Voluntary Prayer
99 hadiths
Whoever performs Qiyām (night prayer) in the Night of Decree, out of faith and in pursuit of reward, his past sins will be forgiven
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever performs Qiyām (night prayer) in the Night of Decree, out of faith and in pursuit of reward, his past sins will be forgiven."
I memorized from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ten Rak‘ahs (units of prayer)
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: I memorized from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ten Rak‘ahs (units of prayer): two Rak‘ahs before Zhuhr and two Rak‘ahs after it, two Rak‘ahs after Maghrib at his home, two Rak‘ahs after ‘Ishā’ at his home, and two Rak‘ahs before the Fajr prayer, an hour when none was allowed to enter upon the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Hafsah told me that after the muezzin would make Adhān (call to prayer) and after the break of dawn, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer two Rak‘ahs. Another wording reads: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer two Rak‘ahs after the Friday prayer.
Wake up ‘Āʾishah and pray Witr
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray at night while she would be asleep in front of him. When only the Witr was left, he would wake her and she would perform it. According to another narration, he would say: "Wake up ‘Ā'ishah and pray Witr."
We used to prepare for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) his tooth-stick and the water he used for making ablution. Then, Allah would awaken him whenever He willed during the night, and he would brush his teeth with the tooth-stick, make ablution, and perform prayer
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: We used to prepare for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) his tooth-stick and the water he used for making ablution. Then, Allah would awaken him whenever He willed during the night, and he would brush his teeth with the tooth-stick, make ablution, and perform prayer.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to sleep at the beginning of the night and rise at its end to pray
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to sleep at the beginning of the night and rise at its end to pray.
When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) missed prayer at night because of sickness or otherwise, he would pray twelve Rak‘ahs during the daytime
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) missed prayer at night because of sickness or otherwise, he would pray twelve Rak‘ahs during the daytime.
At every part of the night, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prayed Witr: at its beginning, middle, and end. Finally he settled on performing Witr just before dawn
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: 'At every part of the night, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prayed Witr: at its beginning, middle, and end. Finally he settled on performing Witr just before dawn.
O people, spread the greeting of peace, feed others, maintain kinship ties, and pray at night when people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace
‘Abdullāh ibn Salām (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madīnah, the people rushed to meet him, and it was said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) has come! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) has come! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) has come! Three times. I came with the people to see him, and when I saw his face clearly, I knew that his face was not the face of a liar. The first thing I heard him say was: "O people, spread the greeting of peace, feed others, maintain kinship ties, and pray at night when people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace."
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray two light Rak‘ahs after the break of dawn
Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray two light Rak‘ahs after the break of dawn. Another narration reads: "before the (Fajr) prayer would start."
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not ever leave four before Zhuhr and two Rak‘ahs before morning
‘Ā’ishah, Mother of the Believers, (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not ever leave four before Zhuhr and two Rak‘ahs before morning.
Whoever regularly observes four Rak‘ahs before Zhuhr and four after it, Allah will make him forbidden to Hellfire
’Umm Habībah, the Prophet's wife, (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Whoever regularly observes four Rak‘ahs before Zhuhr and four after it, Allah will make him forbidden to Hellfire."
May Allah have mercy on whoever offers four Rak‘ahs before the ‘Asr prayer
‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "May Allah have mercy on whoever offers four Rak‘ahs before the ‘Asr prayer."
(Voluntary) prayer in both the day and night is performed two by two
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "(Voluntary) prayer in both the day and night is performed two by two."
The most excellent fast after Ramadan is Allah's month, Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The most excellent fast after Ramadan is Allah's month, Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night."
O ‘Ā'ishah, indeed, my eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep
Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān (may Allah have mercy upon him) reported that he asked ‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) how the Prophet's prayer was in Ramadan. She said: "Neither in Ramadan, nor in any other month, did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) exceed the eleven Rak‘ahs of prayer. He would pray four – and do not ask about their beauty and length; then he would pray another four, and do not ask about their beauty and length either, then he would pray three." ‘Ā'ishah then added: "I asked him: 'O Messenger of Allah, do you sleep before performing the Witr prayer?' he said: 'O ‘Ā'ishah, indeed, my eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.'"
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer thirteen Rak‘ah in the night prayer including Witr, plus two (voluntary) Rak‘ahs of the Fajr prayer
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer thirteen Rak‘ahs in the night prayer including Witr, plus two (voluntary) Rak‘ahs of the Fajr prayer.
Perform Witr prayer before the morning
Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Perform Witr prayer before the morning."
If anyone fears that he will not wake up at the end of the night, let him offer Witr prayer at the beginning of the night; and anyone expects to wake up at the end of the night, let him offer Witr prayer at the end of the night. Indeed, prayer at the end of the night is witnessed (by the angels) and that is better
Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone fears that he will not wake up at the end of the night, let him offer Witr prayer at the beginning of the night; and anyone expects to wake up at the end of the night, let him offer Witr prayer at the end of the night. Indeed, prayer at the end of the night is witnessed (by the angels) and that is better."
