Note: In this Hadith, the Sahaabi explained to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that he had reserved some time during the day or night to engage in making special du‘aa. He further asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) whether it would be better for him to dedicate that entire time to reciting durood, and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed him that he would receive the reward of the durood as well as have his du‘aas answered for the needs that he would have begged Allah Ta‘ala for in du‘aa had he engaged in du‘aa. This Hadith in no way shows that the Sahaabi was intending to abandon the sunnah of du‘aa, as du‘aa is made after every fardh salaah as well as after the tahaajud salaah and nafl salaah that one performs. Hence, this Sahaabi would have been making du‘aa at these other times as well.

Furthermore, the meaning of this Hadith is supported by the Hadith-e-Qudsi in which Allah Ta‘ala says:

من شغله ذكري عن مسالتي أعطيته أفضل ما أعطي السائلين

The one who My remembrance occupies him from making du‘aa to me and asking of Me, I will give him better than that which I give to the people who make du‘aa to Me and ask of Me.

يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ دَائِمًا اَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيْبِكَ خَيْرِ الْخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