Indexed OCR Text

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The hanafi scholar of hadith shaykh sayyid zakariya atlar, said that it is better to adopt this
procedure in private, in ones home, not before everyone in the mosque. Besides, one must not .
let sleep overtake him and then arise and join the congregation without making ablution.
SECTION - III
الْفَضْلُ الثَّالِثُ
(١٢٠٧) عَنْ مَسْرُوْقٍ قَالَ سَأَلتُ عَائِشَة أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ كَاَ أَحَبَّ إِلَى رَسُوْلِ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَتٍ
الدَّائِمُ قُلْتُ فَأَنَّ حِيْنٍ كَانَ يَقُوْمُ مِنَّ اللَّيْلِ قَالَتُ كَانَ يَقُوُمُ إِذَا سَمِعَ الشَّارَِ - (متفق عليه)
1207. Sayyiduna Masruq alar> said that he asked Sayyidah Ayshah tablo, "What deed
was dearest to Allah's Messenger Au,41 tl Jo?" She said, "The deed which one does
with regularity." He asked, "At what time did he get up in the night (for the tahajjud
(supererogatory prayer) salah)? " She said, "When he heard the cock's crow."1 .
COMMENTARY: Doing something with regularity is to do a pious and a purposeful deed
always, even if, as some traditions say, it is little.
In Arabic the cock crows after midnight. That was when the Prophet , le ul do got up
and offered salah.
WORSHIP IN THE NIGHT
(١٢٠٨) وَعَنْ آَنَسٍ قَالَ مَا كُنَّا نَشَاءٍ أَكْ تَّرِى رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِيِ اللَّيْلِ مُصَلَِّا إِلََّ رَأَيْنَاهُ وَلَا
نَشَاءُ أَكْ ثَرَاهُنَآلِهَا إِلََّّرَ أَيْنَاهُ- (رواه النسائي)
1208. Sayyiduna Anas que abl (o) narrated, ,"If we wished to see Allah's Messenger
offer salah at night, we did indeed see him offer salah, and if we wished to see him
sleeping, we did indeed see him asleep."2
صلى الله عليه وسلم meant to say that the Prophet رضى الله عنه COMMENTARY: Sayyiduna Anas
exercised moderation in offering the tahajjud (supererogatory prayer) and doing other
deeds. He did not go to extremes in worship neither did he omit it altogether in sleep. One
could see him engaged in worship as one saw him sleeping.
(١٢٠٩) وَعَنْ حُمَيْدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحُمُنِ بُنِ عَوْفٍ قَالَ إِّ رَجُلًا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ
قَلْتُ وَأَنَا فِيْ سَفَرٍ مَعَ رَسُوْلِ لِلّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَاللّهِ لَّأَرْقْبَنَّ رَسُوْلَ لِلّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِلَّلَاةِ
حَتَى أَزِى فِعْلَهُ قَلَمَّا صَلَّى صَلَاةَ الْعِشَآءِ وَهِىَ الْعَتَمَةُ إِضْطَجَةٌ هَوِيًّا مِنَ اللَّيْلِ تُؤَّ اسْتَيْفَظَ فَتَظَرَ فِي الْأُفْقِ
فَقَالَ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هُذَا بَاطِلًا حَتَّى بَّةَ إِلى إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْبِيْعَادَ ثُمَّ أَهْوَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ
وَسَلَّمَ إِلَى فِرَاشِهِ فَاسْتَلَّ مِنْهُ سِوَّا كَّا تُؤَّ أَفْرَةَ فِيْ قَدَجِ ◌ِنْ إِدَاوَةٍ عِنْدَهُ مَاءً فَاسْتَنَّ ثُؤَّ قَامَ فَعَلَى حَتَّى قُلْتُ قَدْ
صَلَّى قَدْرَ مَا نَامَ ثُؤَّ اضْطَجَةَ حَتّى قُلْتُ قَدْ نَامَ قَدْرَ مَا صَلَّى تُؤَّ اسْتَيْفَظَ فَفَّعَلَ كَمَّا فَعَلَ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَقَالَ
مِثْلٌ مَا قَالَ فَفَّعَلَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ثَلَاث مَزَّاتٍ قَبْلَ الْفَجُرِ - (رواه النسائى)
·
1
Bukhari # 1132, Muslim # 131-741, Abu Dawud # 1317, Nasai # 1616.
2
Bukhari # 1141, Tirmidh: # 769, Musnad Ahmad 3-104.

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1209. Sayyiduna Humayd ibn Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf alar, reported that one of the
sahabah (companions) رضى الله عنه of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that he thought
to himself during a journey with Allah's Messenger alugado all to that he should
watch his salah till he saw his deed. When he offered the salah of isha, which is al-
atmah, he lay down for some time in the night. Then he awoke looked at the
horizon and recited the verse from:
رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ لهُذَا بَاطِلًا
till he came to:
إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِيْعَادَ
(3:191-194), the he looked into his bedding and brought out the siwak. Then he
poured into a bowl some water from a water skin beside him. He cleansed his teeth
(made ablution), stood up and prayed. The sahabi we also, thought to himself that
he had offered salah for as much time as he had slept. Then he lay down till it
seemed to him that the Prophet alugado all to had slept for as much time as he had
prayed. Then he awoke and did as he had done first time and recited as he had
recited. So, Allah's Messenger Aw,, leatl . did that three times before fajr1
COMMENTARY: As for the verses of the Quran it is possible that the Prophet Au,de atl
recited as much as the narrator has reported, or he recited till the end of the surah but the
narrator had heard him up to this point only. The hadith # 1195 of Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas
watlyo, mentions that he recited up to the end of the surah.
(١٢١٠) وَعَنْ يَعْلَى بْنِ مُمْلَكٍ أَنَّهُ سَأَلَ أَّ سَلَمَةَّ زَوْجَ النَِّيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ قِرَآءَةِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ
عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَصَلَاتِهِ فَقَالَتْ وَمَا لَكُمُ وَصَلَاتِهِ كَاتَ يُصَلِّى تُؤَّ يَنَامُ قَدْرَ مَا صَلَى ثُمَّ يُصَلِّى قَدْرَ مَا نَامَ نُؤَّ
يَنَامُ قَدْرَ مَا صَلّى تُؤَّ يُصلِّى قَدْرَ مَانَامَ ثُؤَّ يَنَامُ قَدْرَ مَا صَلَى حَتَّى يُصْبِحَ ثُمَّ نَّعَتَتْ قِرَآءَتَّهُ فَإِذَا هِىَ تَنْعَثُ
قِرَآءُ مُفَشَرَۇ حرفًا حرفًا-(رواهابوداود والترمذى والنسائى)
1210. Sayyiduna Yala Ibn Mumlak al 47> reported thi : he asked Sayyidah Umm
Salamah رضى الله عنه, wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم about the recitation and salah of
the prophet. She asked," And how can you compare with his salah? He used to
offer salah and sleep for so much time as he had prayed and again offer salah for as
much time as he had slept and again sleep for as much time as he had prayed, till
morning." Then, she described his recitation, making the description very vivid and
word for word.2
-
Nasai # 1626.
2 Abu Dawud # 1466, Tirmidhi # 2932, Nasai # 1629, Musnad Ahmad 6-300.

