Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to practice I`tikaf (in the mosque) in the middle third of Ramadan and after
passing the twenty nights he used to go back to his house on the 21st, and the people who were in
I`tikaf with him also used to go back to their houses. Once in Ramadan, in which he practiced I`tikaf,
he established the night prayers at the night in which he used to return home, and then he addressed
the people and ordered them whatever Allah wished him to order and said, "I used to practice I`tikaf
for these ten days (i.e. the middle third but now I intend to stay in I`tikaf for the last ten days (of the
month); so whoever was in I`tikaf with me should stay at his place of seclusion. I have verily been
shown (the date of) this Night (of Qadr) but I have forgotten it. So search for it in the odd nights of the
last ten days (of this month). I also saw myself (in the dream) prostrating in mud and water." On the
night of the 21st, the sky was covered with clouds and it rained, and the rainwater started leaking
through the roof of the mosque at the praying place of the Prophet (ﷺ) . I saw with my own eyes the
Prophet at the completion of the morning prayer leaving with his face covered with mud and water.
Narrated by Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
Context
In this hadith, narrated by Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri, we learn about the practice of I`tikaf by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during Ramadan. He would typically seclude himself in the mosque for the last ten days of the month, seeking the Night of Qadr. This particular instance highlights his intention to change his practice to focus on the last ten days, emphasizing the importance of spiritual devotion during this sacred time.
Modern Application
Today, many Muslims engage in I`tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan, seeking spiritual closeness to Allah. This practice encourages reflection, prayer, and community, allowing individuals to deepen their faith and connection during this holy month.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Night Prayer (Tahajjud) because it illustrates the significance of prayer during the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly in seeking the Night of Qadr.
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.
And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.
سُورَةُ القَدۡرِ
Al-Qadr (The Power, Fate)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
1 ayah
وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ
And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?
This hadith is #1945 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Virtues of the Night of Qadr. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:.