O people, pray at your homes, for a person’s best prayer is the one he performs at his home except the obligatory prayer
Zayd ibn Thābit (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) took for himself a room in the mosque made of straw mats. He prayed in it for a few nights until some people gathered with him for the night prayer. One night they did not hear his voice and thought he had slept, so some of them started to attract his attention to their presence by clearing their throats so that he would come out. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) then said: "You kept doing what I saw you doing till I feared that this prayer might become obligatory upon you, and if it were to become obligatory upon you, you would not be able to observe it. O people, pray at your homes, for a person’s best prayer is the one he offers at his home except the obligatory prayer."
When anyone of you enters the mosque, let him offer two Rak‘ahs before he sits down
Abu Qatādah as-Salami (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When anyone of you enters the mosque, let him offer two Rak‘ahs before he sits down."
قدم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم المدينة ولهم يومان يلعبون فيهما
عن أنس قال: قدم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم المدينة ولهم يومان يلعبون فيهما، فقال: "ما هذان اليومان؟" قالوا: كنا نلعب فيهما في الجاهلية، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إن الله قد أبدلكم بهما خيرا منهما: يوم الأضحى، ويوم الفطر".
لو كنت مسبحًا لأتممت صلاتي
عن حفص بن عاصم بن عمر بن الخطاب قال: صحبت ابن عمر في طريق مكة، قال: فصلى لنا الظهر ركعتين، ثم أقبل وأقبلنا معه، حتى جاء رحله، وجلس وجلسنا معه، فحانت منه الْتِفَاتةٌ نحوَ حيثُ صلى، فرأى ناسًا قيامًا، فقال: ما يصنع هؤلاء؟ قلت: يسبحون. قال: لو كنت مسبِّحًا لأتممتُ صلاتي، يا ابن أخي إني صحبتُ رسولَ الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في السفر، فلم يزِدْ على ركعتين حتى قبضه الله، وصحبت أبا بكر، فلم يزد على ركعتين حتى قبضه الله، وصحبت عمر، فلم يزد على ركعتين حتى قبضه الله، ثم صحبت عثمان، فلم يزد على ركعتين حتى قبضه الله، وقد قال الله: {لقد كان لكم في رسول الله أسوة حسنة} [الأحزاب: 21].
ما من عبد مسلم يصلي لله كل يوم ثنتي عشرة ركعةً تطوعًا غير فريضة إلا بنى الله له بيتًا في الجنة
عن النعمان بن سالم عن عمرو بن أوس عن عنبسة بن أبي سفيان عن أم حبيبة زوج النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنها قالت: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: «ما من عبد مسلم يصلي لله كل يوم ثنتي عشرة ركعةً تطوعًا غير فريضة إلا بنى الله له بيتًا في الجنة، أو إلا بني له بيت في الجنة» قالت أم حبيبة: فما برحت أصليهن بعد. وقال عمرو: ما برحت أصليهن بعد. وقال النعمان مثل ذلك.
إذا قضى أحدكم الصلاة في مسجده فليجعل لبيته نصيبًا من صلاته
عن جابر قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «إذا قضى أحدكم الصلاة في مسجده فليجعل لبيته نصيبًا من صلاته، فإن الله جاعلٌ في بيته من صلاته خيرًا».
ما رأيتُ النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يقرأ في شيء من صلاة الليل جالسًا
عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: ما رأيتُ النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يقرأ في شيء من صلاة الليل جالسًا، حتى إذا كبر قرأ جالسًا، فإذا بقي عليه من السورة ثلاثون أو أربعون آية، قام فقرأهن، ثم ركع.
ركعتا الفجر خير من الدنيا وما فيها
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «رَكْعَتَا الْفَجْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا فِيهَا».
I saw you pray towards a direction other than the Qiblah! He said: Had I not seen the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) doing so, I would not have done it
Anas ibn Sirīn reported: 'We received Anas [ibn Mālik] when he returned from Syria and met him at ‘Ayn At-Tamr. I saw him pray on a donkey, and his face was to this side, i.e. to the left side of the Qiblah. I said to him: "I saw you pray towards a direction other than the Qiblah!" He said: "Had I not seen the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) doing so, I would not have done it."
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer voluntary prayer on the back of his riding beast (camel), whatever direction it went. He would nod his head. Ibn ‘Umar would do so as well
Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer voluntary prayer on the back of his riding beast (camel), whatever direction it went. He would nod his head. Ibn ‘Umar would do so as well. Another version reads: "He used to perform Witr on top of his camel." A version by Muslim adds: "But he did not offer the obligatory prayer on top of it." A version by Al-Bukhāri states: "…except for the obligatory prayers."
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not observe a voluntary prayer more regularly than the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr
‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not observe a voluntary prayer more regularly than the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr.
أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم طَرَقَ عليا وفاطمة ليلاً، فقال: ألا تُصَلِّيَانِ
عن علي رضي الله عنه : أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم طَرَقَه وفاطمة ليلاً، فقال: «ألا تُصَلِّيَانِ؟».
Make haste to perform the Witr prayer before the morning
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Make haste to perform the Witr prayer before the morning."