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CHAPTER - XXXIII
WHAT DID THE PROPHET صلى الله عليه وسلم SAY WHEN
HE WOKE UP DURING THE NIGHT
SECTION I
بَابُ مَا يَقُوْلُ إِذَا قَامَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ
الفَضل الآول
THE PROPHET'S صلى الله عليه وسلم PRAYER
(١٢١١) عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسِ قَالَ كَانَ النَّيُ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا قَامَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ يَتَهَجَّدُ قَالَ اللَّهُوَّ لَكَ
الُمْدُ أَنْتَ قَتِّمُ السَّمُوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحُمْدُ أَنْتَ نُوْرُ السَّمْوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ
وَلَّكَ الْحُمْدُ أَنْتَ مَلِكُ السَّمْوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحُّ وَوَعْدُكَ الْحُ وَالثَّارُ حَقّى
وَقَّوْلُكَ حَقِّ وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقْ وَالنَّارُ حَقْ وَالنَّبِتُّوْنَ حَقْ وَّمُحَتَّدْ حَقْ وَالسَّاعَةُ حَوْ اَللَّهُوَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَبِكَ
أُمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَثَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ انَبْتُ وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَّمْتُ فَاغْفِرْلِيْ مَاقَدَّمْتُ وَمَا آَخَّرْتُ
وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِى أَنْتَ الْمُقَّدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَّخِّرُ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ وَلَا إِلَّهَ غَيْرُكَ.
(متفق عليه)
1211. Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas رضى اللهعنه narrated that when the Prophet صلى اللهعليهوسلم got up
during the night to offer the salah of tahajjud (supererogatory prayer), he prayed:
اَللَّهُؤَّ لَكَ الْحُمْدُ أَنْتَ قَئِّمُ السَّمْوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيُهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحُمْدُ أَنْتَ نُوْرُ السَّمُوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ
فِيْهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحُمْدُ أَنْتَ مَلِكُ السَّمُوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيْهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحُّ وَوَعُدُكَ الْحُّ وَالتَّارُ حَتّى
وَقَّوْلُكَ حَقِّ وَالْجُنَّهُ حَقْ وَالثَّارُ حَقِّ وَالتَّتُوَ حَقِّ وَمُحَتَّدْ حَقِّ وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقْ اَللَّهَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَبِكَ
أُمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ انَبْتُ وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَّمْتُ فَاغْفِرُبِىُ مَا قَدَمْتُ وَمَا آَخَّرُتُ وَمَا
أَسَرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِتِى أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ وَلَا إِلَّهَ غَيْرُكَ
"O Allah, praise belongs to you; you are the guardian creator of the heavens and the
earth and whatever is in them. And praise belongs to you, you are the king of the
heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. And, praise belongs to you, you are
true and your promise is true and the meeting with you is true and your word is
true and paradise is true and hell is true and the Prophets are true and Muhammad
is true and the Hour is true.
O Allah, to you do I surrender and in you do I believe and upon you do I rely and to
you do I turn (in repentance) and with your help do I contend and your judgment
do I seek. So forgive me that which I have committed and that which I have put
back and that which I have concealed and that which I have disclosed and that
which you know better than I.
You are the one who brings forward and you are the one who defers. There is no

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God but you. There is no deity other than you."1
COMMENTARY: It seems that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم made this supplication after the
takbir tahrimah or after ruku in the qawmah.
(١٢١٢) وَعَنْ عَائِشَةً قَالَتْ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا قَامَ مِنَّ اللَّيْلِ إِفْتَتَمَّ صَلَاتَهُ فَقَالَ اللَّهُوَّ
رَبَّ جِبْرِيْلَ وَمِيْكَائِيلَ وَإِسْرَافِيْلَ فَاطِرَ السَّمْوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ أَنْتَ تَحُكُمُ بَيْنَ عِبَادِكَ
فِيْمَا كَانُوا فِيْهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ إِهْدِنِ لِمَا اخْتُلِفَ فِيْهِ مِنَ الْحُقِ بِإِذْنِكَ إِنَّكَ تَهُدِىٌ مَنْ تَشَاءُ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيْمٍ.
(رواه مسلم)
1212. Sayyidah Ayshah narrated that when the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم got up in the
night, he began his salah praying:
*اَللَّهُذَّ رَبَّ جِبْرِيْلَ وَمِيْكَائِيلَ وَإِسْرَافِيْلَ فَاطِرَ السَّمُوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ أَنْتَ
تَحُدُّمُ بَيْنَ عِبَادِكَ فِيْمَا كَانُوا فِيْهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ إِهْدِنِيْ لِمَا اخْتُلِفَ فِيْهِ مِنَ الْحُقِّ بِإِذْنِكَ إِنَّكَ تَهْدِئٌ مَنْ
تَشَاءُ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيٍُ
"O Allah, lord of Jinbril, Mikail and Israfil, the creator of the heavens and the earth,
the Knower of the unseen and the seen, you do judge among your slaves concerning
that in which they differ. Guide me out of the differences concerning the truth by
your permission, for, you do guide whom so you will to a straight path."2
(١٢١٣) وَعَنْ عُبَادَةَ بْنِ الشَّامِتِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ تَعَارَّ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَقَالَ لَا إِلَّهَ
إِلَّ اللّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَّا شَرِيْتَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْتُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَّ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْئٍ قَدِيْرٌ وَسُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَالْخَمْدُ لِلّهِ وَلَا
إِلهَ إِلَّ اللّهُ وَاللَّهُ اكْبٌ وَلَّا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ رَتِّ اغْفِرُلِىْ أَوْقَالَ تُؤَّ دَعَا أُسْتُجِيبَ لَهِ فَإِنُ
تَوَضَّأَ وَصَلّى قُبِلَتْ صَلَّاتُه - (رواه البخارى)
صلى الله عليه narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Ubadah Ibn Samit .1213
Aw, said "If anyone gets up during the night and prays:
لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ اللّهُ وَحُدَهُ لَّا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحُمُدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَهْىٍ قَدِيرٌ وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلْهِ
وَلَّا إِلهَ إِلَّ اللَّهُ وَ اللَّهُ اكْبَرٌ وَلَّا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُؤَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّهِ
"There is no God but Allah who is Alone and has no partner. To him belongs the
dominion and to Him belongs all praise. And he is over everything Powerful.
Glorified is Allah, Praise belongs to Allah. There is no God but Allah. Allah is
Greatest. There is no might and power save with Allah.
And says then (رب اغفرلى) forgive me,"
Or, he said, "And then prays, he will get an answer. And, if he makes ablution and
1 Bukhari # 1120, Muslim # 199-769.
2 Muslim # 200.770, 201-771, Tirmidhi # 3431,m Abu Dawud # 767, Nasai # 1621, Ibn Majah # 1357,
Munad Ahamd 6-61,81, 6-156.

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offers salah, his salah will be accepted."1
COMMENTARY: The word in the text rendered wakes up, gets up from sleep' is also said.
to mean disturbed or restless in sleep'. Ibn Maalik &l47, said it means, to awakeen with a
start." The Prophet w,4.le ul do preferred that if anyone wakes up and makes a noise, he
should better glorify Allah, this is what pious men of Allah do, when he get up from sleep,
they utter the kalimah or a tasbih or a prayer.
Some people call this kind of a prayer on awakening (درهم الكيس) (dirham ul-kes). It is like
someone having cash in his pocket and spending from it when he needs. So is this prayer
(si) asy) in a believer's heart and mind, well preserved. When he wakes up from sleep
and makes this prayer, it gains acceptance of the lord.
SECTION II
الفضل القَّانِى
صلى اللهعليه وسلم ANOTHER PRAYER OF THE PROPHET
(١٢١٤) وَعَنْ عَائِشَةً قَالَتْ كَاتَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا اسْتَيْفَظَ مِنَّ اللَّيْلِ قَالَ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُذَ وَبِحَمْدِكَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِذَنِْىِ وَأَسْأَلَّكَ رَحْمَتَكَ اللَّهُؤَّ زِدْنِ عِلْمًا وَلَّا تُزِءُ قَلْبِئْ بَعْدَ إِذْ
هَدَيْتَنِيْ وَهَبْ لِيْ مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَةٌ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ - (رواه ابوداؤد)
1214. Sayyidah Ayshah narrated that when Allah's Messenger alugacall to awoke in
the night, he prayed:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُذَّ وَبِحَمْدِتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِذَنِْ وَأَسْأَلُكَ رَحْمَتَكَ اللَّهُؤَّ زِدْنِ عِلْمًا وَلَّا تُزِءُ
قَلْبِى بَعْدَإِذْ هَدَيْتَنِيْ وَهَبُ لِيْ مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ
'There is no God but you. You are glorified. O Allah with your praise, I seek your
forgiveness for my sin and I ask you for your mercy. O Allah, increase me in
Knowledge and do not cause my heart to veer after you have guided me. Grant me
mercy from yourself, surely you are the Bestower."2
(١٢١٥) وَعَنُ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَا مِنْ مُسْلٍِ يَبِيُتُ عَلَى ذِكْرٍ طَاهِرًا
فَيَتَعَارُّ مِنَّ اللَّيْلِ فَيَسْأَّلَ اللَّهَ خَيْرًّا إِلَّ أَعْطَاءُ اللّهُ إِيَّاهُ- (رواه احمد وابوداود)
صلى الله عليه narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Mu'adh ibn Jabal .1215
Aw, said, "If any Muslim goes to sleep in a state of purity remembering Allah (as he
sleeps) and wakes up (suddenly) in the night and prays to Allah for good then
Allah grants it to him certainly (in this world or the next)."3
(١٢١٦) وَعَنْ شَرِيْقِ الْهَوْزَنِيِّ قَالَ دَخَلْتُ عَلَى عَائِشَةَ فَسَأَلْتُهَا بِمَ كَاتَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
يَفْتَِّحُ إِذَا هَبَّ مِنَّ اللَّيْلِ فَقَالَتْ سَأَلْتَنِى عَنْ شٍَْ مَاسَأَلَنِ عَنَّهُ أَحَدْ قَبْلَكَ كَاَ إِذَا هَبَّ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ كَبَّرَ
عَشْرًا وَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ عَشْرًّا وَقَالَ سُبْكَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدٍهٍ عَشْرًّا وَقَالَ سُبْكَانَ الْمَلِكِ الْقُدُّوُسِ عَشْرًّا
1
Bukhari # 1154, Abu Dawud # 5060, Tirmidhi # 3425, Ibn Majah # 3878, Musnad Ahmad # 22738.
2
Abu Dawud # 5061.
3
Abu Dawud # 5042, Ibn Majah # 3881, Musnad Ahmad 5-244.

