As a matter of fact, a Muslim should be keen on offering Sunnah Prayers, for the simple fact that it’s the practice and tradition of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In addition to this, Sunnah (supererogatory) Prayers entail great benefits and rewards.
In his The Reliance of the Traveler, Ahmad ibn Naqeeb Al-Misri, explains the Sunnah Prayers before and after the Prescribed Prayers, as follows:
“It is Sunnah to diligently perform the nonobligatory Prayers that are offered before and after the Prescribed ones.
The optimal number of these is two rak`ahs (Prayer units) before the Fajr Prayer, four before and after the Zuhr Prayer, four before the `Asr Prayer, two after the Maghrib Prayer, and two after the `Isha’ Prayer.
The confirmed Prayers of these, which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not leave whether traveling or at home, consist of ten rak`ahs:
1- Two before the Fajr Prayer,
2- Two before and after the Zuhr Prayer,
3- Two after the Maghrib Prayer, and
4- Two after the `Isha’ Prayer.
It is recommended to pray two rak`ahs before the Maghrib Prayer.
The Sunnah of the Jum`ah Prayer are the same as those of the Zhur Prayer.”
Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid, the prominent Saudi Islamic lecturer and author, adds:
“The mother of the believers, Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that she heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Reported by Muslim)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “My Khalil (close friend), i.e., the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised me to observe three things and I shall not leave them until I die: 1. “To observe fasting three days every (lunar) month; 2. To perform the Ad-Duha prayer; 3. To offer Witr Prayer before sleeping.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
`Aishah, the mother of the believers, quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying : “The two rak`ah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer are better than the word and all that which it contains.” (Reported by Muslim)
Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer and four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)
One should make Witr as the last Prayer at night. `Abdullah Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “Make Witr as your last Prayer at night.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
If anyone enters a mosque, he should offer two rak`ahs before sitting. Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”