When one of you stands up for offering voluntary prayer at night and finds it difficult to recite the Qur'an accurately, and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should lie down
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When one of you stands up for offering voluntary prayer at night and finds it difficult to recite the Qur'an accurately, and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should lie down."
What an excellent man ‘Abdullāh is if only he observes the night prayer
Sālim ibn ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported from his father that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "What an excellent man ‘Abdullāh is if only he observes the night prayer." Sālim said: "Since then, ‘Abdullāh would not sleep at night but very little."
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to stand in prayer at night until the skin of his feet would crack
‘Ā'ishah and Al-Mughīrah ibn Shu‘bah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to stand in prayer at night until the skin of his feet would crack. I (‘Ā'ishah) asked him: "O Messenger of Allah, why are you doing this while your past and future sins have been forgiven for you?" He said: "Should I not like to be a grateful slave (of Allah)?"
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) Abu Bakr, and ‘Umar used to offer the Eid prayers before delivering the sermon
‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) Abu Bakr, and ‘Umar used to offer the Eid prayers before delivering the sermon.
Whoever sleeps and fails to recite his nightly portion, or part of it, and then recites it between the Fajr prayer and the Zhuhr prayer, it will be recorded for him as if he recited it during the night
‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever sleeps and fails to recite his nightly portion, or part of it, and then recites it between the Fajr prayer and the Zhuhr prayer, it will be recorded for him as if he recited it during the night."
When one of you feels drowsy during prayer, let him lie down till drowsiness goes away from him
‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When one of you feels drowsy during prayer, let him lie down till drowsiness goes away from him, because when one of you performs prayers while feeling sleepy, unknowingly instead of seeking forgiveness he might abuses himself."
You should pray as long as you have the energy to do so. If you feel tired, then lie down
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came one day into the mosque and saw a rope stretched between two poles. He inquired: "What is this rope for?" He was told: "This is Zaynab's rope. When she feels tired (in voluntary prayer), she holds on to it for support." The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Untie it. You should pray as long as you have the energy to do so. If you feel tired, then lie down."
Do (good) deeds according to your capacity, for by Allah, Allah never grows weary (of giving rewards) unless you grow weary (of doing good deeds), and the best deed in His sight is that which is done regularly
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came in while a woman was sitting with her. He said: "Who is she?" ‘Ā'ishah replied: "She is so-and-so," and told him about her (excessive) praying. He said disapprovingly: "Do (good) deeds according to your capacity, for by Allah, Allah never grows weary (of giving rewards) unless you grow weary (of doing good deeds), and the best deed in His sight is that which is done regularly.”
Whenever we stopped somewhere (during a journey) for rest, we would not offer (voluntary) prayer until we have unloaded the luggage from the mounts' backs
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever we stopped somewhere (during a journey) for rest, we would not offer (voluntary) prayer until we have unloaded the luggage from the mounts' backs.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) ordered us to bring out the young girls and the girls who stay home on the two Eid days, and ordered the menstruating women to distance themselves from the praying area of the Muslims
Umm ‘Atiyyah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) ordered us to bring out the young girls and the girls who stay home on the two Eid days, and ordered the menstruating women to distance themselves from the praying area of the Muslims. In another version of the Hadīth: “We have been ordered to come out on the Day of Eid, even bring out the virgin girls from their houses and the menstruating women; so they would say Takbīr along with them, invoke Allah along with them; hoping for the blessings of that day and its purification.”
O Allah, to You I submit, in You I believe, upon You I rely, by Your help I contend with my foes, and to You I refer for judgment. So, forgive me the sins I committed in the past and those I may commit in the future, those I did secretly and those I did openly, and all that which You know of better than I do. There is no god but You
Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered voluntary prayer during the night, he would say: "O Allah, our Lord! All praise belongs to You. You are the Custodian of the heavens and the earth, all praise belongs to You. You are the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all what is in them, all praise belongs to You. You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. You are the Truth, Your speech is the Truth, Your promise is the Truth, Your meeting is the Truth, Paradise is true, Hell-fire is true, and the Hour is true. O Allah, to You I submit, in You I believe, upon You I rely, By Your help I contend with my foes, and to You I refer for judgment. So, forgive me the sins I committed in the past and those I may commit in the future, those I did secretly and those I did openly, and all that which You know of better than I do. There is no god but You.”
Whenever we stopped at a place for rest, we would not offer any (voluntary) prayer until we unloaded the luggage from the riding animals
Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever we stopped at a place (during a journey) for rest, we would not offer any (voluntary) prayer until we unloaded the luggage from the riding animals.
I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) praying and making a sound like the rumbling of a mill because of weeping
‘Abdullāh ibn Ash-Shikhkhīr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) praying and making a sound like the rumbling of a mill because of weeping.
One night, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed Qiyām while reciting a single verse from the Qur'an
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: One night, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed Qiyām while reciting a single verse from the Qur'an (over and over again).
Offer two Rak‘ahs before Maghrib
‘Abdullāh ibn Mughaffal (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Offer two Rak‘ahs before Maghrib." Then he said: "Offer two Rak‘ahs before Maghrib, if you will," fearing people might take it as Sunnah.