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وَاسْتَخْفَرَ اللَّهَ عَشْرًا وَهَلَّلَ اللَّهَ عَشْرًا ثُؤَّ قَالَ اللَّهُؤَّ إِّى اَعُوذُبِكَ مِنْ ضِيْقِ الدُّنْيَا وَضِيْقِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَّامَةِ
عَشْرًا تُؤَّ يَفْتَتِّمُ القَّلُوقَ-(رواه ابوداؤد)
1216. Sayyiduna Shariq al-Hawazani ilar> narrated that he visited Sayyidah Ayshah
begin (worship) on صلى الله عليه وسلم and asked her, "How did Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه
awakening in the night?" She said, "You have asked me about something that no
one ever asked me before you. When he got up in the night, he said, Allah is the
greatest' ten times, praise belongs to Allah' ten times, Allah is glorified with his
praise' ten times, glorified is the king, the sacred' ten times, I ask Allah for
forgiveness' ten times, There is no God but Allah ten times then he prayed:
اللَّهُؤَّ إِنَّ أَمُؤْذُبِكَ مِنْ ضِيْقِ الدُّنْيَا وَضِيْقِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ
'O Allah, I seek refuge in you from hardship in this world and from hardship on
the day of resurrection, ten times.1
COMMENTARY: The Sufis alar, have ten tasbihs that they recite seven times each. They
call them: (.is laya) (seven times the ten tasbihs). This hadith has seven tasbihs that are
recited ten times each. The scholars of hadith call these seven tasbihs: (_) ten times
the seven tasbihs).
SECTION - III
الفَصلُ الثَّالِثُ
(١٢١٧) وَعَنُ آبِيْ سَعِيدٍ الْخُدُرِيِّ قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا قَامَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ كَبَّرَ تُؤَّ يَقُولُ
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُذَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالِى جَدُّكَ وَلَّا إِلَّهَ غَيْرُكَ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ كَبِيْرًّا ثُمَّ يَقُولُ
أُوْذُ بِاللّهِ السَّمِيْعِ الْعَلِيُمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْمِ مِنْ هَمَزِهٍ وَنَفَخِهِ وَنَفَثِهِ، رَوَاهُ التِِّمِذِىُّ وَأَبُوُدَاؤُدَ
وَالنِّسَائِىُّ وَزَادَ أَبُوْدَا ؤدَ بَعْدَ قَوْلِهِ غَيْرُكَ ثُنَّ يَقُولُ لَّا إِلهَ إِلَّ الله ثَلَاثًا وَفِعْ آخِرِ الْحَدِيْثِ ثُؤَّ يَقْرَأُ-
1217. Sayyiduna Abu Saeed ul-Khudri wat so, narrated that when Allah's Messenger
Aluga icati o got up during the night, he said, "Allah is the greatest." Then he said:
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُوَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالِى جَدُّكَ وَلَا إِلَّهَ غَيْرُكُ
"Allah is glorified, O Allah and praise belongs to you. Your Name is blessed. You
are exalted in honour. There is no God but you."
Then he said, "Allah is the greatest, indeed the greatest!
Then he prayed
أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ السَّمِيْعِ الْعَلِيْمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيُِّ مِنْ هَمَزِهٍ وَنَفَخِهِ وَنَفَئِه
"I seek refuge in Allah, the All. Hearing, the All-knowing, from the accursed devil
from his goading, blowing his breath and his spittle." Abu Dawud has after but
you: he said then "There is no God but Allah three times. He concludes the hadith:
then he recited some verses.2
Abu Dawud # 5058, Nasai # 5535.
2
Abu Dawud # 775, Tirmidhi # 242, Ibn Majah # 804, Darimi # 1239, Musaad Ahmad 3-50. Nasai #
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(١٢١٨) وَعَنُ رَبِيْعَةَ بْنِ كَعْبِ الْأَسْلَمِيِّ قَالَ كُنْتُ أَيْتُ عِنْدَ حُجْرَةِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَكُنْتُ
أَسْمَعُهُ إِذَا قَامَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ يَقُولُ سُبْحَاتَ رَبِّ الْعَالَِّيْنَّ الْهَوِىَّ ثُؤَّ يَقُولُ سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَمِحَمْدِهِ الْهَوِىَّ-
رَوَاهُ النِّسَائِئَّ وَلِلِّرْمِذِيِّ نَخُوَهُ وَقَالَ هُذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنْ صِيْهُ.
1218. Sayyiduna Rabiah ibn Kab رضى الله عنه al-Aslami رضى الله عنه narrated that he used to
spend the nights near to the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وسلم room. He would hear him say
when he got up during the night:1
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ
"Glory be to Allah, the lord of the worlds,"
(He would say so) for a long time. Then, he would say:
سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وپحمْدِم
"Allah's glorified with His praise," (He would say that) for a long time.
CHAPTER - XXXIV
ENCOURAGEMENT TO GET UP DURING
بَابُ التَّعْرِيْضِ عَلَى قِيَامِ اللَّهُلِ
THE NIGHT (QIYAM UL-LAYL)
Qiyam ul -layl (vigil in the night) means to engage in worship of Allah during the night.
Examples are the salah of tahajjud (supererogatory prayer), remembrance of Allah, and so
on.
In line with that qaim ul-layl are those who keep vigil in the night. They are the fortunate
who get up at night and worship their lord and remember Him.
SECTION I
الفضل الأول
THE DEVIL'S DECEIT
(١٢١٩) عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةً قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَعْقِدُ الشَّيْطَارُ عَلى قَافِيَة راسِ آحَدِكُمْ
إِذَا هُوَّ نَامَ ثَلَاثَ عُقَدٍ تَضْرِبُ عَلَى كُلِّ مُقْدَةٍ عَلَيْكَ لَيْ طَوِيُلْ فَارْقُدْ فَإِنْ اسْتَيْقَظَ فَذَّ كَرَ اللَّهَ إِنْحَلَّثُ
مُقْدَةُ فَإِنْ تَوَضَّأَ إِنّحَلَّتْ عُقْدَةٌ فَإِنْ صَلَّى الْحَلَّتْ عُقْدَةٌ فَأَصْبَحَّ نَشِيْظًا طَيِّبَ النَّفْسِ وَإِلَّ أَصْبَعَّ خَبِيْثَ
النَّفْسِ كَسْلَانَ - (متفق عليه)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .1219
said, "The devil ties three knots at the back of the head of one of you when one
sleeps. He seals each knot with (the words), there's a long night before you, so sleep.
So, if he awakes and remembers Allah, one knot is untied. If he makes ablution, one
knot is untied. And, if he offers salah, one knot is untied. He comes to morning lively
and in good cheer; otherwise he will be in a bad frame of mind and lethargic."2
-
Tor,odjo # 3427, Nasai # 1618, Musnad Ahmad 4-58, Abu Dawud # 1320, Ibn Majah # 3879
2 Bukhari # 1142, Muslim # 207-776, Abu Dawud # 1306, Ibn Majah # 1329, Muwatta Maalik # 9.25-
98, Musnad Ahmad 2-43.
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COMMENTARY: Different meanings have been given for the word 'knot' Ibn Maalik atlar,
said that this word stands for lethargy. And the devil causes through deceit extreme
laziness to anyone who tries to wake up for worship in the night.
Mirak atlar> cites some ulama (Scholars) atlar, as saying that the devil actually ties the knot on
the sleeping person. It is like a sorcerer's knot. This is supported by a tradition in Mirqat.
Some people say that it is an allegorical statement, like a spell that prevents its subject from
doing what he wants to do. The person who is sleeping is prevented from worship in the
night by the devil's ruse.
Some scholars say that the devil prompts into the sleeping person's heart convincing him
that there still is time. So, he is prevented from offering the salah.
The hadith concludes with the words that he who does not fall prey to the devils deceit
finds himself cheerful and active in the morning. Throughout the day, he lives in Allah's
mercy and attends to his chores calmly.
In contrast, one who succumbs to the devil's deception not only misses worship during the
night but also gets up in the morning lazily. His day he spends unwilling to do any thing,
and he is deprived of Allah's mercy.
WORSHIP TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE
(١٢٢٠) وَعَنِ الْمُخِيْرَةِ قَالَ قَامَ النَِّىُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَتّى تَوَرَّمَتْ قَدَ مَاهُ فَقِيْلَ لَهْ لِمَ تَصْنَعُ هُذَا وَقَدْ
غُفِرَ لَكَ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِكَ وَمَا تَآخَّرَ قَالَ افَلَاآگُونَ عَبْدًا شَكُورًا۔ (متفق عليه)
1220. Sayyiduna Mughirah رضى الله عنه narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم stood (in
salah) in the night to such an extent that his feet became swollen. So, he was asked,
"why do you do it when all your sins, past and present, are forgiven to you?" He
said "Shall I not be a grateful servant?"1
COMMENTARY: The Prophet w,a,leablo asked, "If Allah has forgiven me and placed me
at the highest rank, shall I not be thankful to Him?" He said, "Rather, it is my duty to
endeavor to the best of my ability to please Him."
SAYYIDUNA ALI'S رضى الله عنه EXPLANATION: Sayyiduna Ali رضى الله عنه is distinguished
among the ummah for his intelligence, learning and sagacity. His words about worship are
worth remembering and using as guidelines in life. He said:
"Those who worship to seek (paradise and reward), this kind of a worship is a trader's worship.
Those who worship out of fear (of punishment in hell), their worship is the worship of slaves.
Those who worship to thank their lord for the bounties he has given, their worship is the
worship of free men,"
(This last is the worship of the highest rank).
FAILURE TO GET UP DURING THE NIGHT IS WICKED
(١٢٢١) وَعَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُوْرٍ قَالَ ذُكِرَ عِنْدَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ رَجُلْ فَقِيْلَ لَهُ مَا زَالَ نَآئِمًا حَتَّى أَصْبَحَ مَا
قَامَ إِلَى الشَّلوةِ قَالَ ذَلِكَ رَجُلْ بَالَ الشَّيْطَانُ فِى أُذُنِهِ أَوْ قَالَ فِي أُذُنَيْهِ- (متفق عليه)
1221. Sayyiduna Ibn Masud &sail(so) narrated that a man was mentioned before the
Bukhari # 1130, 4836, Nasai # 1643, Ibn Majah # 1419, Tirmidhi # 412, Musnad Ahmad 4-355.

