The Book of
Leading the Prayer (Al-Imamah) from Sunan An-Nasa’i
778 It was
narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (saw) passed away,
the Ansar said: ‘Let there be an Amir from among us and an Amir from among
you.’ Then ‘Umar came to them and said: ‘Do you not know that the Messenger of
Allah (saw) commanded Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer? Who among you
could accept to put himself ahead of Abu Bakr?’ They said: ‘We seek refuge with
Allah from putting ourselves ahead of Abu Bakr.’” (Hasan)
779 It was
narrated that Abu Al-‘Aliyah Al-Barra’ said: “Ziyad delayed the prayer, then
Ibn Samit came to me and I gave him a chair and he sat on it. I told him what
Ziyad had done and he bit his lip (in disapproval), and he struck me on the thigh
and said: ‘I asked Abu Dharr the same question you asked me, and he struck me
on the thigh as I struck you on the thigh and said: I asked the Messenger of
Allah (saw) the same question as you have asked me and he struck me on the
thigh as I have struck you on the thigh and said: Offer the prayer on time, and
if you catch up with them, then pray with them, and do not say: ‘I have already
prayed so I will not pray (now).’” (Sahih)
780 It was
narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘you may live
to meet people who will be offering the prayer outside its (prayer) time. If
you meet them, then offer the prayer on time, then pray with them and make that
a voluntary prayer.’” (Sahih)
781 It was
narrated that Abu Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘Let the one
who has most knowledge of the Book of Allah lead the people in prayer. If they
are equal in terms of knowledge of the Qur’an, let the one who emigrated first
(lead them). If they are equal in terms of emigration, let the one who has more
knowledge of the Sunnah (lead them). If they are equal in terms of knowledge of
the Sunnah, let the one who is oldest (lead them). Do not lead a man in prayer
in his place of authority, and do not sit in his place of honor, unless he
gives you permission.’” (Sahih)
782 It was
narrated that Malik bin Al-Huwairith said: “I came to the Messenger of Allah
(saw) with a cousin of mine” – once he said, “with a friend of mine” – and he
said: ‘When you travel, call the Adhan and Iqamah, and let the older of you
lead the prayer.’” (Sahih)
783 It was
narrated from Abu Sa’eed that the Prophet (saw) said: “When there are three
people let one of them lead the prayer, and the one who is most entitled to
lead the prayer is the one who has most knowledge of the Qur’an.” (Sahih)
784 It was
narrated that Abu Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘A man
should not be led in prayer in his place of authority, and no one should sit in
his place of honor except with his permission.’” (Sahih)
785 It was
narrated from Sahl bin Sa’d that the Messenger of Allah (saw) heard that there
was a dispute among Banu ‘Amr bin ‘Awf, so he went to them with some other
people to reconcile between them. The Messenger of Allah (saw) was delayed
there, and the time for Zuhr came. Bilal came to Abu Bakr and said to him: “The
Messenger of Allah (saw) has been delayed (there) and the time for prayer has
come, will you lead the people in prayer?” Abu Bakr said: “Yes, if you wish.’
Bilal said the Iqamah and Abu Bakr went forward and said the Takbir for the
people.* Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) came, passing through the rows (of
praying people) and stood in the (first) row and the people started clapping.
Abu Bakr would never glance sideways in his prayer but when the people clapped
so much he looked back and (saw) the Messenger of Allah (saw). The Messenger of
Allah (saw) gestured to him to carry on praying. Abu Bakr raised his hands
praising Allah the Mighty and Sublime, and retreated till he reached the
(first) row. Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) went forward and led the people
in the prayer. When he completed the prayer he turned to face the people and
said: ‘O people, why did you start clapping when something unusual happened to
you in the prayer? Clapping is only for women. So whoever among you comes
across something in the prayer should say: ‘Subhan Allah’ for there is none who
will not turn round when they hear him saying Subhan Allah. O Abu Bakr! What
prevented you from leading the people in the prayer when I gestured you to do
so?’ Abu Bakr replied: ‘It is not fitting for the son of Abu Quhafah to lead
the prayer in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (saw).’” (Sahih)
*That is, he started the prayer for the congregation.
