The Book of Prayer - Travellers

Sahih Muslim 737 c

Hadith Text

'A'isha reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray thirteen rak'ahs during the night including the two rak'ahs (Sunan) of the dawn prayer.

Commentary

This noble hadith from the Mother of Believers, 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her), elucidates the night prayer practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The thirteen rak'ahs comprise the voluntary night prayers (Tahajjud/Qiyam al-Layl) along with the two Sunnah rak'ahs of Fajr.

Scholars explain that these thirteen rak'ahs were typically performed in units of two rak'ahs each, concluding with Witr as a single rak'ah. This demonstrates the Prophet's consistent devotion and establishes the recommended manner of performing night prayers. The inclusion of the Fajr Sunnah emphasizes that these two rak'ahs, though performed at dawn, are spiritually connected to the night vigil.

This teaching encourages Muslims to revive the sunnah of night prayers, which brings one closer to Allah, earns immense reward, and serves as protection from sin. The number mentioned represents the Prophet's regular practice, though he sometimes prayed fewer rak'ahs, showing flexibility within worship.