The Aqeedah and Manhaj of AhlusSunnah wal Jamah

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Category: Sunnah Prayers

The Fixed Sunnah Prayers during Travel – Imam Ibn Baz

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Bismillaah
Question:

Is the requirement for offering the fixed Sunnah prayers removed during travel, and (if so) what is the evidence for this?

Answer:

It is prescribed for one to leave the fixed Sunnah prayers during travel, except Witr and the Sunnah of Fajr. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) in the Hadith of Ibn Umar and others, that the Prophet would not pray the fixed Sunnah prayers while travelling, except Witr and the Sunnah of Fajr.

As for the supererogatory prayer, they are prescribed during travel and while one is resident, and likewise the prayers for whose performance there is a reason, such as the Sunnah of Wudhu, Tawaf, Adh-Dhuha, and Tahajjud prayer at night, based upon Hadiths which have been narrated to that effect. And Allaah is the Granter of success.

Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah Vol. 2 Page 431
Darussalam English Publication

Related Links:

https://abdurrahman.org/salah/nawafil-optional-prayers/

Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Explanation of Riyadus-Saliheen – Hadeeth no. 1137 – 1138

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 59:41)
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/desirability-of-offering-nawfil-voluntary-or-optional-prayers-at-home-dawud-burbank.mp3]

Audio Posted with Permission from Abu Talhah Dawud ibn Ronald Burbank rahimahullaah. 

Benefits From al-Istikharah Prayer – Compiled & translated By Abbas Abu Yahya

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Compiled & translated By Abbas Abu Yahya

Jabir bin Abdullaah –RadhiAllaahu anhu- said the Messenger of Allaah –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– used to teach us al-Istikharah (a prayer said for seeking blessings in carrying out a decision) for all matters, just like he used to teach us a chapter from the Qur’aan, he would say: If any of you intends to undertake a matter then he should pray two Rakah other than an obligatory prayer then he should say

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ

O Allaah I request of You with Your knowledge, and by Your Power I seek capability, and I ask of you of your great favour, since indeed You are the One who is able while I am not, and You know and I do not, and You are the One who knows the unseen. O Allaah if You know that this matter – here he mentions his need – is good for me in this world and for my living and for the matters of my Hereafter – or he said, for my affairs now and the future – then decree it for me and make it easy for me and bless it for me. And if You know that this matter is evil for me in this world and for my life and for the matters of my Hereafter – or he said, for my affairs now and the affairs of my future – then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree goodness for me where ever it may be and make me pleased with it.

[Taken from: ‘Kalimah Tayyib’ by Shaykh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah p.115, collected by Bukhari (d.256 A.H.)]

Benefits:

1- Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah (d.728) -Rahimullaah- said :

‘The one who seeks guidance from the Creator and he consults the creation and is firm in his issue, will not have any regret.

Allaah Ta’ala said:

<< and consult them in the matter. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allaah, certainly, Allaah loves those who put their trust (in Him). >> [3:159]

Qatada -Rahimullaah- said: ‘There are not a people who consult over an issue desiring the Face of Allaah except that they are guided to what leads them to their matter.’

[Hadeeth Salaatul – al-Istikharah by Dr. Aasim Qurutee p.50 ]

[The Connection with Tawheed]

2 – Shamsuddeen Muhammad bin Abee Bakr Ibn Qayyim aj-Jawzeeyah (d.751) -Rahimullaah- said:

‘Allaah compensated the Muslims by giving them this supplication, which is Tawheed,and it is being in need of Allaah, servitude of worship, reliance upon Allaah, asking the One in whose Hand is all goodness, Who Alone can turn away evil.

He Alone who, if He opens up Mercy for His slave then there is none who can seclude a person from that mercy, and if He (Allaah) withholds it then none can send mercy to a person whether it is using omens, astrology or lucky stars.

This Dua’ is the good fortune for the happy person, it is good fortune for the people of happiness and success, those for whom Allaah gave them happiness before, and it is not good fortune for the people of Shirk and wretchedness, those whom associate another deity with Allaah, then soon will they come to know.

