"We asked 'Ali about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: 'Who among you could manage to do that?' We said: 'Even if we cannot do it, we still want to hear about it.' He said: 'When the sun reached the same height (in the east) as it reaches (in the west) at the
time of 'Asr, he would pray two rak'ahs, and when the sun reached the same height (in the
east) as it reaches (in the west) at the
time for Zuhr he would pray four Rak'ahs. He would pray four Rak'ahs before Zuhr and two after, and he would pray four Rak'ahs before 'Asr, separating each two Rak'ahs with Taslim upon the angels who are close to Allah, and the prophets, and those who follow them of the believers and Muslims."'
Narrated by It was narrated from Abu Ishaq, that 'Asim bin Damrah said:
Context
In this narration, 'Ali describes the prayer habits of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), noting the specific Rak'ahs he prayed at different times of the day. The Prophet (ﷺ) would pray two Rak'ahs before 'Asr and four before and after Zuhr, among other practices. This highlights the structured nature of the Prophet's (ﷺ) prayer routine and the importance of maintaining a connection with Allah through regular prayer.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to incorporate regular prayers into their daily schedules. By following the Prophet's (ﷺ) example, individuals can create a balanced routine that fosters spiritual growth and discipline.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Prophetic Conduct because it outlines the specific prayer practices of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), providing a model for Muslims to follow in their daily lives.
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 when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.
And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.
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.
This hadith is #876 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Leading the Prayer (Al-Imamah) and narrated by It was narrated from Abu Ishaq, that 'Asim bin Damrah said:.