O mother, inform me about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). She said: His (night prayer) in Ramadan and (during other months) was thirteen rak'ahs at night including two rak'ahs of fajr.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 738 d
Hadith Text
O mother, inform me about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). She said: His (night prayer) in Ramadan and (during other months) was thirteen rak'ahs at night including two rak'ahs of fajr.
Scholarly Commentary
This narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes the Prophet's nightly prayer pattern. The thirteen rak'ahs include the two sunnah rak'ahs of Fajr, meaning his voluntary night prayer (Tahajjud) consisted of eleven rak'ahs. Scholars explain this was his regular practice both in Ramadan and throughout the year.
The Prophet would perform these rak'ahs in pairs, offering salams after every two rak'ahs, and conclude with the witr prayer as a single rak'ah. This demonstrates the consistency of his worship and serves as guidance for Muslims seeking to emulate his exemplary night prayers.
The inclusion of Ramadan in this narration indicates that while the Taraweeh prayer in congregation was later established, the Prophet's personal night prayers maintained this pattern throughout all months, showing that worship should be consistent rather than seasonal.