This Dua’ includes the confirmation and testification of the existence of Allaah – Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. The confirmation and testification of His Perfect Attributes, from the perfection of Knowledge and Capability and universal Will. And it includes the confirmation and testification of Allaah’s Lordship and entrustment of this matter to Him – Ta’ala – and seeking aid from Him, and relying upon Him, and a person leaves the responsibility from himself and acquits himself from any capability and strength except that it is with Allaah Ta’ala. It also includes the acknowledgement of the slave of Allaah of the weakness of his knowledge and his own interests and his own capability upon these things, and his desire for them, and that all of these things are in the Hand of his Guardian and his Originator and his true Lord. . . . .’

Ibn al-Qayyim -Rahimullaah- continues:

‘So the purpose of al-Istikharah is to rely upon Allaah and entrustment to Him and the capability to fulfill the action with Allaah’s Capability, His knowledge. And that Allaah chooses good for His slave, and this is from those things which necessitate being pleased with Allaah as the Lord. As a person will not taste the flavour of Eemaan if he does not have these things (reliance, entrustment etc), and if he is pleased with destiny after al-Istikharah then that is a sign of happiness.’

[Taken from ‘Za’ad al-Ma’aad’ by Ibn al-Qayyim 2/443-445]

Regarding the importance of al-Istikharah

3 – The author: Abdullaah bin Muhammad al-Hamadi says:

‘Indeed the human being has been created weak, and is in need of Allaah -Ta’ala- in all his matters and that is because a human does not know from where good and evil will occur in the future from incidents and events.

This is why, from the Wisdom of Allaah – Subhanahu – and from His Mercy to His slaves, He legislated for them this Dua’ so that they can come closer to their Lord and that they can seek refuge with Him, and that He will direct them to the path leading towards good and benefits.

Indeed the Muslim slave of Allaah is upon certainty in which there is no doubt that the management of all matters and the execution of them is in the Hand of Allaah -Subhanahu wa Ta’ala – and He is the One who destines and executes whatever He wills in His creation.

As Allaah Ta’ala says: << And your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses, no choice have they (in any matter). Glorified be Allaah, and exalted above all that they associate as partners (with Him).  And your Lord knows what their chests conceal, and what they reveal. And He is Allaah; Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). His is all praise, in the first (i.e. in this world) and in the last (i.e. in the Hereafter). And for Him is the Decision, and to Him shall you (all) be returned.  >> [al-Qassas: 68-70]

‘Allaama Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Qurtubi al-Maliki (d. 671 A.H.) -Rahimullaah- said:

‘Some of the scholars have said: It is not appropriate for anyone to precede upon a matter from the matters of the Duniya until he asks Allaah for guidance in the matter by praying two Rakat Salaat -ul-Istikharah.’

[al-Jamia’ al-Hakaam al-Qur’aan (13/202)]

[Following the Sunnah & the Salaf]

Indeed the Salaf as-Salih understood this meaning and would seek guidance from their Lord in all their matters.

[The author brings an example of when Zaynab –RadhiAllaahu anha- married the Messenger of Allaah –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– and she prayed al-Istikharah. The scholars mention that she did this fearing her shortcomings in fulfilling the rights of the Messenger of Allaah.]

Then he continues:

‘This is how the Companions –RadhiAllaahu anhum- were eager to follow the Sunnah and to rely upon Allaah -Subhanahu wa Ta’ala- and seek aid from Him in preceding with their matters.

And we follow the methodology of the Companions and those who came after them from the Salaf as-Salih that is why it is upon us to revive this Sunnah in our lives and rely upon our Lord – Subhanahu – for He is The Best Master and The Best Guardian, Disposer of affairs.

