Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
What is more beneficial? Praying two nafl (optional prayers) for something to happen (good score on exam) or to recite Qur’ān (specifically Sūrah Yāsīn)?
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathabah Institute.
Both actions are meritorious and blessed. However, there is a narration stating that whenever the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had a need, he would resort to ṣalah. There is no harm in doing both.
“Hudhayfah (may God be pleased with him) reports, “Whenever a matter (of concern) would befall the Messenger of God, he would perform ṣalāh.” – (Abū Dawūd 1319)”[1]
“Anyone who recites Yāsīn at the beginning of the day, their needs will be fulfilled.” – (Musnad Al-Dāramī 2461)[2]
Only Allāh knows best.
[1] عَنْ حُذَيْفَةَ، قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا حَزَبَهُ أَمْرٌ صَلَّى – أبو داؤد ١٣١٩
[2] مَنْ قرأ يس في صدر النهار قضيت حوائجه – مسند الدارمي ٢٤٦١