Riyad as-Salihin, 1111

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

When the Prophet (ﷺ) finished the 'Isha prayer, he would perform eleven Rak'ah before the Fajr prayer, concluding each two Rak'ah with Taslim (i.e., saying As-Salamu 'Alaikum) and observing the Witr (odd) at the end. When the Mu'adhdhin finished proclaiming Adhan for the Fajr prayer and it was dawn, he would rise and perform two short Rak'ah, and then would lie down on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin came to (inform) him about Iqamah. [Muslim].

وعنها قالت‏:‏ كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يصلي فيما بين أن يفرغ من صلاة العشاء إلى الفجر إحدى عشرة ركعة يسلم بين كل ركعتين، ويوتر بواحدة، فإذا سكت المؤذن من صلاة الفجر، وتبين له الفجر وجاء المؤذن، قام فركع ركعتين خفيفتين، ثم اضطجع على شقه الأيمن هكذا حتى يأتيه المؤذن للإقامة‏"‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ (15)

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Book 8, Hadith 121

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadiths: 1) They point out the desirability of taking a brief rest on one’s right side after the two-Rak‘ah Sunnah of Fajr. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is authentically reported to have said and done this. 2) Qiyām al-Layl (voluntary night prayer) is to be offered as two Rak‘ahs by two Rak‘ahs, with Taslim made after every two Rak‘ahs. 3) Qiyām al-Layl is part of the Prophet’s guidance, and it is an honor for the believer in worldly life and a light for him in the Hereafter.

Related hadiths2