Excessive Prayer in Islam a true story. It was an afternoon and I was with my family when my wife said, “I’m exhausted after praying all night,” her voice tinged with weariness. It was Ramadan month and she was determined to increase her prayers and meditation, but something about her fervour made me uneasy. After all, I didn’t think any religion would encourage its followers to overwhelm themselves in worship. So, I decided to do some research and delve deeper into the topic of excessive prayer. In this blog post, we’ll be examining Sahih al-Bukhari, as we explore the reasons behind excessive prayer. We’ll be referring to the Qur’an and hadith, as well as the insights of scholars, to shed light on this intriguing topic.
Al-Bukhari’s collection of hadith, which is considered one of the most authentic books in Islam, there is a chapter titled “The Excellence of Offering Excessive Optional Prayers at Night” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book 32, Chapter 6). This chapter includes several hadiths that emphasize the importance of offering additional voluntary prayers, particularly during the night, in addition to the five daily obligatory prayers.
One of the hadiths in Sunan Abi Dawud 1315 (In-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 66
English translation : Book 5, Hadith 1310), narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), states:
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘The Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: “Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?”
This hadith emphasizes the importance of offering additional voluntary prayers, particularly during the night, as it is a time when Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven and accepts the prayers and supplications of His servants.
Furthermore, in Al-Bukhari’s collection of hadith, there is another chapter titled “The Merit of Praying in the Night and the Virtue of Reciting Qur’an at that Time” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book 21, Chapter 1), which includes several hadiths that also emphasize the importance of offering additional voluntary prayers during the night.
These hadiths indicate that Allah (SWT) is always ready to accept the prayers and supplications of His servants, particularly during the night, and that offering additional voluntary prayers during this time can bring a person closer to Allah (SWT) and earn them more rewards.
Collections of hadith emphasizes the importance of offering additional voluntary prayers, particularly during the night, as it is a time when Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven and accepts the prayers and supplications of His servants. These hadiths also highlight the importance of seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, staying connected to Allah throughout the day, and increasing the perfection of the heart through excessive prayer. However, it is important to note that excessive prayer should be done within the limits of one’s capabilities and without neglecting other obligations, and with sincerity and humility.
Sahih al-Bukhari states: “narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “if anyone of you can afford to get up early in the morning to pray two rak’at before the sunrise, he should do so.” this hadith highlights the importance of prayer and encourages Muslims to pray even more than the obligatory five daily prayers.
The Qur’an also emphasizes the importance of prayer in numerous verses. for example, in surah al-Baqarah, verse 45, Allah says: “and seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].”
In surah al-Isra, verse 78, Allah says: “establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Quran of dawn. indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.” From these verses, it is clear that prayer is an important aspect of Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to pray as much as they can.
But why is excessive prayer encouraged? One reason is that prayer is a means of seeking forgiveness from Allah. in surah al-Muzzammil, verse 20, Allah says: “Indeed, your lord knows, [o Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you and Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. he has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur’an.”
This verse shows that even the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions used to pray excessively, and Allah forgave them for any shortcomings in their worship. therefore, excessive prayer is a means of seeking forgiveness and earning Allah’s mercy.
Another reason for excessive prayer is that it helps one stay connected to Allah throughout the day. By praying more, a person is constantly reminded of their relationship with Allah and their dependence on him. This helps them maintain their faith and strengthen their relationship with Allah.
Scholars have also commented on the importance of excessive prayer. Imam al-Ghazali, for example, wrote in his book “Ilya ulum al-din” (the revival of religious sciences) that “it is recommended for those who are able to perform the voluntary prayers, to do so in abundance, for these increase the perfection of the heart and remove flaws.”
Similarly, Imam an-Nawawi, in his book “al-magma sharh al-muhadhdhab” (the comprehensive explanation of the refined), wrote that “performing voluntary prayers is a recommended act of worship, and whoever performs them is more beloved to Allah than the one who leaves them.”
Other scholars have also emphasized the importance of excessive prayer. for example, Imam ibn Qayyum al-jawziyya wrote in his book “al-wabil al-sayyib” (the invocation of god) that “performing voluntary prayers is a means of drawing closer to Allah, seeking his forgiveness, and attaining his pleasure.”
Excessive prayer is encouraged in Islam because it is a means of seeking forgiveness and earning Allah’s mercy, staying connected to Allah throughout the day, and increasing the perfection of the heart. While the obligatory five daily prayers are mandatory for every Muslim, excessive prayer is a voluntary act of worship that can bring a person closer to Allah and earn them more rewards.
However, it is important to note that excessive prayer should not be done to the point of exhaustion or neglecting other obligations. As Muslims, we have other responsibilities and duties that we must fulfil, such as taking care of our families, working, and fulfilling our societal obligations. Therefore, excessive prayer should be done within the limits of our capabilities and without neglecting other aspects of our lives.
As Narrated ‘Aisha:
Once the Prophet (ï·º) came while a woman was sitting with me. He said, “Who is she?” I replied, “She is so and so,” and told him about her (excessive) praying. He said disapprovingly, “Do (good) deeds which is within your capacity (without being overtaxed) as Allah does not get tired (of giving rewards) but (surely) you will get tired and the best deed (act of Worship) in the sight of Allah is that which is done regularly.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 43
In-book reference: Book 2, Hadith 36
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 42
This hadith is narrated by ‘Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In this hadith, she recounts an incident when a woman was sitting with her and the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to visit. The Prophet (peace be upon him) inquired about the woman and ‘Aisha informed him that she was known for her excessive praying. The Prophet (peace be upon him) then expressed his disapproval and advised the woman to perform good deeds that were within her capacity, without overtaxing herself. He explained that Allah does not tire of giving rewards, but humans can become exhausted. The best deed in the sight of Allah is one that is performed regularly, consistently, and without being overburdened.
This hadith highlights the importance of moderation in worship and doing good deeds. It is not recommended to overexert oneself in worship to the point of exhaustion. Islam encourages Muslims to perform deeds that are within their capacity, without causing harm to themselves. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of regularity and consistency in performing good deeds, rather than overburdening oneself. This hadith also reminds us that Allah is generous and merciful, and He does not tire of giving rewards to His servants who perform good deeds.
It is also important to note that excessive prayer should not be done with the intention of showing off or seeking praise from others. A prayer is a personal act of worship between a person and Allah, and it should be done with sincerity and humility.
In conclusion, excessive prayer is encouraged in Islam as a means of seeking forgiveness, staying connected to Allah, and increasing the perfection of the heart. It is a voluntary act of worship that can bring a person closer to Allah and earn them more rewards. However, it should be done within the limits of one’s capabilities and without neglecting other obligations, and with sincerity and humility.
· Sahih al-Bukhari
· Quran 2:45, 17:78, 73:20
· Al-Ghazali, “Ihya Ulum al-Din”
· An-Nawawi, “Al-Majmu Sharh al-Muhadhdhab”
· Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, “Al-Wabil al-Sayyib
