Hadith 1160
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها، قالت: كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ، يقوم من الليل حتى تتفطر قدماه، فقلت له: لم تصنع هذا يا رسول الله، وقد غفر لك ما تقدم من ذنبك وما تأخر؟ قال: "أفلا أكون عبدًا شكورًا" . ((متفق عليه وعن المغيرة بن شعبة نحوه، متفق عليه)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) kept standing (in prayer) so long that the skin of his feet would crack. I asked him: "Why do you do this, while you have been forgiven of your former and latter sins?" He said, "Should I not be a grateful slave of Allah?" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Even though he was already forgiven, the Prophet still worshipped intensely. His answer shows that worship flows from gratitude and love, not just from need or fear.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1160 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 170
Hadith 1161
'Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن علي رضي الله عنه، أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، طرقه وفاطمة ليلا، فقال: "ألا تصليان؟" ((متفق عليه)). (20)
The Prophet (ﷺ) visited me and Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with her) one night and said, "Do you not observe prayer (at night)?" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
A gentle nudge from the Prophet to his own family to wake and pray at night, showing that those closest to us deserve our encouragement toward good.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1161 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 171
Hadith 1162
وعن سالم بن عبد الله بن عمر بن الخطاب، رضي الله عنهم، عن أبيه: أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، قال: "نعم الرجل عبد الله لو كان يصلي من الليل" قال سالم: فكان عبد الله بعد ذلك لا ينام إلا قليلا. ((متفق عليه))
Salim bin 'Abdullah bin 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) reported, on the authority of his father, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "What an excellent man 'Abdullah is! If only he could perform optional prayers at night." Salim said that after this, (his father) 'Abdullah slept very little at night. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Praise is given here for a man who would be even better if he added night prayer to his life, and on hearing it he began to pray at night. Sincere encouragement can change how we live.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1162 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 172
Hadith 1163
'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
وعن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص، رضي الله عنهما قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : "يا عبد الله لا تكن مثل فلان: كان يقوم الليل فترك قيام الليل" ((متفق عليه)) .
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me, "Do not be like so-and-so O 'Abdullah! He used to pray during the night, then stopped the practice." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
A warning against starting a good habit like night prayer and then abandoning it. Steadiness in worship matters more than bursts that fade.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1163 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 173
Hadith 1164
'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه ، قال: ذكر عند النبي، صلى الله عليه وسلم رجل نام ليلة حتى أصبح! قال: "ذاك رجل بال الشيطان في أذنيه- أو قال: في أذنه-" ((متفق عليه)) .
Mention was made before the Prophet (ﷺ) of a man who slept throughout the night till morning. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) remarked, "He is a man in whose ears Satan urinated." [Al- Bukhari and Muslim].n
In plain words
Strong imagery describing someone who sleeps through the whole night without rising for any worship or remembrance, picturing how Satan keeps such a person heedless.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1164 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 174
Hadith 1165
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، قال: "يعقد الشيطان على قافية، رأس أحدكم، إذا هو نام، ثلاث عقد، يضرب على كل عقدة: عليك ليل طويل فارقد، فإن استيقظ أحدكم، فذكر الله تعالى انحلت عقدة، فإن توضأ انحلت عقدة، فإن صلى انحلت عقدة، فأصبح نشيطًا طيب النفس، وإلا أصبح خبيث النفس كسلان" ((متفق عليه)) .
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When any one of you sleeps, Satan ties three knots at the back of his neck. He recites this incantation at every knot: 'You have a long night, so sleep.' If he awakes and remembers Allah, one knot is loosened. If he performs Wudu', the (second) knot is loosened; and if he performs prayer, (all) knots are loosened. He begins his morning in a happy and refreshed mood; otherwise, he gets up in bad spirits and sluggish state." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Satan tries to keep us heavy and asleep, but remembering Allah, making wudu, and praying loosen his hold one step at a time, leaving us refreshed and in good spirits.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1165 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 175
Hadith 1166
'Abdullah bin Salam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن عبد الله بن سلام، رضي الله عنه ، أن النبي، صلى الله عليه وسلم ،قال: "أيها الناس أفشوا السلام، وأطعموا الطعام، وصلوا بالليل والناس نيام، تدخلوا الجنة بسلام" ((رواه الترمذي وقال: حديث حسن صحيح)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O people, promote the greetings, feed (the poor and needy) and perform Salat when others are asleep so that you will enter Jannah safely." [At-Tirmidhi].
