Question

Is it Sunnah to recite Surah Zumar and Surah Bani Israil at night?

Answer

Yes this is Sunnah. Many Muhaddithun have recorded the Hadith which states that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would not sleep until he recited Surah Zumar and Surah Bani Israil (among other Surahs). The full narration in question is as follows:

Sayyidah ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would not sleep until he recited [Surah] Bani Israil and [Surah] Zumar.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2920 and 3405)

Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has declared the Hadith sound (hasan).

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar