When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had prayed the two rak'ahs (Sunan) of the dawn prayer, he would talk to me if I was awake, otherwise he would lie down.
Hadith Text
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had prayed the two rak'ahs (Sunan) of the dawn prayer, he would talk to me if I was awake, otherwise he would lie down.
Source Reference
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim
Sahih Muslim 743 a
Commentary
This noble hadith demonstrates the Prophet's practice after completing the two rak'ahs of sunnah prayer before Fajr. The scholars explain that this narration shows the permissibility of speaking after the sunnah prayers before the obligatory Fajr prayer, contrary to what some might assume.
The Prophet's action of lying down indicates the recommended practice of resting on one's right side after the sunnah prayer while waiting for the Fajr congregation. This position facilitates alertness for prayer while providing physical rest.
The hadith also reveals the intimate companionship between the Prophet and his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), showing how he would engage in permissible conversation if she was awake, demonstrating the balance between worship and normal human interaction.
This teaching emphasizes the moderate nature of Islamic worship, where acts of devotion are balanced with normal human needs and social interactions, without extremism or negligence.