He used to sleep in the early part of the night, and woke up in the latter part. If he then wished intercourse with his wife, he satisfied his desire, and then went to sleep; and when the first call to prayer was made he jumped up (by Allah, she, i. e. 'A'isha, did not say" he stood up" ), and poured water over him (by Allah she, i. e. 'A'isha, did not say that he took a bath but I know what she meant) and if he did not have an intercourse, he performed ablution, just as a man performs ablution for prayer and then observed two rak'ahs.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 739
Commentary on the Prophet's Nightly Routine
This narration from the Mother of Believers, 'A'isha, reveals the blessed nightly routine of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He would divide his night into two portions: sleeping in the early part and rising for worship in the latter part, following the divine command in Surah al-Muzzammil.
The Prophet's ﷺ conduct regarding marital relations demonstrates the balance between fulfilling legitimate desires and maintaining spiritual purity. When he had intercourse, he performed ghusl (complete bath), and when he did not, wudu (ablution) sufficed for his night prayers.
The two rak'ahs mentioned are the sunnah of tahajjud (night prayer), which the Prophet ﷺ observed with utmost devotion. 'A'isha's precise wording shows her careful transmission and understanding of the Prophet's state, emphasizing that he arose energetically for prayer.
This teaching establishes that sexual relations do not diminish one's spiritual status when followed by proper purification, and that the believer should maintain both marital harmony and devotional practice.