A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was on the pulpit: What do you say about the night prayer? He (ﷺ) said: "Two by two
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was on the pulpit: What do you say about the night prayer? He (ﷺ) said: "Two by two (i.e., in sets of two Rak‘ahs). When he fears that dawn is approaching, he should pray one (Rak‘ah), which will make what he has prayed Witr (odd)." And he (ﷺ) used to say: "Make the last of your prayers at night Witr,” for the Prophet (ﷺ) commanded it.
The Witr is due, so whoever wants to pray the Witr as seven (units of prayer), let him do so; whoever wants to pray the Witr as five, let him do so; whoever wants to pray the Witr as three, let him do so; and whoever wants to pray the Witr as one, let him do so
Abu Ayyūb al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The Witr is due, so whoever wants to pray the Witr as seven (units of prayer), let him do so; whoever wants to pray the Witr as five, let him do so; whoever wants to pray the Witr as three, let him do so; and whoever wants to pray the Witr as one, let him do so."
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) led us in prayer during the month of Ramadan, offering eight Rak‘ahs as well as the Witr. The next night, we gathered in the mosque and hoped that he would come out to us. However, we remained in the mosque until the morning
Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) led us in prayer during the month of Ramadan, offering eight Rak‘ahs as well as the Witr. The next night, we gathered in the mosque and hoped that he would come out to us. However, we remained in the mosque until the morning. Thereafter, we entered the Messenger’s place and said to him: "O Messenger of Allah, we were hoping that you would come out and lead us in prayer." He replied: "I feared that the Witr might be made obligatory upon you."
O ‘Abdullāh, do not be like so-and-so. He used to offer Qiyām al-Layl and then abandoned it
‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to me: "O ‘Abdullāh, do not be like so-and-so. He used to offer Qiyām al-Layl and then abandoned it."
O people of the Qur'an, perform the Witr Prayer for, verily, Allah is Witr (single) and loves what is Witr (single, odd)
‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O people of the Qur'an, perform the Witr Prayer for, verily, Allah is Witr (single) and loves what is Witr (single, odd)."
There should not be two Witr prayers during one night
Qays ibn Talq reported: Talq ibn ‘Ali visited us one day during Ramadan. He stayed with us until the evening and broke his fast with us. Then he led us in voluntary night prayer and the Witr prayer. Afterwards he went to his mosque and led his companions in prayer. When only the Witr prayer was remaining, he asked another man to step forward and said: ‘Lead your companions in the Witr prayer, because I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "There should not be two Witr prayers during one night."
If anyone sleeps before praying Witr or forgets it, let him pray it once he remembers it
Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If anyone sleeps before praying Witr or forgets it, let him pray it once he remembers it."
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would give up a deed, even though he liked to perform it, for fear that people would follow him and perform it, and it would thus become obligatory for them
‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would give up a deed, even though he liked to perform it, for fear that people would follow him and perform it, and it would thus become obligatory for them. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) never prayed the Duha prayer, but I offer it.
The prayer of the oft-returning to Allah is when weaned camels are bitten by excessive heat
Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he saw some people pray in the forenoon, so he said: "They know that praying at an hour other than this one is better, for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'The prayer of the oft-returning to Allah is when weaned camels are bitten by excessive heat.'"
O Allah, place light in my heart, light in my sight, light in my hearing, light on my right, light on my left, light above me, light below me, light in front of me, light behind me, make light for me
Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I stayed overnight in the house of my aunt Maymūnah. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up in the night and went to answer the call of nature, then he washed his face and hands, then he slept. Then he got up again and opened the water skin, then he performed ablution from a hanging water skin, not using much water, yet he washed all the parts properly and then offered the prayer. I got up and straightened my back in order that the Prophet might not feel that I was watching him, and then I performed the ablution, and when he got up to offer the prayer, I stood on his left. He caught hold of my ear and brought me over to his right side. He offered thirteen Rak‘ahs in all and then laid down and slept till he started snoring as he used to do when he slept. In the meantime Bilāl informed the Prophet of the approaching time for the (Fajr) prayer, and the Prophet offered the prayer without performing new ablution. He used to say in his invocation: "O Allah, place light in my heart, light in my sight, light in my hearing, light on my right, light on my left, light above me, light below me, light in front of me, light behind me, make light for me!"
يا أبا بكر ارفع من صوتك شيئاً
عن أبي قتادة: أن النبيَّ -صلَّى الله عليه وسلم- خَرَجَ ليلةً فإذا هو بأبي بكر يُصلَّي يَخْفِضُ من صوته، قال: ومرَ بعمر بن الخطَاب وهو يُصلّي رافعاً صوته، قال: فلما اجتمعا عندَ النبيَّ -صلَّى الله عليه وسلم- قال النبي -صلَّى الله عليه وسلم-: "يا أبا بكر، مررتُ بكَ وأنت تُصلّي تَخْفِضُ صوتَك" قال: قد أسمعتُ من ناجيْتُ يا رسولَ الله، قال: وقال لعمر: "مررتُ بك وأنتَ تُصلّي رافعاً صوتك"قال: فقال: يا رسولَ الله، أُوقظُ الوَسْنان، وأطْردُ الشيطان، فقال النبي -صلَّى الله عليه وسلم-: "يا أبا بكر، ارفَعْ مِن صَوتك شيئاً"، وقال لعمر: "اخْفِضْ مِن صوتك شيئاً".
