or four? And if nafl prayers are performed around Maghrib time or after Maghrib, how many rak‘ahs should be intended?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah. Both options are permissible during the day and night: one may intend two rak‘ahs or four rak‘ahs. According to Imam Abu Hanifa, four rak‘ahs are more virtuous. According to Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad (the two companions), two rak‘ahs are more virtuous.

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