[Taken from ‘Kashf as-Sitaarah an Salatul-Istikharah’ p.15-17]

4 – Shaykh Muhammad Hayaat As-Sindi -Rahimullaah- (d. 1163 A.H.) said:

‘Regarding the saying in the Dua’: ‘If you know that this matter’:  This is not a doubt about the knowledge of Allaah Ta’ala, rather it means; the slave’s absence of knowledge compared to Allaah’s Knowledge -Subhanahu wa Ta’ala-, since it is impossible for something to be good, and The all-Knowing and The All-Aware not have knowledge of it.’

[Hasheeyat as-Sindi ‘ala Nisa’ee (6/80) [Hadeeth Salaatul -Istikharah by Dr. Aasim Qurutee p.40 ]

[After the Decision has been made]

Shaykh Muhammad bin Umar Bazmool said:

‘That al-Istikharah is not done when a person is uncertain about the matter at hand; because the Prophet –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– said: ‘If any of you intends to undertake a matter’ and that the whole of the Dua’ indicates to this point.

So if a Muslim is uncertain about a matter, and he intends to pray al-Istikharah , then he should make a choice between the two matters and then pray al-Istikharah , and then after al-Istikharah he executes that matter, and if it was good then Allaah will make it easy for him and bless him in that, and if it was not good for him, then Allaah turns it away from him and makes easy for him that in which there is good by the permission of Allaah -Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

[Taken from: ‘Buggeeyat al-Mutattawa’ fee salat at-tattawa’ p.105]

5 – What should be done after al-Istikharah?

Shaykh ‘Aasim al-Qurutee said:

‘Shaykh Kamal uddeen Muhammad bin Ali bin AbdulWahid bin az-Zamalakaani (d.771 A.H.) said:

‘If a person prays two Rakah al-Istikharah for a matter, then he should after that do what appears to him, whether his soul becomes delighted to his own-self or not, since praying al-Istikharah is good, even if it does not cause one to be happy with his own self.  ……. And there is nothing in the hadeeth that indicates that the soul should become relaxed as a condition for al-Istikharah to be accepted.’

[‘Tabbaqqat ash-Shafa’eeyah al-Kubra’ (9/206)]

And Shaykh Muhammad Badr ‘Aalaam said:

‘And know that the scholars of the past and the present indeed pointed out that it is not conditional for al-Istikharah that the person who made al-Istikharah sees a dream or that someone speaks to him or something occurs to his heart and mind. But rather Allaah Ta’ala makes his heart incline or lean to the side which causes his heart to be happy and is resolute upon this.’

[‘al-Badr as-Saaree ila Fayd al-Baari’ 2/247-248]

[Seeing a Dream]

Shaykh Muhammad ‘AttaAllaah Haneef -Rahimullaah- (d. 1408A.H.) said:

‘Likewise, there is nothing in the narrations mentioning sleep after al-Istikharah prayer or recognizing that which is better for that person of what he may see in a dream.

I bring attention to this, because many of the people claim that al-Istikharah is seeking information from Allaah Ta’ala and seeking consultation from Him, so they invent principles for al-Istikharah which the Messenger of Allaah –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam–did not bring.  Then if they do not see a dream in their sleep, they go and seek guidance from others whom they think are righteous people. Upon my life, indeed this action of theirs is from a type of fortune telling which the Messenger of Allaah –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– prohibited and it negates the Sharia’ aim of al-Istikharah.’

He continues: ‘[That al-Istikharah is having] Tawwakul (reliance upon Allaah) before the action, and being pleased with it after it. So whoever relied upon Allaah before it, and was pleased with what it fulfilled after al-Istikharah then he has established al-Uboodeeyah (servitude of worship for Allaah).’

[‘Taleeqat as-Salafeeyah ala Sunnan an-Nisa’ee’ (2/67) [Hadeeth Salaatul –Istikharahby Dr. Aasim Qurutee p.61-63]

All Praise belongs to Allaah, may His peace and blessings be upon our final Prophet Muhammad, his family, his Companions and all those who follow his guidance.

Undesirability of offering optional Prayer after the announcement ofIqamah

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Undesirability of offering optional Prayer after the announcement of Iqamah

1759. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When the Iqamah is called, no prayer should be performed except the obligatory prayer.”
[Muslim].

Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer

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Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer

1113. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two Rak`ah before and two after Zuhr prayers.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1114. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never omitted four Rak`ah supererogatory prayer before Zuhr prayers.
[Al-Bukhari].

1115. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) stayed in my house, he would perform four Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer) before Zuhr prayer. Then he would go out and lead Salat. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then come back and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer). He would lead the Maghrib prayer and come back and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer). When he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had led the `Isha’ prayer, he would enter the house and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer).
[Muslim]

1116. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever observes the practice of performing four Rak`ah before Zuhr prayer and four after the Zuhr prayer, Allah will shield him against the Fire (of Hell).
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1117. `Abdullah bin As-Sa’ib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah prayer after the declining of the sun before Zuhr prayer and would say, “This is an hour at which the gates of heaven are opened, and I like that my good deeds should rise to heaven at that time.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1118. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) could not perform four Rak`ah before Zuhr prayer, he would perform them after it (i.e., after the obligatory prayer).
[At-Tirmidhi].

Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

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Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

[In the previous chapter, the practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has been reported by `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) that he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah Sunnah after the obligatory Maghrib prayer].

1122. `Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Perform two Rak`ah before Maghrib prayer.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) repeated it twice; when repeating it for the third time he added: “He who may so wish.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1123. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the principal Companions of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) rushing to the pillars (of the mosque) to perform two Rak`ah prayers behind them before the Maghrib prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1124. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: In the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), we used to perform two Rak`ah (optional prayer) after sunset before the Maghrib prayer. It was asked: “Did Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) perform them?” He replied: “He saw us performing it, but he neither ordered us to perform them nor did he forbid us from doing so.”
[Muslim].

1125. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we were in Al-Madinah, the moment the Mu’adhdhin finished the Adhan of the Maghrib prayer, the people hastened to the pillars of the mosque and performed two Rak`ah prayer behind them. A stranger coming into the mosque would think that the obligatory prayer had already been performed because of the number of people performing them.
[Muslim].

The Excellence of Performing two Rak’ah of Voluntary Prayer afterAblution

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The Excellence of Performing two Rak’ah of Voluntary Prayer after Ablution

1146. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him) “Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e., one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in Jannah.” Bilal said: “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make Wudu’ (or took a bath) in an hour of night or day, I would immediately perform Salat (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to perform.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home

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Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home

1128. Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O people! perform your (voluntary) Salat (prayers) in your homes because the best Salat of a man is the one he performs at home, except the obligatory Salat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1129. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Observe part of the [Nawafil (voluntary)] Salat (prayers) in your homes. Do not turn your homes into graves.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1130. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When you have finished your (Fard) Salat (prayer) in the mosque, you should observe some of your (Sunnah and Nawafil) Salat at home; Allah will bless your homes because of your Salat (in your homes).”
[Muslim]

1131. `Umar bin `Ata reported that Nafi` bin Jubair sent him to Sa’ib bin Ukht Namir to ask him about something that Mu`awiyah had seen him doing in Salat (prayer). He said: “Yes, I performed the Friday prayer along with him in the enclosure (Maqsurah), and when the Imam concluded the Salat with Taslim, I stood up in my place and performed the Sunnah prayer. When Mu`awiyah went home, he sent for me (and when I came) he said: “Never do again what you have done. When you have observed the Friday prayer, you must not start another Sunnah prayer till you have spoken to some one or have shifted your place; because the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) ordered us not to follow up the congregational Salat with any other Salat until we have talked (to some one) or moved from the place.”
[Muslim].

The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) along with theObligatory Prayers

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The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) along with the Obligatory
Prayers

1097. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) the Mother of the Believers reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak`ah of optional Salat other than the obligatory Salat in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allah).”
[Muslim].