In plain words
Three simple keys to entering Paradise safely: spreading greetings of peace, feeding those in need, and praying at night while others sleep.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1166 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 176
Hadith 1167
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة، رضي الله عنه، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : "أفضل الصيام بعد رمضان شهر الله المحرم، وأفضل الصلاة بعد الفريضة صلاة الليل" . ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The best month for observing Saum (fasting) after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night." [Muslim].
In plain words
After Ramadan, the best month for voluntary fasting is named here, and after the obligatory prayers, the best prayer is the one offered at night.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1167 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 177
Hadith 1168
Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
وعن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما، أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ، قال: "صلاة الليل مثنى مثنى، فإذا خفت الصبح فأوتر بواحدة" . ((متفق عليه)) .
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Salat during the night should consist of pairs of but if you fear that morning is near, then pray one Rak'ah as Witr." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Guidance on how to pray at night: in pairs of units, and if dawn is near, to close with a single Witr unit.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1168 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 178
Hadith 1169
Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
وعنه قال: كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ، يصلي من الليل مثنى مثنى، ويوتر بركعة. ((متفق عليه)) .
The Prophet (ﷺ) performed the night prayer in pairs (i.e., Rak'ah) and made it odd number by observing one Rak'ah (as Witr). [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
A simple description of the Prophet's night prayer: prayed in pairs and made odd-numbered by adding one closing unit.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1169 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 179
Hadith 1170
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أنس رضي الله عنه، قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، يفطر من الشهر حتى نظن أن لا يصوم منه، ويصوم حتى نظن أن لا يفطر منه شيئًا، وكان لا تشاء أن تراه من الليل مصليا إلا رأيته، ولا نائمًا إلا رأيته. ((رواه البخاري)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to leave off observing Saum (fasting) during a month until we thought that he would not observe Saum at all during it; and (sometimes) he would observe Saum till we began to think that he would not omit any day of that month. If one wished to see him performing Salat during the night, he could do that; and if one wished to see him sleeping at night, he could do that. [Al- Bukhari].
In plain words
The Prophet kept his voluntary fasting and night prayer flexible, sometimes doing much and sometimes little, showing there is room and ease in how we approach extra worship.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1170 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 180
Hadith 1171
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، كان يصلي إحدى عشرة ركعة- تعني في الليل- يسجد 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 المنادي للصلاة، ((رواه البخاري)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform eleven Rak'ah (of Tahajjud) prayers at night. He (ﷺ) would prostrate so long as one of you might recite fifty Ayat (of the Qur'an). Thereafter, he would perform two Rak'ah before Fajr prayers and would lie down on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin would come and inform him about the time of (Fajr) prayer. [Al-Bukhari].
In plain words
A description of the Prophet's night prayer: eleven units with long, unhurried prostration, followed by two short units before the dawn prayer and brief rest.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1171 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 181
Hadith 1172
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعنها قالت: ما كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، يزيد- في رمضان ولا في غيره- على إحدي عشرة ركعة: يصلي أربعًا فلا تسأل عن حسنهن وطولهن! ثم يصلي أربعًا فلا تسأل عن حسنهن وطولهن! ثم يصلي ثلاثًا. فقلت: يا رسول الله أتنام قبل أن توتر!؟ فقال: "يا عائشة إن عيني تنامان ولا ينام قلبي" . ((متفق عليه)) .
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not observe more than eleven Rak'ah (of Tahajjud prayers), be in Ramadan or any other month. First of all he would perform four Rak'ah. Ask not about their excellence and their length. He (ﷺ) would then perform four more Rak'ah; and do not ask about their excellence and their length. Then he would perform three Rak'ah (Witr prayer). ('Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) added) I submitted: "O Messenger of Allah! Do you sleep before performing the Witr prayer?" He (ﷺ) said, "O 'Aishah! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
The Prophet kept a steady amount for his night prayer all year long, and his unforgettable answer shows his heart stayed awake and aware of Allah even as his eyes rested.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1172 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 182
Hadith 1173
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعنها أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، كان ينام أول الليل، ويقوم آخره فيصلي. ((متفق عليه)) .