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Prophet Aw,4l ail Jo. He was told that the man kept sleeping till morning and did
not get up for salah. Allah's Messenger ,, leable said, "He is a man in whose ear"
or, he said, "in whose ears - the devil has urinated." 1
COMMENTARY: The salah refers to either the tahajjud (supererogatory prayer) or the fajr.
He missed either of them.The devil urinating in the ear could be exactly so, or it could
mean that the devil regards him with contempt.
WOMEN'S TAHAJJUD (SUPEREROGATORY PRAYER)
(١٢٢٢) وَعَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ قَالَتُ اسْتَيْقَظَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَيْلَةٌّ فَزِعًا يَقُوْلُ سُبْحَاتَ اللَّهِمَا
ذَا أُنْزِلَ الَّيْلَةَ مِنَ الْخُزَآئِنِ وَمَا ذَا أُنْزِلَ مِنَ الْفِئَّنِ مَنْ يُوقِظُ صَوَاحِبَ الْحُجُرَاتِ يُرِيدُ أَزْوَاجَهُ لِكَىْ يُصَلِّئُنَ
رُبَّ كَاسِيَّةٍ فِي الدُّنْيَا عَارِيَةٍ فِي الْآخِرَةِ - (رواه البخارى)
1222. Sayyidah Umm Salamah &tablo) narrated that one night Allah's Messenger J
Alwy ile d' woke up alarmed and said, "Subhan Allah! How many treasures have
been sent down today! And, how many trials have been sent down today! Who will
awaken the occupiers of the inner rooms meaning his wives, "that they might offer
salah? World will be naked in the hereafter"2
COMMENTARY: The Prophet alugarcall to had learnt of the treasures that were to be sent
down that night and to be disbursed among his ummah. He also knew of the trials that had
been decreed for them.
Mulla Ali Qari Atlar, and other ulama (Scholars) said that the treasures refer to Allah's
mercy while trials refer to chastisement.
The women are warned in the last sentence of the hadith. They will wear choicest garments
in this world but will lack good deeds for the hereafter.
It also means that they will don the garments of sleep and be neglectful to remembrance of
Allah. As a result, they will face deprivation in the next world.
A third meaning is that they will wear such clothes as display their body. In this sense, they
would be naked in the hereafter. Women are disallowed to wear garments that are see-
through. Those who wear them will be nude in the hereafter.
Women who are very daring these days should take heed from this hadith and beware of
displeasing Allah and His Messenger , ale atl do they should know that how so much
fashionable people might became and how so much their ideas may have progressed, yet
the commands of the Prophet ,4latlo are in force even today. They have to be obeyed.
If Islam's commands are ridiculed today in the name of progress, this life is fleeting and
they will have to answer to their lord for their evil deeds.
DESCENT OF ALLAH'S MERCY
(١٢٢٣) وَعَنْ أَبٍ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالِى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى
السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِيْنَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الْآخِرِ وَيَقُوُلُ مَنْ يَّدْعُوْنِيِ فَأَسْتَجِيُبُ لَهُ مَنْ يَسْأَلَنِى فَأُعْطِيْهِ مَنْ
1
Bukhari # 1144, Muslim # 205-774, Nasai # 1609,
Bukhari # 1126, Tirmidhi # 2203, Muwatla Maalik # 48.4-8.
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يَسْتَغْفِرُنِي فَأَغْفِرُ لَهُ مُتَّفَقْ عَلَيْهِ وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ لِّمُسْلِمٍ ثُؤَّ يَبْسُطُ يَدَيْهِ يَقُولُ مَنْ يَّقْرِضُ غَيْرَ عَدُؤْمِ وَلَا ظَلُؤمِ
حَتَّى يَنْفَجِرَ الْفَجُرُ.
صلى اللهعليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .1223
said, "Our lord, Blessed and Exalted, comes every night to the lowest heaven when
the last one-third of the night remains. He proclaims, "Who will pray to me that I
may grant him? Who will seek forgiveness from me that I may forgive him?"
Anther version in Muslim is:
"Then He spreads out His hands and says, "Who will lend to one who is neither
needy nor unjust? This goes on till break of dawn."1
COMMENTARY: Allah is free of body, its weight and dimensions. He is light,
Omnipresent and not limited to any place.
Ibn Hajar atlar, and Ibn Maalik lar> said that Allah's command, his mercy or his angels
descend to the lowest heaven at that time. (They make the aforementioned proclamation).
This contention is borne out also from and authentic hadith that is mentioned in Mirqat.
Or, these words are allegorical and only Allah knows their meaning.
To call upon Him is to make a supplication to Him. It is for one to say, 'O lord' and in
answer showing approval Allah say 'Here I am, O my slave.
To pray for something is to ask for one's needs. In answer Allah grants that.
This hadith does not contradict the one that says "Allah comes (to the lowest heaven) after
one third of the night has passed," or the one that says, "Allah comes after half of the night
has passed, or two. Thirds of the night is over." He may descend at any of these times.
As for lending of Him, it is to make physical and momentary worship of Him to earn
reward, for Allah is neither destitute nor unable to bestow, and, also, He is not unjust to
break His promise or to give an incomplete rewards. In this way, the Muslims are exhorted
to do pious deeds so that their reward will be manifold times.
Allah is praised here with two only these two things obstruct repayment of loan. Allah is
just and Rich so He will repay and is able to repay with a perfect reward.
PROPITIOUS HOUR EVERY NIGHT
(١٢٢٤) وَعَنُّ جَابِرٍ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ إِكَّ فِي اللَّيْلِ لَسَاعَةٌ لَا يُوَافِقُهَا رَجُلْ
مُسْلِمْ يَسْأَلُّ اللّهُ فِيْهَا خَيْرًا قِنْ أَمْرٍا الذُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ إِلَّ أَعْطَاءُ إِيَّاهُ وَذْلِكَ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ- (رواه مسلم)
1224. Sayyiduna Jabir رضى الله عنه narrated that he heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم say,
"Surely there is in the night an hour which if a Muslim man finds and asks Allah
for something that is good in this world and the next. He will grant it to him. And,
this (hour) is every night."2
COMMENTARY: The ulama (Scholars) say about the propitious hour that it is undisclosed
like the laylatul -qadr and the hour on Friday. So these hours cannot be pinpointed. This
hour every night is not specified too and it can occur at any portion of the night.
1
Bukari # 1145, Muslim # 168-758, Tirmidhi # 4146, Ibn Majah # 1366, Darimi # 1479, Musnad
Ahmad 2-264.
2
Muslim # 166-757.

