Hadith on Performing Fajr Prayer in Light
Narrated by Rafi' bin Khadij (RA):The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Perform the Fajr prayer in brightness, for it brings you greater reward." (Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah)
(References: Musnad Imam Ahmad: 4/140; Abu Dawood: 424; Nasai: 1/272; Ibn Majah: 672 – Authentic Hadith)
Another narration from Tirmidhi:
"Offer the Fajr prayer in brightness, for it carries a greater reward."
Tirmidhi classified this Hadith as Hasan (good).
(Reference: Tirmidhi: 154 – Hasan Sahih Hadith)
A narration from Tahawi states:
"Offer the Fajr prayer in brightness. The brighter you offer it, the greater the reward you will receive."
(References: Ma’ani al-Athar: 1/178; Nasai: 1/272; Ibn Hibban: 263 – Authentic Hadith)
Key Lessons and Rulings from the Hadith
➊ Reconciliation Between Different Hadiths
- On the surface, these hadiths appear to contradict narrations that mention praying Fajr in darkness.
- However, scholars reconcile them as follows:
- "Asfar bil-Subh" (Performing Fajr in brightness) means that recitation should begin in darkness and extend until the morning light becomes visible (as explained by Ibn al-Qayyim and Tahawi).
- Another interpretation is that "Asfar" refers to ensuring that the true dawn (Subh Sadiq) is clearly established without any doubt (opinion of Imam Ahmad and Imam Shafi'i).
- The first explanation is stronger, as multiple authentic hadiths confirm that the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed Fajr during "Ghalas" (darkness).
➋ Offering Fajr Prayer Early Carries Great Reward
- Performing the Fajr prayer with due care and at the earliest time is an act of great merit.
- "Ajr" (reward) means compensation—Islam introduced the concept that every action receives its due recompense from Allah.