The Prophet (ﷺ) would sleep during the early part of night and stand in Salat during the latter part. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
A simple picture of balance: the Prophet rested in the first part of the night and rose to pray in the later part.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1173 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 183
Hadith 1174
Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه، قال: صليت مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ، ليلة، فلم يزل قائمًا حتى هممت بأمر سوء. قيل: ما هممت؟ قال: هممت أن أجلس وأدعه. ((متفق عليه)) .
One night I joined the Prophet (ﷺ) in his (optional) Salat. He (ﷺ) prolonged the Qiyam (standing) so much that I made up my mind to commit an act of wrong. He was questioned: "What did you intend to do?" He replied: "I intended to sit down and stop following him (in Salat)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
The Prophet's standing in prayer was so long that even a devoted companion grew weary, showing both the length of his devotion and the human reality of tiring.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1174 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 184
Hadith 1175
Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن 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، فمضي، فقلت: يركع بها، ثم افتتح النساء فقرأها، ثم افتتح آل عمران، فقرأها، يقرأ مترسلا. إذا مر بآية فيها تسبيح سبح، وإذا بسؤال سأل، وإذا مر بتعوذ تعوذ، ثم ركع، فجعل يقول: سبحان ربي العظيم، فكان ركوعه نحوًا من قيامه، ثم قال: سمع الله لمن حمده، ربنا لك الحمد، ثم قام طويلا قريبًا مما ركع، ثم سجد فقال: سبحان ربي الأعلى، فكان سجوده قريبًا من قيامه. ((رواه مسلم)).
I performed Salat with the Prophet (ﷺ) one night, and he started reciting Surat Al- Baqarah. I thought that he would go in Ruku' (bowing posture in Salat) at the end of one hundred Ayat, but he continued (reciting); and I thought that he would perhaps recite (this Surah) in the whole Rak'ah (prayer), but he continued the recitation; I thought he would perhaps bow on completing (this Surah). He (ﷺ) then started reciting Surat An-Nisa' which he followed with Surat Al-Imran. He recited leisurely. When he recited an Ayah which mentioned the tasbeeh, he would say Subhan Allah and when he recited the Ayah which tells how the Rubb is to be asked, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would then ask from Him; and when he (ﷺ) recited an Ayah asking one to seek Protection Allah, he would seek Protection of Allah. Then he bowed and said, "Subhana Rabbiyal-Azim (My Rubb the Great is free from imperfection)"; his bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing, (and then on returning to the standing posture after Ruku') he would say, "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal-hamd (Allah listens to him who praises Him. Praise be to You, Our Rubb!)," and he would then stand about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He would then prostrate himself and say, "Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la (My Rubb the Supreme is free from imperfection)," and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing (Qiyam). [Muslim].
In plain words
A vivid account of the Prophet praying slowly and thoughtfully, pausing at verses to glorify Allah, ask of Him, and seek His protection, with each part of the prayer unhurried and full of presence.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1175 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 185
Hadith 1176
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن جابر رضي الله عنه قال: سئل رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : أي الصلاة أفضل؟ قال: "طول القنوت" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: "Which Salat is the best?" He replied, " The best Salat is that in which Qiyam (the duration of standing) is longer." [Muslim].
In plain words
When asked which prayer is best, the Prophet pointed to the one with the longest standing, highlighting unhurried, attentive worship.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1176 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 186
Hadith 1177
'Abdullah bin 'Amr (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
وعن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص، رضي الله عنهما، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، قال: "أحب الصلاة إلى الله صلاة داود، وأحب الصيام إلى الله صيام داود، كان ينام نصف الليل ويقوم ثلثه وينام سدسه ويصوم يومًا ويفطر يومًا" . ((متفق عليه)) .
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The Salat which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud; and As-Saum (the fasting) which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, get up to perform Salat for one-third of it, then sleep through the remaining one-sixth of it; and he used to observe Saum on alternative days." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
The prayer and fasting most beloved to Allah are described through the example of Prophet Dawud, who balanced rest, worship, and fasting in a steady, sustainable way.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1177 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 187
Hadith 1178
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن جابر رضي اللله عنه قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، يقول: "إن في الليل لساعة، لا يوافقها رجل مسلم يسأل الله تعالى خيرًا من أمر الدنيا والآخرة، إلا أعطاه إياه، وذلك كل ليلة" ((رواه مسلم)).
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Every night there is a special time during which whatever a Muslim asks Allah of any good relating to this life or the Hereafter, it will be granted to him; and this moment comes every night." [Muslim].
