Nasai

550. Commentary:

➊ One meaning of "make it bright" is to delay and perform the prayer later. Although this is permissible, it is not preferable, because the way of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was to perform the prayer in darkness, as mentioned above. Therefore, some other interpretations of this narration have also been stated, for example: to begin the prayer in darkness and recite at length until it becomes bright. This is the meaning adopted in the translation of the other narration, and it also conforms to your (the Prophet’s) practice. Or, by "brightness" is meant the brightness on the horizon (the edge of the sky), not on the ground, i.e., the prayer should be performed when the eastern horizon becomes bright, although there will still be darkness on the ground. This meaning also matches your (the Prophet’s) practice. Or, this instruction is for those mosques where there is a large congregation, with all kinds of worshippers, and they cannot gather quickly. Or, so that people may easily join the congregation; the more followers there are, the greater the reward will be. And Allah knows best.

➋ The meaning of the second narration is that the prayer should begin in darkness, and if it becomes bright while praying, there is no harm; rather, this is a matter of greater reward. However, afterwards, there should at least be enough time left until sunrise that, if needed, one could perform a new ablution (wudu) and repeat the congregational prayer in the prescribed manner. For further details, refer to the beginning of this very book.