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Some ulama (Scholars) contend that this hour is at midnight when prayers are granted.
Allah knows best.
عليه السلام SALAH & FASTING OF PROPHET DAWUD
(١٢٢٥) وَعَنُ عَبْدِ اللُّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍ وقَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَحَبُ السَّلَاةِ إِلَى اللّهِ صَلَاءُ
دَاؤدَ وَأَحَبُّ الصِّيَّامِ إِلَى اللَّهِصِيَّامُ دَاؤُدَ كَانَ يَنَامُ نِصْفَ اللَّيْلِ ويَقُوْمُ ثُلُقَهُ وَيَنَامُ سُدُّسَهُ وَيَصُوُهُ يَوْمًا
وَيُفْطِرُ يَوْمًا . (متفق عليه)
صلى الله عليه narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Amr .1225
Au said, "The salah dearest (of all salahs) to Allah is the salah of Prophet Dawud
.is dearest to Allah عليه السلام and (of all fasting) the fasting of Prophet Dawud عليه السلام
(As for salah) he slept half the night, got up (to offer salah) for a third of it, and
(again) slept for the (remaining) sixth. (And, as for fasting), he fasted one day and
the next he did not fast (thus fasting on alternate days)".1
COMMENTARY: Thus if anyone observes salah and fasting in this way, it is the dearest
kind of salah and fasting to Allah.
If anyone wakes up after sleeping for two thirds of the night, he will be fresh and active.
Fasting on al ternate days calls for extreme effort and that is the essence of worship.
THE PROPHET صلى الله عليه وسلم METHAD
(١٢٢٦) وَعَنْ عَائِشَةً قَالَتْ كَاكَ تعنى رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَنَامُ أَوَّلَ اللَّيْلِ وَيُحُبِئٍ آخِرَهُ ثُمَّ
إِنْ كَانَتْ لَهُ حَاجَةٌ إِلى أَهْلِهِ قَطِى حَاجَتَهُ ثَُّ يَنَامُ فَإِنْ كَانَ عِنْدَ النِّدَآءِ الْأَوَلِ جُنُّبًا وَثَبَ فَأَفَاضَ عَلَيْهِ
الْمَاءَ وَإِنْ لَّمْ يَكُنْ جُنُبًا تَوَضَّأَ لِلشَّدوقِ نُؤَّ صَلَى رَكْعَتَيْنٍ - (متفق عليه)
1226. Sayyidah Ayshah &cable, narrated that he - meaning Allah's Messenger tld
lwy Ale - would sleep in the first part of the night and would keep its final part
active (by being awake). If he had to go to his wife, he fulfilled his desire and then
went to sleep. If, at the time of the first call (to salah of fajr), he was defiled, he
would get up and pour water over himself (meaning, would have a bath), but if he
was not defiled, he made ablution and offered two raka'at salah.2
COMMENTARY: Sayyidah Ayshah's 's atl (so) hadith in shamail Tirmidhi describes the
Prophet alugarcall to salah in the night in some detail. He offered with at the time of sahr. He
rested after that till the salah of fajr.
As for the first call, it is the adhan itself. The second call is the iqamah.
The hadith tells us that during the first sixth part of the night which is the initial portion of
the night he kept awake up to Isha. After that he had rest in the second and third sixth of
the night. He woke up for the fourth and fifth sixth of the night and slept again in the sixth
portion of the night. Thus, he slept for three sixth portions and kept awake for three sixth
portions Allah knows best.
Bukhari # 1131, Muslim # 186,187-1159, Nasai # 1630, Ibn Majah # 1723, Musnad Ahmad 2-160, Abu
Dawud # 2448.
2 Bukari # 1146, Muslim # 129-739, Nasai # 1640, Ibn Majah # 1365, Musnad Ahmad 6-102.

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الفَصلُ الثَّانِى
SECTION II
EXHORTATION TO OFFER THE TAHAJJUD (SUPEREROGATORY PRAYER)
(١٢٢٧) وَعَنْ أَبِ أُمَامَةً قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ بِقِيَامِ اللَّيْلِ فَإِنَّهْ دَأَبُ الصَّالِحِينَ
قَبْلَّكُمْ وَهُوَ قُرْبَةٌ لَّكُمْ إِلَى رَبِّكُمُ وَمُكَّفِرَةٌ لِلسَّئَاتِ وَمَنْهَاةٌ عَنِ الْأِثْمِ - (رواه الترمذى)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Umamah .1227
said, "you must stand (in salah of tahajjud (supererogatory prayer)) in the night,
for, it was the practice of the righteous before you. And, it is a means to get you near
to your lord. And, it is expiation for bad deeds and a hindrance from sin".1
COMMENTARY: The righteous (before) were the Prophet Ja,le and the saintly men 47
all. In this way the Prophet alugarcall to cautions his ummah that they are more expected to
offer this salah because they are better than the previous ummahs. Those people who offer
the fard (obligatory) salah but not the tahajjud (supererogatory prayer) cannot be bracketed
with the perfect righteous. They are in rank like those who pay the zakah in open
compared to those who pay it secretly.
THE GOOD FORTUNE
(١٢٢٨) وَعَنْ آَبِ سَعِيْدِنِ الْخُدُرِيِّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ثَلَاثَةٌ يَضْحَكُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْهِمُ الرَّحِلُ
إِذَا قَامَ بِاللَّيْلِ يُصَلّى وَ الْقَوْمُ إِذَا صَقُّوْا فِي الصَّلوةِ وَالْقَوْمُ إِذَا صَقُّوْا فِيْ قِتَالِ الْعَدُوِّ - (رواه فى شرح السنة)
1228. Sayyiduna Abu Saeed al- Khudri cablo> narrated that Allah's Messenger ld
Aug Ale said "Three are there towards whom Allah looks and laughs (with delight
and the sight of mercy).
(i) A man when he stands in the night and offers salah.
(ii) .A group of people when they form rows for the salah.
And, a company of men who form rows to combat with the enemy."2
DHIKR IN THE LAST PART OF THE NIGHT
(١٢٢٩) وَعَنْ عَمْرٍ وبُنِ عَنْبَسَةً قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَقْرَبُ مَا يَكُوُْ الرَّبُّ مِنَ
الْعَبْدِ فِ جَوْفِ اللَِّلِ الْآخِرِ فَإِنٍ اسْتَطَعْتَ أَنْ تَكُوْنَ مِمَّنْ يَّذْكُرُ اللَّهُ فِي تِلْكَ السَّاعَةِ فَكُنُ رَوَاهُ
التِّرْمِذِىُّ وَقَالَ لهُذَا حَدِيْنْ حَسَنْ صَحِيْعٌ غَرِيُبْ إِسْنَادًا-
صلى اللهعليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Amr Ibn Anbasah .1229
said, "The nearest the lord is to the slave is during the last portion of the night. So, if
you can be among those who remember Allah in that hour, then be (among then)."3
COMMENTARY: The last part of the night is of merit because it brings Allah's mercy and
blessings. These are the lot of the fortunate who take advantage of Allah's nearness. The
deprived, however, get carried away by the devil's spell.
Allah is near to His slave through His pleasure and His mercies.
1
Tirmidhi # 3560 (narrator Bilal allar>) and supplement by Abu Umamah.
2
Sharah us-Sunnah (Practice of Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم), Ibn Majah # 200.
3
Tirmidhi # 3590, Ibn Majah # 1364, Abu Dawud # 1277, Musand Ahmad # 17023.

