the last part of the night.” Reported by al-Bukhari.

In another of his narrations it reads: “Keep straight and draw near; set out in the early morning, set out at the close of day, and with a little from the last part of the night—moderation, moderation, and you will arrive.”

His statement “ad-dīn (the religion)” is in the passive construction; it is also reported in the accusative, and another wording says, “No one contends with the religion but it overcomes him.” His ﷺ words “except that it overcomes him” mean that the religion overwhelms him and the one who presses upon it with undue severity is left unable to withstand its many pathways. “Al-ghadwah” is travel at the beginning of the day, “ar-rawhah” at the end of the day, and “ad-duljah” in the last part of the night.

This is a metaphor and a parable. Its purport is: seek help in obeying Allah, Mighty and Majestic, by engaging in deeds when you are energetic and your hearts are unoccupied, so that you find sweetness in worship, do not grow weary, and reach your objective—just as a seasoned traveler journeys during these times and, he and his mount, rest at others, thus arriving at the goal without hardship. Allah knows best.

150 – Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet ﷺ entered the mosque and saw a rope stretched between two pillars. (1) He said, “What is this rope?” They replied, “It belongs to Zaynab; when she becomes fatigued (2) she holds on to it.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Untie it. Let anyone of you pray when he has energy; when he tires, let him lie down to rest.” (3) Agreed upon.

151 – ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “If one of you becomes drowsy while praying, let him sleep until the sleep has left him, for should he pray while drowsy he may intend to seek forgiveness yet end up cursing himself.” (4) Agreed upon.