Once in the middle of the night Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) went out and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed with him. The next morning the people spoke about it and so more people gathered and prayed with him (in the second night). They circulated the news in the morning, and so, on the third night the number of people increased greatly. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) came out and they prayed behind him. On the fourth night the mosque was overwhelmed by the people till it could not accommodate them. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came out only for the Fajr prayer and when he finished the prayer, he faced the people and recited "Tashah-hud" (I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is His Apostle), and then said, "Amma ba'du. Verily your presence (in the mosque at night) was not hidden from me, but I was afraid that this prayer (Prayer of Tahajjud) might be made compulsory and you might not be able to carry it out."
Exposition of Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 924
This narration from the Book of Friday Prayer in Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the Prophet's profound wisdom in legislative matters and his merciful consideration for his Ummah's capabilities.
The Gradual Gathering
The spontaneous congregation beginning with a few companions and multiplying over successive nights reflects the natural attraction of hearts to voluntary worship when led by the Prophet himself. This organic growth without formal summons indicates the companions' eagerness to emulate the Messenger in all acts of devotion.
Divine Wisdom in Prevention
The Prophet's conscious decision to abstain on the fourth night, despite the overwhelming turnout, reveals the principle of "tadrij" (gradualism) in Islamic legislation. His fear that Tahajjud might become obligatory demonstrates how Allah protects the Ummah from potential hardship, as the Quran states: "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (2:185).
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explains that this incident occurred before the abrogation of the initial obligation of night prayer. The Prophet's concern was that such consistent congregation might lead to its permanent obligation, which would burden those unable to maintain it.
Imam al-Nawawi in Sharh Sahih Muslim notes that this demonstrates the principle of considering potential consequences in religious matters, even when the immediate act is praiseworthy. The preservation of the voluntary status of Tahajjud allows believers to earn reward without the fear of sin for omission.
Legal Implications
This hadith establishes that congregational prayer for Tahajjud is permissible but not emphasized. It also illustrates the wisdom behind why certain voluntary acts remain non-obligatory - to maintain the ease and flexibility of the Islamic shari'ah while still providing opportunities for extra devotion.