Riyad as-Salihin 1103
The Book of Virtues
Emphasis on Performing two Rak'ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer
Abu 'Abdullah Bilal bin Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him) the Mu'adhdhin of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) reported: I went to inform the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about the time of the dawn (Fajr) prayer, and 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and began to ask me about something till the day grew bright. Then I got up and informed the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) of the time of Salat. I informed him again but he did not came out immediately to lead As- Salat. When he came out, he led As-Salat. I said to him: 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and thus diverted my attention by asking about something and the morning grew bright. You also came out late. Upon that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I was engaged in performing two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer." Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him)said: "O Messenger of Allah! You delayed As-Salat so long as the morning grew bright." He (ﷺ) replied, "Even if the morning had become brighter than it had, I would have performed two Rak'ah of prayer in an excellent manner." [Abu Dawud].