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The last portion of the night is that which begins with the final one-third. This is the time to
get up for the tahajjud (supererogatory prayer).
Sayyiduna Amr ibn Anbasah, Ateabl so, who was the fortunate one to be given this advice by
.صلىاللهعليه وسلم was a devoted and close servant of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم the noble Prophet
He was in his native land when the Prophet alugado all to had begun preaching to the
stubborn unbending infidels and idolaters of makkah, suddenly, he felt a great dislike for
idol worship as he heard of the Prophet ,aleadlo and he set out for Makkah. He tried to
locate him in Makkah and people told him that, indeed, there was such a man as he sought,
complaining that he had forsaken the religion of his fore fathers and seemed to be insane.
(May both the worlds be ransomed for his wisdom)
Amr ibn Anbasah de atl (so) was told that he could be found around midnight in the
precincts of the kabah. Radiant faced man coming around midnight towards the kabah.
Amr ducatl so> asked him about what he preached and he disclosed, "I am Allah's Messenger
and my religion is that there is no god but Allah." Hur Au ail (so) Jumped with joy and
exclaimed, "I too like this religion! "Thus, he was the third or fourth person to believe only
two or three had preceded him.
The Prophet Alw,ale adl &o then bid him farewell, saying, "My Lord given me His promise,
when that materializes, do come to me," Hence, when the Prophet alugarcall to emigrated
to Madinah, Amr aus atl (so) went there and met him and stayed with him to attain great
excellence under the Prophet's صلى اللهعليه وسلم guidance.
ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
(١٢٣٠) وَعَنْ أَبيْ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ رَحِمَ اللَّهُ رَجُلًّا قَامَ مِنَّ اللَّيْلِ فَصَلَى
وَأَيْقَظَ إِمْرَأَتَهُ فَصَلَّتْ فَإِنْ أَبَتْ نَضَّحُ فِيْ وَجُهِهَا الْمَآءَ رَحِمَ اللَّهُ امْرَأَةً قَامَتْ مِنَ الَّيْلِ فَصَلَّتْ وَأَيْقَظَّتْ
زَّوْجَهَا فَسَلَى فَإِن آنى نَضَكتُ فى وَجُهِهِ الْمَاء-(رواه ابوداود والنسائى)
صلى اللهعليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .1230
said, "May Allah have mercy on a man who gets up in the night and offers salah
and awakens his wife and she too offers salah, but if she does not arise, he
sprinkles water on her face .! May Allah be merciful to a woman who gets up in the
night and offers salah and awakens her husband and he offers salah, too, but if he
does not arise, she sprinkles water on his face!"1
COMMENTARY: The salah that is offered in the night is the tahajjud (supererogatory
prayer) but if anyone has missed a salah then it is also the best time to redeem it.
Husband and wife should co-operate with one another in religious work as they do in their
social life. If either of them is derelict then the other must prod him or her and if there is
some hindrance keeping one of them away from the salah the other must help remove that.
The some advice applies to a number of people living together.
The hadith is evidence that it is allowed, and even mustahab (desirable), to compel
someone to do good.
1
Abu Dawud # 1450, Nasai # 1610, Ibn Majah # 1336, Musnad Ahmad 2-250.

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OPPORTUNE TIME TO MAKE SUPPLICATION
(١٢٣١) وَعَنْ أَبيْ أُمَامَةً قَالَ قِيْلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللّهِ أَىُّ الدُّعَاءِ أَسْمَعُ قَالَ جَوْفُ اللَّيْلِ الْآخِرُ وَ دُبَرُ القَلْوةِ
المگتُوبَاتِ- (رواه الترمذى)
1231. Sayyiduna Abu Umamah deatl so, narrated that someone asked, "O Messenger
of Allah, which supplication gets the best answer?" He said, "The one that is made
during the last portion of the night and after the prescribed salah.1
RIGHTEOUS DEEDS
(١٢٣٢) وَعَنْ أَبِيْ مَالِكِ الْأَشْعَرَيِّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِثَّ فِي الْجِنَّةِ غُرَفًّا يُزى
ظَاهِرُهَا مِنْ بَاطِنِهَا وَبَاطِئُهَا مِنْ ظَاهِرِ هَا أَعَدَّهَا اللّهُ لِمَنْ أَلَانَ الْكَلَامَ وَأَطْعَمَ الطَّعَامَ وَتَّابَعَ الصِّيَّامِ
وَصَلَى بِاللَّلِ وَالنَّاسُ نِيَامْ رَوَاهُ الْبَيْهِقِيُّ فِى شُعَبِ الْإِيْمَانٍ وَرَوَى التِّزْمِذِىُّ
1232. Sayyiduna Abu Maalik Al-Ashary tablo) narrated that Allah's Messenger
Alu, Ale at! said, "In paradise there are upper chambers whose exterior may be seen
from inside and interior from their outside. Allah has prepared them for those who
speak a soft word, feed food, fast often and offer salah during the night while
people are asleep."2
(١٢٣٣) عَنُ عَلِيٍّ تَحُوَهُ وَفِىْ رِوَا يَتِهِ لِمَنْ آَطَابَ الْكَلَامِ.
1233. Sayyiduna Ali رضى الله عنه narrated that like of it with the word (اطاب الكلام) instead
of (exKlgy) but the meaning is identical 'speak a soft word.' And Someone who has
asked was 'a villager.'3
COMMENTARY: Some ulama (Scholars) contend that the fasting frequently mentioned in
hadith is, at its lowest degree, three fasts each month at least.
SECTION III
الفَصلُ الثَّالِثُ
DISALLOWED TO NEGLECT TAHAJJUD (SUPEREROGATORY PRAYER)
(١٢٣٤) وَعَنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍ وبُنِ الْعَاصِ قَالَ قَالَ لِيْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَا حَبْدِ اللهِ لَّا تَكُنُ
◌ِقْلَ قُلَانٍ كَانَ يَقُومُ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَرِكَ قِيَامَ اللَّيْلِ - (متفق عليه)
1234. Sayyiduna Abdullan ibn Amr رضى الله عنه ibn Al-Aas رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's
Messenger ,4l able said to him "O Abdullah, do not be like so and so. He used
to stand (in salah of tahajjud (supererogatory prayer)) during the night but then
gave up the standing during the night."4
COMMENTARY: There may have been a sahabi who had abandoned his practice of getting
up during the night for the salah. The Prophet alwgadcali to cautioned Sayyiduna Abdullah
1
Tirmidhi # 3510.
2 Musnad Ahmad 5-342, Bayhaqi in Shuab ul-eman # 3892.
3
Tirmidhi # 1991.
4 Bukhari # 115 2, Nasai # 1763, Ibn Majah # 1331, Musnad Ahmad 2-170.

