Night Prayer and Fasting in Muharram
📖Sahih Muslim 1163 b
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that he (the Messenger of Allah) was asked: “Which prayer is most excellent after the prescribed prayers, and which fast is most excellent after the month of Ramadan?” The Prophet (ï·º) replied: “The best voluntary prayer is the one offered in the middle of the night (Tahajjud), and the most excellent fast after Ramadan is fasting in Muharram.”
Explanation of the Hadith
🔹 Best Voluntary Prayer: Night Prayer (Tahajjud)
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The Prophet (ï·º) emphasized Tahajjud, the prayer in the middle of the night, as the most virtuous voluntary prayer.
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Why at night? The world is silent, distractions are minimal, and sincerity in worship is at its peak.
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Praying at night allows deeper reflection, a stronger connection with Allah, and increased spiritual growth.
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The Prophet (ï·º) himself prayed long hours at night, and righteous people before him also devoted themselves to this practice.
🔹 Best Voluntary Fast: Fasting in Muharram
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The Prophet (ï·º) encouraged fasting in Muharram, highlighting its significance.
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Fasting on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is especially important, as it commemorates the day when Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh.
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The Prophet (ï·º) also recommended fasting on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram to distinguish the Muslim practice from the fasting of the Jews.
Qur’anic Context:
📖Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:17-18
“They used to sleep but little of the night, and in the hours before dawn they would seek forgiveness.”
🔹 Righteous believers wake up for Tahajjud and seek forgiveness before dawn.
📖Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).”
🔹 Fasting is a means to develop self-discipline and closeness to Allah.
Lessons from the Hadith & Qur’an:
✅ Tahajjud prayer deepens faith, increases sincerity, and brings Allah’s mercy.
✅ Fasting in Muharram is highly rewarded, especially on the day of Ashura.
✅ Both night prayer and fasting increase spiritual strength and self-discipline.
This hadith encourages believers to go beyond obligatory acts of worship and strive for excellence in voluntary acts, strengthening their relationship with Allah.