Question:
The Prophetﷺ said, “May Allahﷻ have mercy on a man who wakes at night to pray and wakes his wife, and if she refuses, sprinkles water on her face; and may Allahﷻ have mercy on a woman who wakes at night to pray and wakes her husband, and if he refuses, sprinkles water on his face.” Should this be done for Fajr prayer? And does it apply to children and others in the house?
Answer:
First, you quoted only half the hadith. The full hadith mentions both husband and wife. It is reported in several collections with sound chains. However, this hadith is about night prayer (Tahajjud), not Fajr prayer. The wording clearly says, “a man who rises at night and prays,” then wakes his wife. It does not mention Fajr.
Is this compulsory? No. There are exceptions. Even for Fajr, there are valid excuses. There is a narration where a woman complained that her husband does not wake up for Fajr. When questioned, he explained that he works all night drawing water with camels and returns exhausted just before Fajr, unable to wake up. The Prophetﷺ acknowledged such circumstances. Even generally, if someone goes to the mosque but is overwhelmed by sleep, he may return home and sleep, then pray when alert.
So even for Fajr there are conditions and valid excuses. How then can we rigidly apply sprinkling water for night prayer without considering circumstances? If a husband returns exhausted from night work, pouring water on his face would not be appropriate. Also, night prayer requires being in a state of purity; if marital relations occurred, one must bathe before praying. Many practical considerations exist.
Therefore, this hadith applies to those who are in a normal condition and capable of praying. It is a virtuous act for night prayer, not an obligation, and not specifically about Fajr. If there is a valid excuse, it should not be enforced. Whether for night prayer or Fajr, one must consider the condition of the person. If they have a legitimate excuse, this ruling should not be imposed on them.