Does the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) consistent performance of a specific action, among those that are absolute or that came as a detailed explanation of a general principle, or as a restriction of an absolute one, throughout his life without ever abandoning it, mean that it is obligatory?

Scholars have differed regarding the implication of the Prophet's consistent performance of a particular act. Some believe that consistency, in the absence of evidence diverting the act from obligation, indicates obligation. Others, however, argue that mere consistency does not indicate obligation, citing the story of the Tarawih prayer where the Prophet (peace be upon him) feared it would become obligatory upon the Ummah if he continued performing it consistently. As for the Malikis, they refer to the acts of worship that the Prophet consistently performed as ragha'ib (desired acts). They consider them mustahabbat (recommended) if performed in the manner of supererogatory acts, and sunan (traditions) if they involve a request for the act to be performed.