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Awall so> against making the same mistake. A good practice must not be abandoned without
a valid reason. If anyone does so then he is in the same category as:
تَارِكُ الْوِرُدِ مَلْعُوُْ
'One who neglect regular practice of religion) is accursed.'.
To withdraw from worship of Allah and to return to the evil ways is tantamount to
suffering a decline after an increase in good fortune, righteousness and success. The
Prophet alugadatil to had sought refuge from this in these words:
نعوذ بالله من الحور بعد الكور
'We seek refuge in Allah from loss after abundance.'1
Hence, one who treks the path to tariqat and Shari'ah (divine law) must not only not give
up worship or seek to decrease it but he must also seek to increase in that. It is said that if
anyone does not aim for an increase, he faces a decline.
PROPHET DAWUD'S ALJIAde WORSHIP IN THE NIGHT AND THE OPPORTUNE
MOMENT
(١٢٣٥) وَعَنُ عُثُمَاتَ بُنِ آَبيِ الْعَاصِ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللّهِ صَلَى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ كَاَ لِدَا ؤدَ عليه
السلام مِنَّ اللَّيْلِ سَاعَةٌ يُحْقِظُ فِيْهَا أَهْلَهُ يَقُولُ يَا أَلَ دَاوُدَ قُؤْمُوْا فَضَلُّوْا فَإَِّ لهذِهِ سَاعَةٌ يَسْتَجِيبُ اللّهُ عَزَّوَ
جَلَّ فِيْهَا الدُّعَآءَ إِلَّ لِسَاحِرٍ أَوْ عَثَّارٍ - (رواه احمد)
1235. Sayyiduna Uthman ibn Abu al-Aas Aus abl (so), narrated that he heard Allah's
Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم say, that Sayyiduna Dawud عليه السلام had an hour during the
night when he woke up his family, saying, "O family of Dawud, get up and offer
salah for this is an hour wh en Allah, Mighty and Gloroius, answers prayer (of
everyone) except of a sorcerer or an extortionist."2
COMMENTARY: The word (Le) (ashshar) is translated as extortionist. The dictionary
meaning is 'tithe- gatherer.' The highway men who rob wayfarers are included in this as
well as the tax-collectors who oppress people.
Even at the opportune and favourable moment the prayer of these people and the sorcerers
is not accepted. Allah never shows leniency to those who oppress His slaves.
This is why the saintly men say that perfect servitude is to submit to Allah's command and
be compassionate to His creatures.
MERIT OF TAHAJJUD (SUPEREROGATORY PRAYER)
(١٢٣٦) وَعَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُوْلُ أَفْضَلُ الصَّلُوَةِ بَعْدَ الْمَفْرُوُضَّةِ
صَلَاءُفِى جَوْفِ اللَّيْلِ- (رواه احمد)
صلى اللهعليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .1236
said, "The most excellent salah after the prescribed salah is that which is offered in
1
Ibn Majah # 3888, Tirmidhi E 3450, Nasai 5508, Musnad Ahmad # 20802, Muslim # 1343.
2
Musnad Ahmad-22.
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the depth of the night (the tahajjud (supererogatory prayer))."1
COMMENTARY: Shaykh Mirak dar> said that this hadith upholds the opinion of Abu
Ishaq Maruzi Shafi'i All Ar, that the salah of tahajjud (supererogatory prayer) is more
excellent then the regular sunnah (Practice of Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) salah. However,
most ulama (Scholars) contend that the sunnah (Practice of Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) salah
are superior, but the opinion of Abu Ishaq alar> is stronger.
The salah of tahajjud (supererogatory prayer) is superior because it is taxing on the soul and
( صلى الله عليه وسلم is not offered ostentatiously. The regular sunnah (Practice of Holy Prophet
salah are excellent in the sense that emphasis is laid on them alongwith the prescribed salah
and they complete and perfect the prescribed or fard (obligatory) salah.
Hence, both these salah have merit of their own, distinctly. The salah of the night is excellent
because it is made up of the witr too and the witr is wajib (expedient).
Someone dreamt hat Sayyiduna Junayd Baghdadi atkar> said on being asked how he fard (obligatory),
تاهت العبادات وفنیت الا شارات وما نفعنا الا ركعات صلينا ها فىجوف الليل-
"Whatever I said about worship are lost, my lectures have perished, Nothing helped
me but the raka'at that I offered in the depth of the night."
The seekers of truth and Shari'ah (divine law) and the commuters on the tariqah (mystics
paths) are exhorted not to cling to tasawwuf and tariqah, and sermons, but to become
soldiers of Character, to correct their practical life and to endeavour to the best to obey and
worship Allah. They should devote themselves fully to worship and servitude, for, in it lies
the good of both the worlds.
کاندریں راه کار دارو کار
کار کن کار، بگزر از گفتار
To the worker work excels speech
To the traveller work is required.
PREVENTS EVIL
(١٢٣٧) وَعَنْهُ قَالَ جَآءَ رَجُلْ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ إِّ فُلانًا يُصَلِّى بِاللَّيْلِ فَإِذَا أَصْبَحَّ سَرَقَ
فَقَالَ إِنَّهُ سَيَنْهَاهُ مَا تَقُولُ۔(رواه احمد والبيهقى فى شعب الإيمان)
1237. Say;, iduna Abu Hurayrah ato, narrated that a man came to the Prophet
Alugodeatl and said, "So and so offers salah during the night but, when it is morning,
he steals." He said, "Soon, his salah will stop him from what you say."2
COMMENTARY: It is the peculiarity of salah that it restrains the worshipper from evil and
puts him on the path of piety. It is Allah says:
إِثَّ القَّلَوةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَآءِ وَالْمُنْكَّرِ.
{Surely, salah forbids indecency and evil) (29:45)
The Prophet Alw, Lle atl do said of the thief that if he offers the tahajjud (supererogatory
prayer) sincerely then it will cause him, insha Allah to repent and to give up his bad deed.
1
Muslim # 202-1123, Abu Dawud # 2429, Musnad Ahmad 2-535.
2
Musnad Ahmad 2-447, BAyhaqi in Shuab ul eeman # 3261

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TAHAJJUD (SUPEREROGATORY PRAYER) WITH WIFE
(١٢٣٨) وَعَنْ أَبِيْ سَعِيْدٍ وَأَبيْ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَّا قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا أَيْفَطَ الرَّجُلُ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ
اللَّيْلِ فَصَلَّيَّا أَوْ صَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ جَمِيْمًا كُتِبَا فِىِ الذَّاكِرِينَ وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ۔(رواهابوداود وابن ماجة)
1238. Sayyiduna Abu Sa'eed we also, and Sayyyiduna Abu Hurayrah &teatil %) narrated
that Allah's Messenger alugarcall to said, "When a man wakes up his wife during the
night and both of them offer salah, or each of them offers, two raka'ah together then
they (both) are recorded among the men and women who remember Allah."1
COMMENTARY: The word (JA) (ahl) may mean spouse, or wife, children and slaves.
The narrated was unsure of the word the Prophet alugarcall to used (cash offers, or both of
them offer), but this does not alter the sense.
The Quran says:
وَالذَّاكِرِ يْنَّ اللّهُ كَثِيْرًا قَ الذَّكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُمْ مَّغْفِرَةً وَ أَجُرًا عَظِيْمَّا.
{And the men who remember Allah much and the women who remember, Allah
has prepared forgiveness and a mighty reward for them} (33:35)
Thus, if anyone gets up in the night and offers salah himself and remembers Allah, and
awakens his wife and all members of his family to engage in salah and dhikr then they
would be counted among the pious and fortunate men and women whose characteristic is
mentioned in this verse.
THE HIGH-RANKING AMONG THE UMMAH
(١٢٣٩) وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَشْرَافُ أُقَّتِىْ حَمَلَةُ الْقُرْأَنٍ وَأَصْحَابُ
اللَّيْلِ- (رواه البيهقى فى شعب الإيمان)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas .1239
said, "The nobles of my ummah are they who carry the Quran (in their memory)
and they who keep vigil in the night."2
COMMENTARY: Those who carry the Quran are they who have memorized it and abide
by its commands to do and not to do. The Prophet alugacall to said that they have attained
high ranks. Their merit is mentioned in another traditions "He who has memorized the
Quran, the doors to the benefits of prophethood are opened for him, but he does not get
revelation. He does, however, get wahy khafi (which is an inspiration in his mind and
heart of the benefits of wahy jali. In other words, one who memorises the Quran is very
meritorious because the light of Prophethood is instilled in his heart in the form of the
words of the Quran so that his heart and mind become radiant with. wahy khafi through
the apparent meanings awareness of the words of the Qurar .. As a result his faith and
conviction becomes stronger on wahy jali which is the prerogative of the Prophet &bull able,
because of the blessings of the light of the Quran.
Allamah Yahya atlar, said that to memorise the Quran is not only to commit it to memory
but also to mould oneself to its teachings in practice, and with regularity. If not, one who
merely memorises the Quran is of the same class of whom Allah says:
1
Abu Ahmed # 1309, Ibn Majah # 1335.
2
Bayhaqi in Shu'abul Eeman # 2703.

