What is the recommended posture immediately following the two rak'ahs of Fajr prayer?

Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 1 · Bab 9

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is recommended that one lie down on their right side after completing the two rak'ahs of the Fajr prayer. This practice was observed by Abu Musa, Rafi' ibn Khadij, and Anas ibn Malik. The evidence for this is found in the narration from Abu Hurayrah where the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, commanded: 'When one of you has prayed the two rak'ahs of Fajr, let him lie down.' Al-Tirmidhi graded this hadith as *Hasan* (good). Al-Bazzar narrated it in his Musnad with the addition, 'on his right side.' Furthermore, it is narrated from 'Aishah that the Prophet, peace be upon him, 'when he prayed the two rak'ahs of Fajr, he would lie down on his right side,' which is agreed upon (Muttafaq 'alayh), according to the wording in Al-Bukhari's narration. Adhering to the Prophet's statement and action is superior to following those who opposed it, whoever they may be.

Supporting text

Ibn Mas'ud disapproved of this practice. Al-Qasim, Salim, and Nafi' did not perform it. There is differing narration concerning Ibn 'Umar regarding this act. Ahmad is reported to have stated that lying down is not a Sunnah because Ibn Mas'ud rejected it.