The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out during the night and observed prayer in the mosque and some of the people prayed along with him. When it was morning the people talked about this and so a large number of people gathered there. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out for the second night, and they (the people) prayed along with him. When it was morning the people began to talk about it. So the mosque thronged with people on the third night. He (the Holy Prophet) came out and they prayed along with him. When it was the fourth night, the mosque was filled to its utmost capacity but the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not come out. Some persons among then cried:" Prayer." But the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not come to them till he came out for the morning prayer. When he had completed the morning prayer, he turned his face to the people and recited Tashahhud (I bear testi- mony that there is no god but Allah and I bear testimony that Muhammad is His Messen- ger) and then said: Your affair was not hidden from me in the night, but I was afraid that (my observing prayer continuously) might make the night prayer obligatory for you and you might be unable to perform it.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 761 b
Contextual Analysis
This narration from Sahih Muslim demonstrates the Prophet's profound wisdom in religious legislation. The incident occurred during Ramadan when the Prophet initially led voluntary night prayers (Tahajjud) in congregation for three consecutive nights, drawing increasingly larger crowds each time.
The fourth night's absence was not negligence but divine wisdom - Allah concealed from the Prophet the exact timing of his emergence to prevent the congregation from expecting his regular presence, thereby avoiding the potential obligation of congregational Tahajjud.
Legal Wisdom & Divine Mercy
The Prophet's explanation reveals two crucial principles: Allah's knowledge encompasses all affairs, and divine legislation considers human capability. The fear that continuous congregation might make night prayer obligatory demonstrates Allah's mercy in not burdening believers beyond their capacity.
This incident established the Sunnah of praying Tahajjud individually at home during Ramadan, except for the confirmed congregational prayers of Tarawih. The Prophet's action teaches that while congregational prayer has merit, voluntary acts are best performed privately to maintain their non-obligatory status.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note that the Prophet's concern was for future generations who might find continuous night prayer burdensome. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic legislation - considering not only present circumstances but future implications.
The morning address with Tashahhud emphasizes the importance of transparency in religious leadership and clarifying rulings to prevent misunderstanding among the community.