Thus, the meaning of these two narrations is that it is only permissible to perform two rak'ahs of supererogatory prayer so that the people who missed the prayer may gather and pray in congregation, just as the Prophet, may Allah سبحانه وتعالى bless him and his family, did. But if a person is alone, it is not permissible for him to begin with any supererogatory prayer at all, as we have previously mentioned. What further clarifies this is what has been narrated:
Commentary #20