📖Sahih Muslim 770
‘Abd al-Rahman b. ‘Auf reported: I asked ‘A’isha, the mother of the believers, (to tell me) the words with which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commenced the prayer when he got up at night. She said: When he got up at night he would commence his prayer with these words: O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, and Michael, and Israfil, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who knowest the unseen and the seen; Thou decidest amongst Thy servants concerning their differences. Guide me with Thy permission in the divergent views (which the people) hold about Truth, for it is Thou Who guidest whom Thou wilt to the Straight Path.
- This hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim 770 reports that ‘Abd al-Rahman b. ‘Auf asked Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), about the words that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to commence his prayer when he got up at night. Aisha responded that he would begin his prayer by invoking Allah as the Lord of Gabriel, Michael, and Israfil, and as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who knows the seen and the unseen. The Prophet (ﷺ) would then ask Allah to guide him with His permission in the divergent views that people hold about the Truth. From this hadith, Muslims learn several important lessons. Firstly, it is important to begin any act of worship, such as prayer, with the remembrance of Allah and His attributes. Secondly, Muslims should seek Allah’s guidance in all aspects of their lives, particularly when dealing with divergent views about the Truth. Finally, the hadith also highlights the importance of seeking guidance from Allah’s permission, recognizing that Allah is the ultimate guide and decision-maker.
