It has been narrated by people within close circle of Imam and as well by his family members that he used to observe all recommendations and used to work hard to implement Mustahabbat, the works which are religiously optional.
For an instance, he used to perform ablution while facing towards Qibla, the prayer direction.
Imam also undertook serious efforts not to miss any of religiously recommended work regarding divine worship and obedience. Imam believed that observing such instructions were vital for self-purification.
(A memoirs by Fatemah Tabatabaei, Imam’s daughter-in-law)