1098. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two Rak`ah of optional prayers before Zuhr and two after the Zuhr (noon prayer), and two after the Friday prayer, and two after the Maghrib (evening) prayer, and two after the `Isha’ (night) prayer.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1099.`Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is a Salat (prayer) between every Adhan and Iqamah; there is a Salat between every Adhan and Iqamah.” (While saying the same for the) third time (he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) added), “It is for him who desires (to perform it).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan

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The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan

1187.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1188.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allah’s reward, will have his past sins forgiven.”
[Muslim].

 

Emphasis on Performing two Rak’ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer

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Emphasis on Performing two Rak’ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer

1100. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never omitted four Rak`ah prayer before the Zuhr prayer and two Rak`ah prayers before dawn (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1101. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not attach more importance to any Nawafil prayer than the two Rak`ah of prayer before dawn (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1102. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The two Rak`ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world and all it contains.”
[Muslim]

Another narration goes: “The two Rak`ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are dearer to me than the whole world.”

1103. Abu `Abdullah Bilal bin Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him) the Mu’adhdhin of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reported: I went to inform the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) about the time of the dawn (Fajr) prayer, and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and began to ask me about something till the day grew bright. Then I got up and informed the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) of the time of Salat. I informed him again but he did not came out immediately to lead As-Salat. When he came out, he led As-Salat. I said to him: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and thus diverted my attention by asking about something and the morning grew bright. You also came out late. Upon that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I was engaged in performing two Rak`ah of Fajr prayer.” Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him)said: “O Messenger of Allah! You delayed As-Salat so long as the morning grew bright.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Even if the morning had become brighter than it had, I would have performed two Rak`ah of prayer in an excellent manner.”
[Abu Dawud].

Desirability of Lying down on one’s right side after the Sunnah of FajrPrayer

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Desirability of Lying down on one’s right side after the Sunnah of Fajr Prayer

1110.`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had performed two Rak`ah before the Fajr prayer, he would lie down on his right side.
[Al-Bukhari].

1111. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) finished the `Isha prayer, he would perform eleven Rak`ah before the Fajr prayer, concluding each two Rak`ah with Taslim (i.e., saying As-Salamu `Alaikum) and observing the Witr (odd) at the end. When the Mu’adhdhin finished proclaiming Adhan for the Fajr prayer and it was dawn, he would rise and perform two short Rak`ah, and then would lie down on his right side till the Mu’adhdhin came to (inform) him about Iqamah.
[Muslim].

1112. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you has performed two of Sunnah before the Fajr prayer, he should lie down on his right side.”

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

 

Excellence of Standing in Prayer at Night

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Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And in some parts of the night (also) perform the Salat (prayer) with it (i.e., recite the Qur’an in the prayer) as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer – Nawafil) for you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)). It may be that your Rubb will raise you to Maqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory, i.e., the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection).” (17:79)

“Their sides forsake their beds…” (32:16)

“They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Rubb (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope].” (51:17)

1160. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) kept standing (in prayer) so long that the skin of his feet would crack. I asked him: “Why do you do this, while you have been forgiven of your former and latter sins?” He said, “Should I not be a grateful slave of Allah?”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1161. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited me and Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with her)  one night and said, “Do you not observe prayer (at night)?”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1162.  Salim bin `Abdullah bin `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) reported, on the authority of his father, that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “What an excellent man `Abdullah is! If only he could perform optional prayers at night.” Salim said that after this, (his father) `Abdullah slept very little at night.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1163.  `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Do not be like so-and-so O `Abdullah! He used to pray during the night, then stopped the practice.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1164.  `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Mention was made before the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) of a man who slept throughout the night till morning. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) remarked, “He is a man in whose ears Satan urinated.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].n

1165. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When any one of you sleeps, Satan ties three knots at the back of his neck. He recites this incantation at every knot: `You have a long night, so sleep.’ If he awakes and remembers Allah, one knot is loosened. If he performs Wudu’, the (second) knot is loosened; and if he performs prayer, (all) knots are loosened. He begins his morning in a happy and refreshed mood; otherwise, he gets up in bad spirits and sluggish state.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1166.  `Abdullah bin Salam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O people, promote the greetings, feed (the poor and needy) and perform Salat when others are asleep so that you will enter Jannah safely.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1167.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best month for observing Saum (fasting) after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night.”
[Muslim].