من قام بعشر آيات لم يكتب من الغافلين
عن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : "من قام بعشر آيات لم يكتب من الغافلين، ومن قام بمائة آية كتب من القانتين، ومن قام بألف آية كتب من المُقَنْطِرين".
من تطهر في بيته، ثم أتى مسجد قباء، فصلى فيه صلاة كان له كأجر عمرة
عن سهل بن حُنيف: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "من تَطهَّر في بيته، ثم أتى مسجد قُبَاء، فصلى فيه صلاةً كان له كأجر عمرة".
إن أول ما يحاسب به العبد الصلاة
عن تميم الداري قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إن أول ما يحاسب به العبد الصلاة، فإن وَجَدَ صلاتَه كاملةً كُتبت له كاملةً، وإن كان فيها نقصان قال الله تعالى للملائكه: انظروا، هل لعبدي من تطوع؟ فأكملوا له ما نقص من فريضته، ثم الزكاة، ثم الأعمال على حسب ذلك".
أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا خرج يوم العيد أمر بالحربة، فتوضع بين يديه، فيصلي إليها
عن ابن عمر: أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا خرج يوم العيد أمر بالحَرْبة، فتوضع بين يديه، فيصلي إليها والناس وراءه، وكان يفعل ذلك في السفر، فمن ثَمَّ اتخذها الأمراء.
There is a prayer between every two Adhāns; there is a prayer between every two Adhāns." The third time, he said: "for whoever wills
‘Abdullāh ibn Mughaffal (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There is a prayer between every two Adhāns; there is a prayer between every two Adhāns." The third time, he said: "for whoever wills."
ما كان يقرأ به رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في الأضحى والفطر؟
عن عبيد الله بن عبد الله أن عمر بن الخطاب سأل أبا واقد الليثي: ما كان يقرأ به رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في الأضحى والفطر؟ فقال: كان يقرأ فيهما بـ (ق والقرآن المجيد)، و(اقتربت الساعة وانشق القمر).
كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يغدو يوم الفطر حتى يأكل تمرات
عن أنس بن مالك قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يغدو يوم الفطر حتى يأكل تمرات. وفي رواية: ويأكلهن وترًا.
كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يخرج يوم الفطر حتى يطعم، ولا يطعم يوم الأضحى حتى يصلي
عن بريدة قال: كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يخرج يوم الفطر حتى يَطعَم، ولا يَطعَم يوم الأضحى حتى يصلي.
اختلف الناس في آخر يوم من رمضان
عن ربعى بن حراش عن رجل من أصحاب النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: اختلف الناس في آخر يوم من رمضان، فقدم أعرابيان فشهدا عند النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم بالله لَأهلَّا الهلال أمس عشية، فأمر رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم الناس أن يفطروا. زاد خلف أحد شيخي أبي داود في حديثه: وأن يغدوا إلى مصلاهم.
فطركم يوم تفطرون وأضحاكم يوم تضحون
عن أبي هريرة ذكر النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فيه قال: "وفطركم يوم تفطرون، وأضحاكم يوم تضحون، وكل عرفة موقف، وكل منى منحر، وكل فجاج مكة منحر، وكل جمع موقف".
من قام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه
عن أبي هريرة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: «من قام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه».
أما بعد، فإنه لم يخف علي مكانكم، لكني خشيت أن تفرض عليكم، فتعجزوا عنها
عن عائشة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم خرج ذات ليلة من جوف الليل، فصلى في المسجد، فصلى رجال بصلاته، فأصبح الناس فتحدثوا، فاجتمع أكثر منهم، فصلوا معه، فأصبح الناس فتحدثوا، فكثر أهل المسجد من الليلة الثالثة، فخرج رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فصلوا بصلاته، فلما كانت الليلة الرابعة عَجَزَ المسجد عن أهله حتى خرج لصلاة الصبح، فلما قضى الفجر أقبل على الناس، فتشهد، ثم قال: «أما بعد، فإنه لم يخف عليَّ مكانُكم، لكني خشيت أن تُفرَضَ عليكم، فتعجزوا عنها»، وفي رواية: وذلك في رمضان.
أيام التشريق أيام أكل وشرب
عن نُبَيشة الهُذَلي قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «أيام التشريق أيام أكل وشرب».
كان المؤذن إذا أذن قام ناس من أصحاب النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يبتدرون السواري
عن أنس بن مالك قال: كان المؤذِّن إذا أَذَّن قام ناسٌ من أصحاب النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يبتدرون السَّوَاري، حتى يخرج النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وهم كذلك، يصلون الركعتين قبل المغرب، ولم يكن بين الأذان والإقامة شيء.
أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يوم فتح مكة صلى ثماني ركعات
عن ابن أبي ليلى قال: ما أخبرنا أحدٌ أنه رأى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم صلى الضحى غيرُ أمِّ هانئ، ذكرت: أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يوم فتح مكة اغتسل في بيتها، فصلى ثماني ركعات، فما رأيته صلى صلاة أخفَّ منها غير أنه يتم الركوع والسجود.
كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا قام من الليل ليصلي، افتتح صلاته بركعتين خفيفتين
عن عائشة قالت: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا قام من الليل ليصلي افتتح صلاته بركعتين خفيفتين.
أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم طَرَقَ عليًّا وفاطمة ليلة
عن علي بن أبي طالب أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم طَرَقَه وفاطمة بنت النبي عليه السلام ليلة، فقال: «ألا تصليان؟» فقلت: يا رسول الله، أنفسنا بيد الله، فإذا شاء أن يبعثنا بعثنا. فانصرف حين قلنا ذلك ولم يرجع إلي شيئًا، ثم سمعته وهو مول يضرب فخذه، وهو يقول: {وكان الإنسان أكثر شيء جدلًا} [الكهف: 54].
أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصلي إحدى عشرة ركعة
عن عائشة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصلي إحدى عشرة ركعة، كانت تلك صلاته -تعني بالليل- فيسجد السجدة من ذلك قدر ما يقرأ أحدكم خمسين آية قبل أن يرفع رأسه، ويركع ركعتين قبل صلاة الفجر، ثم يضطجع على شقه الأيمن حتى يأتيه المؤذن للصلاة.
قام النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم بآية حتى أصبح
عن أبي ذر قال: قام النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم بآية حتى أصبح يردِّدُها، والآية: {إن تعذبهم فإنهم عبادك وإن تغفر لهم فإنك أنت العزيز الحكيم} [المائدة: 118].
كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقرأ في العيدين وفي الجمعة بسبح والغاشية
عن النعمان بن بشير قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقرأ في العيدين وفي الجمعة بسبح اسم ربك الأعلى وهل أتاك حديث الغاشية. قال: وإذا اجتمع العيد والجمعة في يوم واحد يقرأ بهما أيضًا في الصلاتين.
إذا صليتم بعد الجمعة فصلوا أربعًا
عن أبي هريرة قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «إذا صليتم بعد الجمعة فصلُّوا أربعًا، فإن عَجِلَ بك شيءٌ فَصَلِّ ركعتين في المسجد، وركعتين إذا رجعت».
أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أمرنا ألا توصل صلاة بصلاة حتى نتكلم أو نخرج
عن عمر بن عطاء بن أبي الخُوَار أن نافع بن جبير أرسله إلى السائب ابن أخت نمِر يسأله عن شيءٍ رآه منه معاوية في الصلاة، فقال: نعم، صليت معه الجمعة في المقصورة، فلما سلم الإمام قمت في مقامي فصليت، فلما دخل أرسل إلي، فقال: لا تَعُدْ لما فعلت، إذا صليت الجمعة فلا تَصِلْها بصلاةٍ حتى تَكلَّم أو تخرج، فإن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أمرنا بذلك، ألَّا تُوصَل صلاةٌ بصلاة حتى نتكلم أو نخرج.
أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم صلى يوم الفطر ركعتين لم يصل قبلها ولا بعدها
عن ابن عباس أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم صلَّى يوم الفطر ركعتين لم يُصَلِّ قبلها ولا بعدها، ثم أتى النساء ومعه بلال، فأمرهنَّ بالصدقة، فجعلنَ يُلقينَ، تُلْقِي المرأة خُرْصَها وسِخَابَها.
يَسِّرا ولا تُعسِّرا، وبَشِّرا ولا تُنفِّرا
عن أبي بُرْدةَ قال: بعث رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أبا موسى ومعاذ بن جبل إلى اليمن، قال: وبعث كل واحد منهما على مِخْلافٍ، قال: واليمنُ مخلافان، ثم قال: «يَسِّرا ولا تُعسِّرا، وبَشِّرا ولا تُنفِّرا»، -وفي رواية مسندة عن أبي موسى: «وتطاوعا ولا تختلفا»- فانطلق كل واحد منهما إلى عمله، وكان كلُّ واحدٍ منهما إذا سار في أرضه كان قريبًا من صاحبه أحدث به عهدًا، فسلم عليه، فسار معاذ في أرضه قريبًا من صاحبه أبي موسى، فجاء يسير على بغلته حتى انتهى إليه، وإذا هو جالسٌ وقد اجتمع إليه الناس، وإذا رجلٌ عنده قد جمعت يداه إلى عنقه، فقال له معاذ: يا عبد الله بن قيس، أَيْمَ هذا؟ قال: هذا رجلٌ كَفَرَ بعد إسلامه، قال: لا أنزل حتى يقتل، قال: إنما جيء به لذلك فانزل، قال: ما أنزل حتى يقتل، فأمر به فقتل، ثم نزل فقال: يا عبد الله، كيف تقرأ القرآن؟ قال: أَتَفَوَّقُه تفوُّقًا، قال: فكيف تقرأ أنت يا معاذ؟ قال: أنام أول الليل، فأقوم وقد قضيت جزئي من النوم، فأقرأ ما كتب الله لي، فأحتسب نومتي كما أحتسب قومتي.
