(127) Chapter: What is to be said at the time of Sleeping

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
The Prophet (ﷺ) used to offer eleven Rak'ah of optional Salat (prayers) in the latter part of night. When it was about dawn, he would offer two short Rak'ah and then would lie down on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin (one who calls for prayer) would come to inform him that the congregation had gathered (for prayer).

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith throws light on the Prophet's night prayers (Tahajjud), that is, it comprised thirteen Rak`ah including three Rak`ah of Witr. It is also reported in Al-Bukhari on the authority of `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him) that Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would always perform thirteen Rak`ah in the Tahajjud prayer. This Hadith further tells us that after his midnight prayer, the Prophet (PBUH) would perform two Rak`ah of Sunnah (i.e., after the Adhan of Fajr prayer) and then lie down on his right side. This practice of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is an established fact.