What is Sunan Abu Dawud 1257 about?

This hadith from Sunan Abu Dawud (Book of Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Voluntary Prayers), narrated by Narrated Abu Hurairah:, states: "The Prophet (ﷺ) would recite in the two (supererogatory) rak'ahs of the dawn prayer: "Say, O unbelievers""

Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Hasan Sahih. Sahih hadiths are considered the most authentic grade in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sunan Abu Dawud, which contains 5,276 hadiths across 43 books. It is hadith number 1257 in the Book of Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Voluntary Prayers.

I searched for a different number — is this the right hadith?

Hadith numbering varies across editions and translations (USC-MSA, Dar as-Salam, Fath al-Bari, and others). If you followed a link citing a different number but landed here, you may have been redirected to the canonical version in our library. If you were looking for a different hadith entirely, use the search bar to find it by text.

‹

#1256

#1257

Sunan Abu Dawud

#1258

›

Sunan Abu Dawud #1257

Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Voluntary Prayers

Hasan Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ مَعِينٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَرْوَانُ بْنُ مُعَاوِيَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ كَيْسَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَرَأَ فِي رَكْعَتَىِ الْفَجْرِ ‏{‏ قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ ‏}‏ وَ ‏{‏ قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ‏}‏ ‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) would recite in the two (supererogatory) rak'ahs of the dawn prayer: "Say, O unbelievers"

Narrated by Narrated Abu Hurairah:

Context

In this hadith, Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would recite specific chapters from the Quran during the two voluntary rak'ahs of the dawn prayer. The chapters recited were 'Say, O unbelievers' and 'Say, He is Allah, [who is] One.' This practice highlights the importance of specific supplications and recitations in the early morning prayers, setting a spiritual tone for the day.

Modern Application

In today's context, the practice of reciting specific verses during voluntary prayers can inspire individuals to start their day with reflection and connection to their faith. Engaging in these prayers can serve as a reminder of one's beliefs and intentions for the day ahead.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Prayer because it emphasizes the recitation of specific Quranic verses during the dawn prayer.

Prayer