1168.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Salat during the night should consist of pairs of but if you fear that morning is near, then pray one Rak`ah as Witr.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1169.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performed the night prayer in pairs (i.e., Rak`ah) and made it odd number by observing one Rak`ah (as Witr).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1170.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to leave off observing Saum (fasting) during a month until we thought that he would not observe Saum at all during it; and (sometimes) he would observe Saum till we began to think that he would not omit any day of that month. If one wished to see him performing Salat during the night, he could do that; and if one wished to see him sleeping at night, he could do that.
[Al-Bukhari].

1171.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform eleven Rak`ah (of Tahajjud) prayers at night. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would prostrate so long as one of you might recite fifty Ayat (of the Qur’an). Thereafter, he would perform two Rak`ah before Fajr prayers and would lie down on his right side till the Mu’adhdhin would come and inform him about the time of (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1172.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not observe more than eleven Rak`ah (of Tahajjud prayers), be in Ramadan or any other month. First of all he would perform four Rak`ah. Ask not about their excellence and their length. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then perform four more Rak`ah; and do not ask about their excellence and their length. Then he would perform three Rak`ah (Witr prayer). (`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) added) I submitted: “O Messenger of Allah! Do you sleep before performing the Witr prayer?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O `Aishah! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1173.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would sleep during the early part of night and stand in Salat during the latter part.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1174.  Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One night I joined the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in his (optional) Salat. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prolonged the Qiyam (standing) so much that I made up my mind to commit an act of wrong. He was questioned: “What did you intend to do?‘‘ He replied: “I intended to sit down and stop following him (in Salat).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1175.  Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I performed Salat with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) one night, and he started reciting Surat Al-Baqarah. I thought that he would go in Ruku` (bowing posture in Salat) at the end of one hundred Ayat, but he continued (reciting); and I thought that he would perhaps recite (this Surah) in the whole Rak`ah (prayer), but he continued the recitation; I thought he would perhaps bow on completing (this Surah). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then started reciting Surat An-Nisa’ which he followed with Surat Al-Imran. He recited leisurely. When he recited an Ayah which mentioned the tasbeeh, he would say Subhan Allah and when he recited the Ayah which tells how the Rubb is to be asked, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then ask from Him; and when he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited an Ayah asking one to seek Protection Allah, he would seek Protection of Allah. Then he bowed and said, “Subhana Rabbiyal-Azim (My Rubb the Great is free from imperfection)”; his bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing, (and then on returning to the standing posture after Ruku`) he would say, “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal-hamd (Allah listens to him who praises Him. Praise be to You, Our Rubb!),” and he would then stand about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He would then prostrate himself and say, “Subhana Rabbiyal-A`la (My Rubb the Supreme is free from imperfection),” and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing (Qiyam).
[Muslim].

1176.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “Which Salat is the best?” He replied, ” The best Salat is that in which Qiyam (the duration of standing) is longer.”
[Muslim].

1177.  `Abdullah bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Salat which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud; and As-Saum (the fasting) which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, get up to perform Salat for one-third of it, then sleep through the remaining one-sixth of it; and he used to observe Saum on alternative days.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1178.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Every night there is a special time during which whatever a Muslim asks Allah of any good relating to this life or the Hereafter, it will be granted to him; and this moment comes every night.”
[Muslim].

1179.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you gets up at night to perform (Tahajjud) prayer, let him start Salat with two short Rak`ah.”
[Muslim].

1180.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) stood for Salat at night, he would start his prayer with two brief Rak`ah.
[Muslim].

1181.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) missed his night (Tahajjud) Salat because of indisposition or the like, he would perform twelve Rak`ah during the day.

[Muslim].

1182.  `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “If anyone falls asleep and therefore fails to observe his Hizb (share) or part of it, if he observes it between the Fajr and the Zuhr prayers, it will be recorded for him as though he had observed it during the night.”
[Muslim].