O Bilāl, tell me of the most rewarding deed you have done in Islam
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said to Bilāl at the time of the Fajr prayer: "O Bilāl, tell me of the most rewarding deed you have done in Islam, for verily I heard the scuffle of your sandals ahead of me in Paradise." He (Bilāl) said: I do not consider any deed I have done more rewarding except that I never made ablution at any time of night or day without praying with that ablution as much as was ordained for me to pray.
كان صلى الله عليه وسلم يصلي ليلًا طويلًا قائمًا، وليلًا طويلًا قاعدًا
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ شَقِيقٍ قَالَ: سَأَلْتُ عَائِشَةَ عَنْ صَلَاةِ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ تَطَوُّعِهِ؟ فَقَالَتْ: كَانَ يُصَلِّي فِي بَيْتِي قَبْلَ الظُّهْرِ أَرْبَعًا، ثُمَّ يَخْرُجُ فَيُصَلِّي بِالنَّاسِ، ثُمَّ يَدْخُلُ فَيُصَلِّي رَكْعَتَيْنِ، وَكَانَ يُصَلِّي بِالنَّاسِ الْمَغْرِبَ، ثُمَّ يَدْخُلُ فَيُصَلِّي رَكْعَتَيْنِ، وَيُصَلِّي بِالنَّاسِ الْعِشَاءَ، وَيَدْخُلُ بَيْتِي فَيُصَلِّي رَكْعَتَيْنِ، وَكَانَ يُصَلِّي مِنَ اللَّيْلِ تِسْعَ رَكَعَاتٍ فِيهِنَّ الْوِتْرُ، وَكَانَ يُصَلِّي لَيْلًا طَوِيلًا قَائِمًا، وَلَيْلًا طَوِيلًا قَاعِدًا، وَكَانَ إِذَا قَرَأَ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ رَكَعَ وَسَجَدَ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ، وَإِذَا قَرَأَ قَاعِدًا رَكَعَ وَسَجَدَ وَهُوَ قَاعِدٌ، وَكَانَ إِذَا طَلَعَ الْفَجْرُ صَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ.
I stayed overnight in the house of my aunt Maymūnah. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stood to perform Prayer at night, I joined him and stood on his left. He, then, took me by the head and made me stand on his right
Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I stayed overnight in the house of my aunt Maymūnah. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stood to perform Prayer at night, I joined him and stood on his left. He then took me by the head and made me stand on his right.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray two light Rak‘ahs before the Fajr prayer, after the Muezzin would finish calling the Adhān and after the break of dawn. Then, he used to lie on his right side until the Muezzin would come to him for the Iqāmah
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray two light Rak‘ahs before the Fajr prayer, after the Muezzin would finish calling the Adhān and after the break of dawn. Then, he used to lie on his right side until the Muezzin would come to him for the Iqāmah.
When anyone of you prays two Rak‘ahs before the dawn prayer, he should lie on his right side
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When anyone of you prays two Rak‘ahs before the dawn prayer, he should lie on his right side." Marwān ibn al-Hakam said to him: "Is it not enough that one of us walks to the mosque until he lies on his right side?" According to the version of ‘Ubaydullāh, he (Abu Hurayrah) replied: 'No.' This statement (of Abu Hurayrah) reached Ibn ‘Umar. He said: "Abu Hurayrah exceeded the limits on himself." He was asked: "Do you approve of what he says?" He replied: "No, but he dared and we showed cowardice." This (criticism of Ibn ‘Umar) reached Abu Hurayrah. He said: "What is my sin if I committed it to memory but they forgot?"
Witr is not incumbent like the status of the obligatory prayers, but it is a Sunnah that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) started practicing
‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Witr is not incumbent like the status of the obligatory prayers, but it is a Sunnah that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) started practicing."
Indeed, Allah, the Almighty,, has added a prayer for you, so offer it in the period between ‘Ishā' prayer and Fajr prayer; (it is) the Witr, (it is) the Witr
Abu Tamīm al-Jayshāni reported: I heard ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās say: "A man from the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed me that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Indeed, Allah, the Almighty, has added a prayer for you, so offer it in the period between the ‘Ishā' prayer and the Fajr prayer; (it is) the Witr, (it is) the Witr.' Behold, this Companion was Abu Basrah al-Ghifāri." Abu Tamīm said: "Abu Dharr and I were sitting, so Abu Dharr took me by the hand and we set off to Abu Basrah. We found him at the door next to the house of ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās. Abu Dharr said: 'O Abu Basrah, did you hear the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: 'Indeed, Allah, the Almighty, has added a prayer for you, so offer it in the period between the ‘Ishā' prayer and the Fajr prayer; (it is) the Witr, (it is) the Witr?' He replied: 'Yes.' Abu Dharr asked: 'You heard him?' He replied: 'Yes.' He asked again: 'You heard him?' He replied: 'Yes.'"
The one who has not prayed the Witr prayer before dawn, then there is no Witr for him
Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The one who has not prayed the Witr prayer before dawn, then there is no Witr for him."
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer the Duha Prayer as four Rak‘ahs and sometimes as much more as Allah willed
‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer the Duha Prayer as four Rak‘ahs and sometimes as much more as Allah willed.
