The Book of Prayer - Travellers

Sahih Muslim - Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 738 a

Hadith Text

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not observe either in Ramadan or in other months more than eleven rak'ahs (of the night prayer). He (in the first instance) observed four rak'ahs. Ask not about their excellence and their length (i.e. these were matchless in perfection and length). He again observed four rak'ahs, and ask not about their excellence and their length. He would then observe three rak'ahs (of the Witr prayer). 'A'isha again said: I said: Messenger of Allah, do you sleep before observing the Witr prayer? He said: O 'A'isha, my eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.

Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the Prophetic practice of the night prayer (Tahajjud) and Witr. The Prophet (ﷺ) consistently performed eleven rak'ahs, demonstrating this as the ideal number, whether in Ramadan or other months. The four rak'ahs mentioned were performed with such devotion that their excellence cannot be adequately described.

The division into sets of four, four, and three rak'ahs shows the recommended method of performing Tahajjud followed by Witr. The final three rak'ahs constitute the Witr prayer, which the Prophet never omitted, even when traveling or ill.

The Prophet's response to A'isha reveals the spiritual state of the Prophets - while their bodies rest, their hearts remain in constant remembrance of Allah. This illustrates the highest level of spiritual awareness, where the servant's connection with the Creator is never severed, even during physical rest.

Legal Rulings

• The night prayer consists of eleven rak'ahs including Witr

• Witr prayer is three rak'ahs performed at the conclusion of night prayers

• The excellence of night prayer is not limited to Ramadan but extends throughout the year

• Sleeping before performing Witr is permissible, though delaying it until the last part of the night is superior