1183.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May Allah show mercy to a man who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens his wife to pray and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face (to make her get up). May Allah show mercy to a woman who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens her husband for the same purpose; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.”
[Abu Dawud].

1184.  Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a man awakens his wife during the night and they both perform two Rak`ah Salat together, they are recorded among the men and women who celebrate remembrance of Allah.”
[Abu Dawud].

1185.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you dozes off while performing Salat, he should lie down till his drowsiness has gone away from him. When one of you performs Salat while dozing, he may abuse himself instead of seeking pardon (as a result of drowsiness).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1186. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you stands up for Salat at night and finds it difficult to recite the Qur’an accurately and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should go back to sleep.”
[Muslim].

Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

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[Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) has narrated that he performed two Rak`ah after the Fard prayer of `Isha’ with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). `Abdullah bin Maghaffal has narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has said, “There is a Salat between every Takbir and Adhan.”

This proves that apart from the four Rak`ah Fard, there are also two Rak`ah Sunnah of the `Isha’ prayer). See Ahadith No. 1098 and 1099.

 

Briefness to be Adopted in Performing the two Rak’ah Sunnah before FajrPrayer, their time and the Surah to recite in them

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their time and the Surah to recite in them

1104. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah short prayer between the Adhan (call to prayer) and the Iqamah of the dawn (Fajr) prayers.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two supererogatory Rak`ah prayer of Fajr and make them so short in duration that I used to think whether he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had recited Surat Al-Fatihah (in it) or not.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In the narration of Muslim, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to hear the Adhan (of Fajr prayer) he would perform two supererogatory Rak`ah prayer and would make them short.

1105. Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two short Rak`ah prayer when it was dawn and the Mu’adhdhin had called Adhan (for the Fajr prayer).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1106. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform his optional night prayers at night, two Rak`ah followed by two Rak`ah, and at the end he would conclude with an odd Rak`ah (Witr). Then he would perform two Rak`ah prayer before the dawn (Fajr) prayer after hearing the Adhan, and he would make them so brief as if he could hear the Iqamah being called.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1107. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to recite during the two Rak`ah of Fajr prayer: “Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us...” (2:136) which is in Surat Al-Baqarah in the first Rak`ah and the Verse: “We believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e., we submit to Allah.” (3:52) in the second Rak`ah.

According to another narration, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited from Surat Al-`Imran the Verses: “Come to a word which is just between us and you…” (3:64).
[Muslim].

1108. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited in the two supererogatory Rak`ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak`ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak`ah].
[Muslim].

1109.Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I observed the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) for one month reciting in the two supererogatory Rak`ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak`ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak`ah].
[At-Tirmidhi].

Inducement to Perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Mosque)

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1144. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you enters the mosque, he should perform two Rak`ah (of voluntary prayer) before sitting.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1145. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he was in the mosque, and he said to me, “Perform two Rak`ah prayer.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Merit of the (Optional) Duha (Forenoon) Prayer

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1139. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My Khalil (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) directed me to fast three days of each month, and to observe two Rak`ah Duha (optional prayer) at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1140. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of everyone of you. Every utterance of Allah’s Glorification (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Praise (i.e., saying Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e., saying La ilaha illAllah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M`aruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two Rak`ah Duha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward).”
[Muslim].

1141. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah of Duha prayer (at the forenoon) and would add to them whatever Allah wished.
[Muslim].

1142. Umm Hani, daughter of Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I went to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) on the day of the conquest of Makkah. He was taking a bath at that time. When he finished the bath, he performed eight Rak`ah (of optional) prayers. This was during the Duha (forenoon).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Time for the Duha (Forenoon Optional) Prayer

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1143. Zaid bin Arqam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw some people performing Duha (prayers) in the early forenoon and warned them (saying): These people must know that performing Salat a little later is better. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Salat of the penitent is to be observed when the young ones of camels feel the heat of the sun (i.e., when it becomes very hot).”
[Muslim].