Did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pray the Duha prayer? She said: No, unless he came back from being away
‘Abdullāh ibn Shaqīq (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked ‘Ā'ishah: "Did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pray the Duha prayer?" She said: "No, unless he came back from being away."
من صلى قاعدًا فله نصف أجر القائم
عن عمران بن حصين رضي الله عنهما وكان مبسورًا قال: سألت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن صلاة الرجل قاعدًا، فقال: «إن صلى قائمًا فهو أفضل، ومن صلى قاعدًا فله نصف أجر القائم، ومن صلى نائمًا فله نصف أجر القاعد».
لا يحافظ على صلاة الضحى إلا أواب
عن أبي هريرة قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «لا يحافظ على صلاة الضحى إلا أوَّاب» قال: «وهي صلاة الأوابين».
كان ينام أوله ويقوم آخره، فيصلي
عن الأسود قال: سألت عائشة رضي الله عنها كيف كانت صلاة النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم بالليل؟ قالت: كان ينام أوله ويقوم آخره، فيصلي، ثم يرجع إلى فراشه، فإذا أذن المؤذن وثب، فإن كان به حاجة اغتسل، وإلا توضأ وخرج.
اللهم إني أعوذُ برضاكَ من سخطك
عن علي بن أبي طالب أن رسولَ الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يقول في آخر وتره: "اللهم إني أعوذُ برضاكَ من سخطك، وبمعافاتك مِن عُقوبتك، وأعوذُ بكَ منكَ، لا أُحصِي ثَنَاءَ عليكَ، أنتَ كما أثنيتَ على نفسِكَ".
كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يذبح وينحر بالمصلى
عَن ابْنِ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَذْبَحُ وَيَنْحَرُ بِالْمُصَلَّى.
سأل رجل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو على الْمِنْبَرِ: ما ترى في صلاة الليل؟ قال: مَثْنَى مَثْنَى، فإذا خَشِيَ أحدكم الصبح صلَّى واحدة، فأوترت له ما صلَّى
عن عبد الله بن عُمر رضي الله عنهما قال: «سأل رجل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو على المِنْبَرِ: ما تَرَى في صلاة الليل؟ قال: مَثْنَى مَثْنَى، فإذا خَشِيَ أحدُكم الصبحَ صلَّى واحدة فأَوْتَرَت له ما صلَّى، وأنه كان يقول: اجعلوا آخِرَ صلاتِكم باللَّيل وِتْراً».
صليت مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ذات ليلة، فافتتح البقرة، فقلت: يركع عند المائة، ثم مضى، فقلت: يصلي بها في ركعة، فمضى، فقلت: يركع بها، ثم افتتح النساء
عن حذيفة رضي الله عنه قال: صليت مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ذات ليلة، فافتتح البقرة، فقلت: يركع عند المائة، ثم مضى، فقلت: يصلي بها في ركعة، فمضى، فقلت: يركع بها، ثم افتتح النساء، فقرأها، ثم افتتح آل عمران، فقرأها، يقرأ مُتَرَسِّلًا، إذا مر بآية فيها تسبيح سبح، وإذا مر بسؤال سأل، وإذا مر بتعوذ تعوذ، ثم ركع، فجعل يقول: «سبحان ربي العظيم»، فكان ركوعه نحوًا من قيامه، ثم قال: «سمع الله لمن حمده»، ثم قام طويلا قريبا مما ركع، ثم سجد، فقال: «سبحان ربي الأعلى»، فكان سجوده قريبا من قيامه. قال: وفي حديث جرير من الزيادة، فقال: «سمع الله لمن حمده ربنا لك الحمد».
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach us Istikhārah (guidance-seeking prayer) in all matters, as he would teach us a Surah from the Qur’an
Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach us Istikhārah (guidance-seeking prayer) in all matters, as he would teach us a Surah from the Qur’an. He would say: "When one of you intends to do something, let him perform two Rak‘ahs other than the obligatory prayer and then say: Allāhumma inni astakhīruka bi‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlik al-‘azhīm, fa ’innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta‘lamu wa la a‘lamu, wa anta ‘allāmu al-ghuyūb. Allāhumma in kunta ta‘lamu anna hādha al-’amra khayrun li fi dīni wa ma‘āshi wa ‘āqibati amri, (or he said) ‘ājili amri wa ājilihi, faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma bārik li fīh. Wa in kunta ta‘lamu anna hādha al-’amra sharrun li fi dīni wa ma‘āshi wa ‘āqibati amri, (or he said) wa ‘ājili amri wa ājilihi, fasrifhu ‘anni, wasrifni ‘anhu, waqdur li al-khayra haythu kāna, thumma ardini. (O Allah, I consult You for Your knowledge, and I seek strength from You for Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. Indeed, You are capable and I am not, and You know and I do not, and You are the All-Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, (or he said), my immediate and future affairs, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and then bless it for me. And if You know this matter is evil concerning my religion, my livelihood or the outcome of my affairs, (or he said) my immediate and future affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me content).'' He said: ''And let him name his need.''