In plain words
Every single night holds a moment when whatever good a believer asks of Allah, for this life or the next, is granted. An encouragement to keep asking.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1178 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 188
Hadith 1179
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه، أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال: "إذا قام أحدكم من الليل فليفتتح الصلاة بركعتين خفيفتين" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When one of you gets up at night to perform (Tahajjud) prayer, let him start Salat with two short Rak'ah." [Muslim].
In plain words
A practical tip for rising to pray at night: begin gently with two short units to ease into worship.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1179 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 189
Hadith 1180
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا قام من الليل افتتح صلاته بركعتين خفيفتين ((رواه مسلم)).
Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood for Salat at night, he would start his prayer with two brief Rak'ah. [Muslim].
In plain words
Confirming the Prophet's own habit of opening his night prayer with two brief units, a gentle start before longer worship.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1180 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 190
Hadith 1181
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعنها رضي الله عنها، قالت: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، إذا فاتته الصلاة من الليل من وجع أو غيره، صلى من النهار ثنتي عشر ركعة. ((رواه مسلم)).
If the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) missed his night (Tahajjud) Salat because of indisposition or the like, he would perform twelve Rak'ah during the day. [Muslim].
In plain words
When illness or some hindrance kept the Prophet from his night prayer, he made it up during the day. A reminder that missed good can still be recovered.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1181 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 191
Hadith 1182
'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن عمر بن الخطاب، رضي الله عنه، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : "من نام عن حزبه، أو عن شيء منه، فقرأه فيما بين صلاة الفجر وصلاة الظهر، كتب له كأنما قرأه من الليل" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "If anyone falls asleep and therefore fails to observe his Hizb (share) or part of it, if he observes it between the Fajr and the Zuhr prayers, it will be recorded for him as though he had observed it during the night." [Muslim].
In plain words
If someone oversleeps and misses their regular portion of night worship, making it up between dawn and midday still earns the reward as if done at night. Mercy for those who genuinely intended good.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1182 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 192
Hadith 1183
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه، قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : "رحم الله رجلا قام من الليل، فصلى وأيقظ امرأته، فإن أبت نضح في وجهها الماء، ورحم الله امرأة قامت من الليل فصلت، وأيقظت زوجها فإن أبي نضحت في وجهه الماء" ((رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "May Allah show mercy to a man who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens his wife to pray and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face (to make her get up). May Allah show mercy to a woman who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens her husband for the same purpose; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face." [Abu Dawud].
In plain words
Allah's mercy is asked for spouses who wake each other for night prayer, even sprinkling water to rouse the other gently. Helping a loved one toward worship is a beautiful act.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1183 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 193
Hadith 1184
Abu Sa'id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
وعنه وعن أبي سعيد رضي الله عنهما، قالا: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : "إذا أيقظ الرجل أهله من الليل فصليا أو صلى ركعتين جميعًا كتب في الذاكرين والذاكرات" ((رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a man awakens his wife during the night and they both perform two Rak'ah Salat together, they are recorded among the men and women who celebrate remembrance of Allah." [Abu Dawud].
In plain words
When a husband and wife rise together to pray even two units at night, they are counted among those who remember Allah. Shared worship lifts a household.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1184 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 194
Hadith 1185
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها، أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " إذا نعس أحدكم في الصلاة، فليرقد حتى يذهب عنه النوم، فإن أحدكم إذا صلى وهو ناعس، لعله يذهب يستغفر فيسب نفسه" ((متفق عليه)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When one of you dozes off while performing Salat, he should lie down till his drowsiness has gone away from him. When one of you performs Salat while dozing, he may abuse himself instead of seeking pardon (as a result of drowsiness)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
If drowsiness overtakes you in prayer, the Prophet advised resting first, since a sleepy person may confuse words and harm rather than help themselves.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1185 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 195
Hadith 1186
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : "إذا قام أحدكم، من الليل فاستعجم القرآن على لسانه، فلم يدرِ ما يقول، فليضطجع" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When anyone of you stands up for Salat at night and finds it difficult to recite the Qur'an accurately and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should go back to sleep." [Muslim].
In plain words
If someone is too sleepy to recite accurately or even know what they are saying, they are told to go back to sleep. Worship should be done with a present, clear mind.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1186 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 196