`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to offer eleven Rak`ah of optional Salat (prayers) in the latter part of night. When it was about dawn, he would offer two short Rak`ah and then would lie down on his right side till the Muadhdhin (one who calls for prayer) would come to inform him that the congregation had gathered (for prayer).[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
This Hadith throws light on the Prophet's night prayers (Tahajjud), that is, it comprised thirteen Rak`ah including three Rak`ah of Witr. It is also reported in Al-Bukhari on the authority of `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him) that Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would always perform thirteen Rak`ah in the Tahajjud prayer. This Hadith further tells us that after his midnight prayer, the Prophet (PBUH) would perform two Rak`ah of Sunnah (i.e., after the Adhan of Fajr prayer) and then lie down on his right side. This practice of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is an established fact.
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