At the time of the Fajr prayer the Prophet (ﷺ) asked Bilal, "Tell me of the best deed you did after embracing Islam, for I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise." Bilal replied, "I did not do anything worth mentioning except that whenever I performed ablution during the day or night, I prayed after that ablution as much as was written for me."
Prayer at Night (Tahajjud)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1149
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the immense virtue of performing voluntary prayers after ablution. Bilal ibn Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet's muezzin, was informed that his footsteps were heard in Paradise due to this specific practice.
The scholars explain that the phrase "as much as was written for me" refers to the number of rak'ahs Allah decreed for him to pray. This indicates consistency in performing these supererogatory prayers rather than a fixed number.
Juridical Rulings
The recommended practice is to pray two rak'ahs after ablution, as established in other authentic narrations. These prayers are known as "Salat al-Wudu" (Prayer of Ablution) and are among the most meritorious voluntary acts.
This hadith emphasizes that seemingly small but consistent acts of worship, when performed with sincerity, can elevate one's status in the Hereafter. Bilal's practice of praying after every ablution, whether day or night, demonstrates the importance of maintaining spiritual connection throughout all times.
Spiritual Benefits
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this hadith shows how minor deeds, when done consistently with pure intention, can lead to major rewards. The sound of Bilal's footsteps in Paradise signifies the tangible results of his persistent devotion.
Al-Qurtubi notes that this practice purifies the soul and maintains the spiritual cleanliness achieved through physical ablution, creating a continuous state of readiness for worship.