5/4. Chapter:
Sunan Abi Dawud 1263 — Aisha on the Fajr Sunnah
Lying Down On One's Side After It
Fajr Sunnah Hadith: Resting or Speaking After Two Rak'ahs
Sunan Abi Dawud : 1263
Sunan Abi DawudHadith Number 1263
حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ زِيَادِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، عَمَّنْ حَدَّثَهُ - ابْنِ أَبِي عَتَّابٍ، أَوْ غَيْرِهِ - عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، قَالَ قَالَتْ عَائِشَةُ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا صَلَّى رَكْعَتَىِ الْفَجْرِ فَإِنْ كُنْتُ نَائِمَةً اضْطَجَعَ وَإِنْ كُنْتُ مُسْتَيْقِظَةً حَدَّثَنِي .
A'isha Narrated from:
When the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed the two rak'ahs of the dawn prayer, he would lie down if I was asleep; in case I was awake, he would talk to me.
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 1263In-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 14English translation : Book 5, Hadith 1258
Summary of Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 1263
This narration from Aishah is short but very meaningful. It describes what the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would do after praying the two rak'ahs of Fajr. If Aishah was asleep, he would lie down. If she was awake, he would talk to her. The hadith about Fajr Sunnah here is not only about prayer, but also about a gentle and natural home life. The Prophet's action was calm and simple. He did not disturb her if she was asleep, and he spoke to her if she was awake. The text directly supports the idea that the two rak'ahs before Fajr were followed by either rest or conversation, depending on the situation. It teaches us to see worship and kindness together, without adding details beyond the narration.
What we learn from this hadith
- The two rak'ahs of Fajr are clearly mentioned as part of the Prophet's practice.
- If Aishah was sleeping, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would lie down.
- If Aishah was awake, he would speak with her.
- The narration shows gentleness in the Prophet's home life.
