Once Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, "I have been informed that you offer Salat (prayer) all the night and observe Saum (fast) during the day." I said, "(Yes) I do so." He said, "If you do so, your eye sight will become weak and you will become weak. No doubt, your body has right on you, and your family has right on you, so observe Saum (for some days) and do not observe it (for some days), offer Salat (for sometime) and then sleep."
Prayer at Night (Tahajjud)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1153
Context and Occasion
This hadith addresses Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him), a companion known for his intense devotion and rigorous worship. The Prophet (ﷺ) received revelation about Abdullah's excessive worship practices and approached him with divine guidance.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's statement "your eye sight will become weak and you will become weak" demonstrates Islam's balanced approach to worship. Scholars explain that excessive worship without proper rest leads to physical deterioration, making one incapable of sustained devotion.
"Your body has right on you" establishes the Islamic principle that our physical being has rights that must be fulfilled. Imam Nawawi comments that this includes adequate rest, nutrition, and avoiding harm through excessive exertion.
"Your family has right on you" emphasizes social responsibilities. Classical scholars note that neglecting family duties while pursuing personal worship contradicts the comprehensive nature of Islamic spirituality.
Practical Guidance
The instruction to "observe Saum (for some days) and do not observe it (for some days)" establishes the sunnah of intermittent fasting. Scholars recommend fasting every other day or three days monthly as ideal moderate practices.
"Offer Salat (for sometime) and then sleep" provides specific guidance for night prayers. Scholars interpret this as praying part of the night and sleeping the remainder, ensuring balance between spiritual and physical needs.
Legal Rulings
Hanafi scholars classify excessive worship leading to neglect of other duties as makruh (disliked). Maliki scholars consider it contrary to the recommended moderation (wasatiyyah) in Islam.
Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars emphasize that the Prophet's guidance here takes precedence over personal desire for increased worship, making balanced practice obligatory when excessive worship causes harm.