Sunan an-Nasa'i 1740

Overview & Central Theme

This hadith, recorded by Imam An-Nasa'i in his Sunan (1740), delineates the Prophetic practice (Sunnah) in the Witr prayer—the concluding voluntary night prayer. It establishes a threefold structure: the recitation of specific surahs (Al-A'la, Al-Kafirun, and Al-Ikhlas), followed by a prescribed dhikr (remembrance) of "Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus" repeated three times upon completion. The central theme is the synthesis of worship through Quranic recitation and supplication, embodying tawhid (divine unity) and tanzih (transcendence of Allah), while demonstrating the Prophet's ﷺ meticulousness in both the form and spiritual essence of prayer.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith is narrated by Sa'eed bin 'Abdur-Rahman Ibn Abza from his father, who observed the Prophet ﷺ during Witr. The term "Witr" (odd) signifies the concluding single unit(s) of night prayer, emphasizing Allah's attribute of al-Witr (the Odd). The recitation order—Al-A'la (Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High), Al-Kafirun (Say: O you disbelievers!), and Al-Ikhlas (Say: He is Allah, the One)—is deliberate: Al-A'la glorifies Allah's majesty, Al-Kafirun declares dissociation from shirk, and Al-Ikhlas encapsulates pure monotheism. Linguistically, "Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus" combines tasbih (glorification), mulk (sovereignty), and quds (holiness), with "Quddus" deriving from q-d-s, meaning purity and sanctity, affirming Allah's absolute transcendence above all imperfections.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• Jurisprudential ruling: The majority of scholars (including the Hanafis, Shafi'is, and Hanbalis) deem reciting these three surahs in Witr as a confirmed Sunnah (mustahabb), though not obligatory; one may recite other surahs if needed, but consistency with this Prophetic model is virtuous.
• Ethical principle: The repetition of "Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus" three times—with the third often extended in other narrations—teaches humility and the cultivation of a heart perpetually aware of Allah's kingship and purity, countering arrogance and heedlessness.
• Classical consensus: Imam An-Nawawi in Al-Majmu' states, "It is recommended to say after Witr: 'Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus' three times, raising the voice slightly on the third, as transmitted in authentic narrations." This reflects the collective scholarly agreement on the virtue of this dhikr.

"The Prophet ﷺ combined in Witr the glorification of Allah (Al-A'la), the declaration of disavowal from disbelief (Al-Kafirun), and the affirmation of His oneness (Al-Ikhlas), then sealed it with tasbih, so that the worshipper concludes the night prayer with the perfection of tawhid and the sanctification of the King, the Most Holy." — Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Fath al-Bari (Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari)

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

For the contemporary Muslim, this hadith offers a practical blueprint for ending the night with spiritual excellence: (1) Be intentional in Witr—choose the three surahs to internalize their meanings, not merely recite them; (2) After the salam, pause to utter "Subhanal-Malikil-Quddus" with presence of heart, reflecting on Allah's sovereignty and holiness, which cleanses the soul from worldly distractions; (3) Use this dhikr as a nightly seal of tawhid, reinforcing one's covenant with Allah before sleep, and let it inspire daytime conduct—acting as a servant of the King, avoiding all forms of spiritual impurity. Consistency, even with one unit of Witr, is better than abandonment, as the Prophet ﷺ never missed it, teaching us that small, regular acts of worship carry immense barakah and transform the heart into a sanctuary of remembrance.