He observed thirteen rak'ahs (in the night prayer). He observed eight rak'ahs and would then observe Witr and then observe two rak'ahs sitting, and when he wanted to bow he stood up and then bowed down, and then observed two rak'ahs in between the Adhan and lqama of the dawn prayer.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 738 b
Hadith Text
He observed thirteen rak'ahs (in the night prayer). He observed eight rak'ahs and would then observe Witr and then observe two rak'ahs sitting, and when he wanted to bow he stood up and then bowed down, and then observed two rak'ahs in between the Adhan and Iqama of the dawn prayer.
Commentary on the Night Prayer
This narration details the Prophet's (ﷺ) comprehensive night prayer (Tahajjud), totaling thirteen rak'ahs. The eight rak'ahs represent the voluntary night prayer performed with tranquility and proper recitation. Following this, he prayed Witr - the odd-numbered prayer that seals the night worship. The subsequent two rak'ahs while sitting demonstrate the flexibility in prayer postures during voluntary prayers, particularly when fatigued. The Prophet would stand for bowing (ruku'), maintaining the prayer's essential pillars.
The Two Rak'ahs Before Dawn
The final two rak'ahs between the Adhan and Iqama of Fajr constitute the Sunnah prayer of dawn (Rak'atay al-Fajr). This practice emphasizes the virtue of praying these specific Sunnah prayers in their designated time. Scholars note that these two rak'ahs are among the most emphasized voluntary prayers, with the Prophet (ﷺ) never neglecting them, even while traveling. The entire sequence illustrates the perfect balance between night vigil and morning devotion, embodying the Quranic description of the righteous who "sleep little in the night" (51:17) while maintaining their obligatory prayers.