I asked `Aisha, "How is the prayer of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) during the month of Ramadan." She said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) never exceeded eleven rak`at in Ramadan or in other months; he used to offer four rak`at-- do not ask me about their beauty and length, then four rak`at, do not ask me about their beauty and length, and then three rak`at." Aisha further said, "I said, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Do you sleep before offering the witr prayer?' He replied, 'O `Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart remains awake'!"
Prayer at Night (Tahajjud)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1147
The Excellence of Night Prayer
This narration from the Mother of Believers, 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), establishes the sunnah pattern of the Prophet's night prayer. The consistent practice of eleven rak'at demonstrates moderation in worship, avoiding both negligence and extremism.
The Prophet (ﷺ) maintained this number throughout the year, showing that Ramadan's spiritual intensity didn't necessitate increasing the quantity of prayers, but rather enhancing their quality and devotion.
The Structure of Tahajjud
The prayer was offered in three sets: four rak'at, then four rak'at, then three rak'at. Scholars differ whether these were prayed with single salams after every two rak'at or with longer sequences. The emphasis on "beauty and length" indicates perfect devotion and proper fulfillment of prayer pillars.
The final three rak'at constitute the witr prayer, which the Prophet (ﷺ) never abandoned, even while traveling. This demonstrates its paramount importance in the nightly worship.
The State of Prophetic Awareness
The profound statement "My eyes sleep but my heart remains awake" reveals the Prophet's unique spiritual state. While his body rested, his heart maintained constant remembrance and connection with Allah. This exemplifies the highest level of ihsan (excellence in worship) where one worships as if seeing Allah.
This state allowed him to awaken for tahajjud at the optimal time while maintaining spiritual vigilance. It teaches us that true worship transcends physical states and originates from a heart constantly attached to its Creator.