Night Prayer of the Prophet [SAW] (Ahadith 946 – 948)

Assalamu`alaykum,
Bismillah.

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 247:

Narrated Al-Aswad:

I asked ‘Aisha “How is the night prayer of the Prophet?” She replied, “He used to sleep early at night, and get up in its last part to pray, and then return to his bed. When the Muadh-dhin pronounced the Adhan, he would get up. If he was in need of a bath he would take it; otherwise he would perform ablution and then go out (for the prayer).”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 248:

Narrated Abu Salma bin ‘Abdur Rahman:

I asked ‘Aisha, “How is the prayer of Allah’s Apostle during the month of Ramadan.” She said, “Allah’s Apostle never exceeded eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in other months; he used to offer four Rakat– do not ask me about their beauty and length, then four Rakat, do not ask me about their beauty and length, and then three Rakat.” Aisha further said, “I said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Do you sleep before offering the Witr prayer?’ He replied, ‘O ‘Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart remains awake’!”

Volume 2, Book 21, Number 249:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

I did not see the Prophet reciting (the Quran) in the night prayer while sitting except when he became old; when he used to recite while sitting, and when thirty or forty verses remained from the Sura, he would get up and recite them and then bow.

• Sleep early.
• Get up in the last part of the night.
• Pray – 10 rak`aat + witr. Make it long and beautiful. <3
• Sleep/lie down.
• Get up for Fajr.

One may pray sitting in illness or old age. But should try their best to stand in qiyaam.

Wassalam.