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كَمَقَلِ الْحِمَارِ یَحْمِلُ اسْفَارًا۔
{Like a donkey laden with books) (62:5)
If books are put on a donkey, it gains not a tiny bit from them. In the same way, one who
has memorized the Quran but does not put it into practice, he derives no benefit
whatsoever from memorizing it, and he stands no where in terms of rank and merit.
The Arabic words (Jall laval) translated 'and they who keep vigil in the night' are they
who stand in salah and who recite the Quran during the night and do it constantly, every
night. They are very excellent in the sight of Allah and His Messenger alugado al so They
rank high in the Prophet's صلى اللهعليه وسلم ummah.
SAYYIDUNA UMAR'S death , PRACTICE
(١٢٤٠) وَعَنِ ابْنِ عُمَّرَأَّ آبَاهُ حُمَّرَ بْنَ الْخُتَّابِ كَانَ يُصَلِّى مِنَ اللَّيْلِ مَاشَآءَ اللّهُ حَتَّى إِذَا كَانَ مِنْ آخِرِ
اللَّيْلِ آَيْقَظَ أَهْلَهُ لِلشَّلَاةِ يَقُولُ لَهُ السَّلاَةُ ثُؤَّ يَتْلُؤُ هُذِهِ الْآيَةَّ وَأُمُرْ آَهْلَكَ بِالشَّلوةِ وَاصْطَيِرْ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَسْأَ
لُكَّ رِ زْقًّا نَحْنُ نَرْ زُقُكَ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوى- (رواه مالك)
1240. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar de atl (so) narrated that his father. (Sayyiduna) Umar ibn
Khattab As all so) used to offer salah during the night as much as Allah wished.
During the last part of the night, he would wake his family for the salah, saying to
them, 'As-Salah' Then he word recite the verse (20: 132):
وَأُمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالقَّلوةِ وَاصْطَيِرْ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَسْأَلَّكَ رِزْقًّا نَحْنُ نَرْ زُقُكَ وَ الْعَاقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوى
{And enjoing salah on your household and persevere therein. We ask not you to provide
sustenance, we, indeed, provide for you. And the good end is for righteousness}1
COMMENTARY: The verse instructs that the Prophet , Ale il Jo should guide his
dependent to offer salah and he should offer it himself too, and endure the resultant effort.
He should place trust in Allah and seek his help for outward and inward independence. He
should not worry about provision for himself and for other lest he find it difficult to
observe worship. He should ignore the world and its affairs and seek only the good of the
hereafter. He should occupy himself in correcting the affairs of his dependents only the
righteous and the pious are eligible for the good of both the worlds.
1
Muwatta Maalik 7.1-5.

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CHAPTER - XXXV
DEEDS WITH A JUDICIOUS APPROACH
بَابُ الْقَصْدِ فِى الْعَمَلِ
This chapter present ahadith that tell us that just as exaggeration is harmful in worldly
affairs, so too overdoing is not desired in religious matters, meaning in the voluntary
deeds. Rather, it is necessary to observe a moderate course and to adopt a sensible path.
SECTION I
الفضل الآول
(١٢٤١) عَنْ آَنَسٍ قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُفْطِرُ مِنَ الشَّهْرِ حَتَّى تَظُنَّ آْ لَّا يَصُوْمَ مِنْهُ
وَيَصُوْمُ حَتَّى نَظُنَّ أَنْ لَّا يُفْطِرَ مِنْهُ شَيْئًّا وَكَانَ لَا تَشَاءُ أَكْ تَرَاهُ مِنَّ اللَّيَّلِ مُصَلًِّا إِلَّ رَأَيْتَّهُ وَلَا نَآئِمًّا
إِلَّا رَآَيْتَه- (رواه البخارى)
1241. Sayyiduna Anas رضى الله عنه narrated, "Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم did not
observe fasting in a month (for many days together) so that we presumed that he
would not observe (voluntary) fasting during the month. And he fasted till we
presumed that he would not go without fasting. If you wished to see him offer salah
during the night, you could see him (do so) or (see him) sleeping, you could do so."1
COMMENTARY: The Prophet Aw,eatlo neither did anything beyond limits nor ignored
it altogether, and did not do any thing much below the normal. For example, he fasted for
some days in a month and went without fasting on other days So, it was with salah. During
the night, he offered salah and also went to sleep. He always struck a balance.
PERSEVERANCE
(١٢٤٢) وَعَنْ عَائِشَةً قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَحَبُّ الْأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَّمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ.
(متفق عليه)
1242. Sayyidah Ayshah رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
"The deeds dearest to Allah are those that are done regularly (without interruption)
even if they are little."2
COMMENTARY: Mazhar war> said that in the light of this hadith he Sufis - followers of
tasawwuf ad tariqut - regard neglect of routine supplication and petition just as bad as neglect
of the obligatory duties. The truth, however, is that the two are not similar. To neglect the
obligatory duties is a grave sin, but neglect of their rota is neglect of that which is preferable.
To neglect the obligatory is to abandon obedience without reason and it is to turn away
from the worship of the Lord and it invites chastisement. In contrast, neglect of that which
is done constantly is to fail to do what make one dear to Allah.
Little deed done incessantly (at its time) is better than what is considerable but lacking
regularity and not respecting its etiquettes.
1 Bukhari # 1141.
2 Bukhari # 6462, Muslim # 218-783, Tirmidhi # 2865, Nasai # 1655, Muwatta Maalik 9.24-93, Musnad
Ahmad 6.61.

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NOT BEYOND CAPABILITY
(١٢٤٣) وَعَنْهَا قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خُذُوا مِنَ الْأَعْمَالِ مَا تُطِيُقُوْتَ فَإِّ اللّهُ
لَا يَمَلُّ حَتّى تَمَلُّوْا - (متفق عليه)
1243. Sayyidah Ayshah رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
"Perform deeds (only) what you are capable of doing, for, Allah does not become
weary (of giving you reward) but you get weary (and give up doing deeds)."1
COMMENTARY: Allah rewards the worshipper as long as he performs deeds. If any one
gets tired because of too much indulgence and stops doing deeds then Allah to stops giving
reward. Hence, a moderate form of worship must be adopted to be able to persist in
worship. Allah will continue to grant reward.
STOP WHEN WEARY
(١٢٤٤) وَعَنْ أَنٍّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِيُصَلِّ أَحَدُكُمْ نِشَاطَهُ وَإِذَا فَتَرَفَلْيُقْعُدُ. (متفق عليه)
1244. Sayyiduna Anas رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
"One who offers salah must offer salah till he is enthusiastic. But when he is
tedious, let him sit down."2
COMMENTARY: The gist of the hadith is that anyone seeking good of the hereafter should
engage in worship within his ability. One should exercise moderation in worship and
obedience and refrain from compelling oneself to worship. While worshipping, one should
cease when weariness comes over and must do something that is permissible like sleeping
or conversing with someone else to regain vitality for worship. This kind of occupation will
be counted as a continuation of worship and obedience. This is why it is said, 'A scholar's
sleep is also worship.'
There are many ahadith that recommend giving up of supererogatory worship when
weariness takes over. The reason is that if this is not done then one might be led to abandon
deeds altogether or the spirit might be removed from them.
However, one must gradually accustom oneself to engage in excessive worship so that
laziness does not take very even on a little exertion. If one adjust oneself to excessive
worship then more effort will make one weary. Thus if a persoon offered two raka'at and
recited one juzz (part) of the Quran and could not carry on, he will be able to offer up to
one hundred raka'at and ten parts of the Quran after accustoming himself.
STOP WHEN YOU DOZE
(١٢٤٥) وَعَنْ عَائِشَةً قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا نَعَسَ أَحَدُكُمْ وَهُوَ يُعَلِى فَلْيَرْ قُدُ حَتَّى
يَذْهَبَ عَنْهُ الثَّوْمُ فَإِّ أَحَدَكُمْ إِذَا صَلَّى وَهُوَ نَاِسْ لَا يَدْرِئْ لَعَلَّه يَسْتَغْفِرُ فَيَسُبُّ نَفْسَه- (متفق عليه)
1245. Sayyidah Ayshah رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "If
one of you feels sleepy while offering salah, let him go and sleep till sleep departs
from him, ctherwise if he prays while he dozes, he might mean to make istighfar
1 Bukhari # 1970, Muslim # 215-782, Nasai # 1642, Ibn Majah # 4238, Muwatta Maalik # 7.1-4,
Musnad Ahmad 6-61.
2 Bukhari # 1150, Muslim # 219-784, Abu Dawud # 1312, Nasai # 1643, Ibn Majah # 1376, Musnad
Ahmad 3-101.