The Book of Qiyam Al-Lail (The Night Prayer) and Voluntary Prayers During the Day
Sahih
The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
أَخْبَرَنَا هَارُونُ بْنُ إِسْحَاقَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدَةُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ زُرَارَةَ بْنِ أَوْفَى، عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ هِشَامٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، - رضى الله عنها - قَالَتْ لاَ أَعْلَمُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَرَأَ الْقُرْآنَ كُلَّهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ وَلاَ قَامَ لَيْلَةً حَتَّى الصَّبَاحِ وَلاَ صَامَ شَهْرًا كَامِلاً قَطُّ غَيْرَ رَمَضَانَ .
"I do not know that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited the whole Qur'an in one night, or spent a whole night in worship until dawn, or that he ever fasted an entire month apart from Ramadan."
Narrated by It was narrated that 'Aishah, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with her, said:
Context
In this hadith narrated by 'Aishah, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with her, she reflects on the practices of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) regarding the recitation of the Qur'an, night worship, and fasting. She notes that he never recited the entire Qur'an in one night, nor did he spend a whole night in worship until dawn, except during Ramadan. This highlights the importance of moderation in worship and the significance of Ramadan as a special time for devotion.
Modern Application
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the expectations of worship. This hadith reminds us that moderation is key; we can strive for consistency in our daily prayers and recitation of the Qur'an without overextending ourselves. Emphasizing quality over quantity can lead to a more meaningful spiritual experience.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Fasting because it discusses the practices of the Prophet (ﷺ) related to worship and fasting during Ramadan.
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.
And I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel, nor do I say of those upon whom your eyes look down that Allah will never grant them any good. Allah is most knowing of what is within their souls. Indeed, I would then be among the wrongdoers."
Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me." Say, "Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Then will you not give thought?"
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.
This hadith is #1646 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Qiyam Al-Lail (The Night Prayer) and Voluntary Prayers During the Day. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated that 'Aishah, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with her, said:.