Sunnah of the ‘Asr Prayer

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1119. `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer, separating them with Taslim (i.e., offering blessings) on the favourite angels who are near Allah’s proximity and the Muslims and the believers who come after them.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1120. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May Allah have mercy on a man who performs four Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1121. `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer.
[Abu Dawud].

Sahih Bukhari : Book 32: Praying at Night in Ramadaan (Taraweeh)

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Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 32:

Praying at Night in Ramadaan (Taraweeh)

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 226:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

I heard Allah’s Apostle saying regarding Ramadan, “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 227:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, “Allah’s Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of ‘Umar’s Caliphate.” ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Abdul Qari said, “I went out in the company of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, ‘Umar said, ‘In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)’. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka’b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, ‘Umar remarked, ‘What an excellent Bid’a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.’ He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night.”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 228:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

(the wife of the Prophet) Allah’s Apostle used to pray (at night) in Ramadan.

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 229:

Narrated ‘Urwa:

That he was informed by ‘Aisha, “Allah’s Apostle went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people. Allah’s Apostle came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning prayer. When the morning prayer was finished he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, “Amma ba’du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on.” So, Allah’s Apostle died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually). “

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 230:

Narrated Abu Salama bin ‘Abdur Rahman:

that he asked ‘Aisha “How was the prayer of Allah’s Apostle in Ramadan?” She replied, “He did not pray more than eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to pray four Rakat —- let alone their beauty and length—-and then he would pray four —-let alone their beauty and length —-and then he would pray three Rakat (Witr).” She added, “I asked, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Do you sleep before praying the Witr?’ He replied, ‘O ‘Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 231:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven .”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 232:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:

Some men amongst the companions of the Prophet were shown in their dreams that the night of Qadr was in the last seven nights of Ramadan. Allah’s Apostle said, “It seems that all your dreams agree that (the Night of Qadr) is in the last seven nights, and whoever wants to search for it (i.e. the Night of Qadr) should search in the last seven (nights of Ramadan).”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 233:

Narrated Abu Salama:

I asked Abu Sa’id, and he was a friend of mine, (about the Night of Qadr) and he said, “We practiced Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) in the middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet . In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet came and addressed us and said, ‘I was informed of (the date of the Night of Qadr) but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in l’tikaf with me should return to it with me (for another 10-day’s period)’, and we returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a cloud came and it rained till rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque which was made of date-palm leaf stalks. Then the prayer was established and I saw Allah’s Apostle prostrating in mud and water and I saw the traces of mud on his forehead.”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 234:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 235:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Allah’s Apostle used to practice Itikaf (in the mosque) in the middle third of Ramadan and after passing the twenty nights he used to go back to his house on the 21st, and the people who were in Itikaf with him also used to go back to their houses. Once in Ramadan, in which he practiced Itikaf, he established the night prayers at the night in which he used to return home, and then he addressed the people and ordered them whatever Allah wished him to order and said, “I used to practice Itikaf for these ten days (i.e. the middle 113rd but now I intend to stay in Itikaf for the last ten days (of the month); so whoever was in Itikaf with me should stay at his place of seclusion. I have verily been shown (the date of) this Night (of Qadr) but I have forgotten it. So search for it in the odd nights of the last ten days (of this month). I also saw myself (in the dream) prostrating in mud and water.” On the night of the 21st, the sky was covered with clouds and it rained, and the rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque at the praying place of the Prophet . I saw with my own eyes the Prophet at the completion of the morning prayer leaving with his face covered with mud and water.

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 236:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

The Prophet said, “Look for (the Night of Qadr).”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 237:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan ,”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 238:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet said, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,’ on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively).”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 239:

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas:

Allah’s Apostle said, “The Night of Qadr is in the last ten nights of the month (Ramadan), either on the first nine or in the last (remaining) seven nights (of Ramadan).” Ibn ‘Abbas added, “Search for it on the twenty-fourth (of Ramadan).”

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 240:

Narrated ‘Ubada bin As-Samit:

The Prophet came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, “I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan).

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 241:

Narrated Aisha:

With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.

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