Sunan an-Nasa'i 1735

Overview & Central Theme

This hadith, recorded by Imam An-Nasa'i in his Sunan (1735) within The Book of Qiyam Al-Lail, illuminates the Prophetic practice (Sunnah) of reciting specific surahs in the Witr prayer—the concluding voluntary night prayer. The central theme is the divinely guided selection of these three chapters: Surah Al-A'la (87), Surah Al-Kafirun (109), and Surah Al-Ikhlas (112). Together, they form a profound theological triad: exalting Allah's transcendence (Tanzih), affirming pure monotheism (Tawhid) by rejecting all false deities, and consolidating the essence of Allah's absolute Oneness. This demonstrates that the Witr prayer is not merely a ritual act but a comprehensive declaration of faith, encapsulating the core of Islamic creed in a concise, repetitive nightly devotion.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith is narrated by 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), describing the consistent practice of the Prophet ﷺ. The Arabic phrase "كَانَ يَقْرَأُ" (kana yaqra'u) implies a continuous, habitual action, indicating this was his established norm in Witr. The first surah, "Sabbihisma Rabbika al-A'la" (Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High), begins with the imperative "Sabbih" (glorify), derived from "tasbih," denoting declaring Allah free from all imperfections. The second, "Qul ya ayyuhal-kafirun" (Say: O you disbelievers), uses "Qul" (Say), a direct divine command to the Prophet, emphasizing a clear disavowal of disbelief. The third, "Qul huwa Allahu ahad" (Say: He is Allah, the One), with "Ahad" signifying absolute, indivisible unity, as opposed to "Wahid" which can imply numerical oneness. Sabab al-Wurud: While no specific occasion is recorded for this exact combination, the choice reflects the Quran's own thematic ordering in daily prayers and the Prophet's ﷺ intent to seal the night with a comprehensive affirmation of Tawhid and rejection of shirk.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• Jurisprudential Ruling: The majority of scholars (Jumhur) hold that reciting these specific surahs in Witr is a confirmed Sunnah (mustahabb), not obligatory. If one omits them, the prayer remains valid, but the full reward of following the Prophetic model is diminished.
• Theological Depth: Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali noted that these three surahs collectively encapsulate the entirety of Tawhid: Al-A'la establishes Allah's attributes of perfection, Al-Kafirun purges acts of worship directed to false gods, and Al-Ikhlas affirms His unique essence, making Witr a nightly renewal of the covenant of faith.
• Consensus on Virtue: There is scholarly consensus (Ijma') on the immense virtue of reciting Al-Ikhlas, with the Prophet ﷺ stating it equals one-third of the Quran. In Witr, its repetition, coupled with the other two, ensures a spiritually comprehensive conclusion to the day's worship.

"The Prophet ﷺ chose these three surahs for Witr because they combine the praise of Allah, the disavowal of polytheism, and the declaration of His absolute Oneness—thus, the servant ends his night prayer with the most complete form of monotheism." — Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

In our daily lives, this hadith invites us to approach Witr with deliberate consciousness, not mere repetition. Before praying, reflect on the meanings: glorify Allah's transcendence in your thoughts, internally reject all forms of modern-day shirk—such as excessive reliance on material means or societal approval—and affirm that Allah alone is worthy of worship and trust. Let this nightly ritual be a moment of spiritual reset, where you realign your intentions (Niyyah) for the coming day. If you are unable to recite these surahs due to forgetfulness, do not be distressed, but strive to learn them by heart and teach them to your family, making the Witr a shared act of faith. Moreover, the consistency of the Prophet ﷺ in this practice teaches us the value of steadfastness (Istiqamah) in small, regular acts of worship over sporadic grand gestures, for Allah loves deeds that are consistent, even if small.