786 It was
narrated that Anas said: “In the last prayer that the Messenger of Allah (saw)
prayed with the people, he prayed wrapped up in a single garment, behind Abu
Bakr.” (Sahih)
787 It was
narrated from ‘Aishah that Abu Bakr led the people in prayer and the Messenger
of Allah (saw) was in the row. (Sahih)
788 It was
narrated that Malik bin Al-Huwairith said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah
(saw) say: ‘When any one of you visits some people, he should not lead them in
prayer.’” (Hasan)
789 It was
narrated from Mahmud bin Ar-Rabi’ that ‘Itban bin Malik used to lead his people
in prayer, and he was blind. He said to the Messenger of Allah (saw): Sometimes
it is dark or rainy or there is a flood, and I am a blind man; O Messenger of
Allah, (come and) pray in a place in my house that I may take as a
prayer-place.” He said: “Where would you like me to pray for you?” He showed
him a place in his house, and the Messenger of Allah (saw) prayed there.
(Sahih)
790 ‘Amr bin
Salamah Al-Jarmi said: “Riders used to pass by us and we would learn the Qur’an
from them. My father came to the Prophet (saw) and he said: ‘Let the one of you
who knows most Qur’an lead you in prayer.’ My father came and said that the
Messenger of Allah (saw) had said: ‘Let the one of you who knows most Qur’an
lead you in prayer.’ They looked and found that I was the one who knew most
Qur’an, so I used to lead them in prayer when I was eight years old.” (Sahih)
791 It was
narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abi Qatadah that his father said: “The Messenger of
Allah (saw) said: ‘When the call to prayer is given, do not stand up until you
see me.’” (Sahih)
792 It was
narrated that Anas said: “The Iqamah for prayer was said, and the Messenger of
Allah (saw) was conversing privately with a man, and did not commence the
prayer until the people slept.” (Sahih)
793 It was
narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Iqamah for prayer was said and the people
stood in rows, and the Messenger of Allah (saw) came out. Then when he stood in
the place where he prayed, he remembered that he had not performed Ghusl. He
said to the people: ‘Stay where you are.’ Then he went back to his house, then
he came out with his head dripping with water. He performed Ghusl while we were
standing in our rows.” (Sahih)
794 Sahl bin
Sa’d said: “There was some fighting among Banu ‘Amr bin ‘Awf, and news of that
reached the Prophet (saw). He prayed Zuhr, then he went to them to reconcile
between them. Then he said to Bilal: ‘O Bilal, if the time for ‘Asr comes and I
have not come back, then tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’ When the
time (for ‘Asr) came, Bilal called the Adhan, then the Iqamah, then he said to
Abu Bakr: ‘Go forward.’ So Abu Bakr went forward and started to pray. Then the
Messenger of Allah (saw) came and started passing through the rows of people until
he stood behind Abu Bakr, and the people clapped. Abu Bakr was such that
whenever he started praying, he would never glance sideways, but when he
noticed that the clapping persisted he turned around. The Messenger of Allah
(saw) gestured to him to carry on praying. Abu Bakr praised Allah the Mighty
and Sublime for the Messenger of Allah (saw) having told him to continue. Then
Abu Bakr moved backward on his heels, and when the Messenger of Allah (saw) saw
that, he came forward and led the people in prayer. When he completed the
prayer he said: ‘O Abu Bakr, when I gestured to you, what kept you from
continuing (to lead the people)?’ He said: ‘It does not befit the son of Abu
Quhafah to lead the Messenger of Allah (saw) in prayer.’ And he (the Prophet (saw))
said to the people: ‘If you notice something (during the prayer), men should
say Subhan Allah and women should clap.’” (Sahih)
795 It was
narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (saw) fell from a horse onto his
right side. They came to visit him and the time for prayer came. When the
prayer was over he said: “The Imam is appointed to be followed. When he bows,
then bow, when he stands up, then stand up, when he prostrates, then prostrate,
and when he says Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises
Him), then say, Rabbana lakal-hamd (Our Lord, to You be the praise).” (Sahih)
796 It was
narrated from Abu Sa’eed that the Messenger of Allah (saw) saw that his
Companions tended to stand in the rear, so he said: “Come forward and follow
me, and let those who are behind you follow your lead. If people continue to
lag behind, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, will put them back.” (Sahih)
797 (Another
chain) from Abu Nadrah (from Abu Sa’eed) with similar narration. (Sahih)
798 It was
narrated from ‘Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Messenger of
Allah (saw) told Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. She said: “The Prophet
(saw) was in front of Abu Bakr and he prayed sitting down, and Abu Bakr was
leading the people in prayer, and the people were behind Abu Bakr.” (Sahih)
799 It was
narrated that Jabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) led us in Zuhr prayer
and Abu Bakr was behind him. When the Messenger of Allah (saw) said the Takbir,
Abu Bakr said the Takbir so that the people could hear.” (Sahih)
800 It was
narrated that Al-Aswad and Al-‘Alqamah said: “We entered upon ‘Abdullah at
midday and he said: ‘There will be rulers who would be distracted from praying
on time, so pray on time.’ Then he stood up and prayed between him and I, and
said: ‘This is what I saw the Messenger of Allah (saw) do.’” (Hasan)
801 Buraidah
bin Sufyan bin Farwah Al-Aslami narrated that a slave of his grandfather who
was called Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) and Abu Bakr passed by me
and Abu Bakr said to me: ‘O Mas’ud, go to Abu Tamim’ – meaning the man from
whom he had been freed – ‘and tell him to give us a camel so that we could
ride, and let him send us some food and a guide to show us the way.’ So I went
to my former master and told him the same, and he sent with me a camel and
vessels of milk, and I brought them via a secret route. Then the time for
prayer came and the Messenger of Allah (saw) stood up and prayed, and Abu Bakr
stood to his right. I had come to know about Islam and I was with them, so I
came and stood behind them. So the Messenger of Allah (saw) pushed Abu Bakr on
the chest (to make him move backward) and we stood behind him.”
Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman (An-Nasa’i) said: (This) Buraidah is
not a reliable narrator of Hadith. (Da’if)
802 It was
narrated from Anas bin Malik, that his grandmother Mulaikah invited the
Messenger of Allah (saw) to come and eat some food that she had prepared for
him. Then he said: “Get up and I will lead you in prayer.” Anas said: “So I got
up and brought a reed mat of ours that had turned black from ong use, and
sprinkled some water on it. The Messenger of Allah (saw) stood and the orphan
and I stood in a row behind him, and the old woman stood behind us, and he led
us in praying two Rak’ahs, then he left.” (Sahih)
803 It was
narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) entered upon us and the
only people present were myself, my mother, the orphan and Umm Haram, my
maternal aunt. He said: ‘Stand up and I will lead you in prayer.’ It was not the
time for a (prescribed) prayer. And he led us in prayer.” (Sahih)
804 It was
narrated from Anas that he and the Messenger of Allah (saw) and his mother, and
his maternal aunt (were together). The Messenger of Allah (saw) prayed, and he
told Anas to stand on his right and his mother and maternal aunt behind them.
(Sahih)
805 It was
narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “I prayed beside the Prophet (saw) and ‘Aishah
was behind us praying with us, and I was beside the Prophet (saw) praying with
him.” (Sahih)
806 It was
narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) led me and a woman from
my family in prayer. He made me to stand on his right and the woman to stand
behind us.” (Sahih)
807 It was
narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “I stayed overnight with my maternal aunt
Maimunah, and the Messenger of Allah (saw) got up to pray at night. I stood on
his left, so he did this to me: He took me by the head and made me stand on his
right.” (Sahih)
808 It was
narrated that Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to
gently pat our shoulders (to make sure the row was straight) at the time of
prayer, and he would say: ‘Keep (the rows) straight; do not differ from one
another lest your hearts would be afflicted with discord. Let those who are mature
and wise stand closest to me, then those who are next to them, then those who
are next to them.’” Abu Mas’ud said: Today, there is much disharmony among you.
Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman (An-Nasa’i) said: (One of the
narrators) Abu Ma’mar’s name is ‘Abdullah bin Sakhbarah. (Sahih)
809 It was
narrated that Qais bin ‘Ubad said: “While I was in the Masjid in the first row,
a man pulled me from behind and moved me aside, and took my place. By Allah, I
could not focus on my prayer, then when he left I saw that it was Ubayy bin
Ka’d. He said: ‘O boy, may Allah protect you from harm. This is what the
Prophet (saw) instructed us to do, to stand directly behind him.’ Then he
(Ubayy) turned to face the Qiblah and said: ‘Doomed are Ahl Al-‘Uqd, by the
Lord of the Ka’bah! – three times.’ Then he said: ‘By Allah, I am not sad for
them, but I am sad for the people whom they have misled.’ I said: ‘O Abu
Ya’qub, what do you mean by Al Al-‘Uqd?’ He said: ‘The rulers.’” (Sahih)
810 Abu
Salamah bin ‘Abdur-Rahman narrated that he heard Abu Hurairah say: “The Iqamah
for prayer was said, and we stood up and the rows were straightened, before the
Messenger of Allah (saw) came out to us. Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) came
to us and stood in the place where he prayed, before he said the Takbir he
paused and said to us: ‘Stay where you are.’ So we stayed there, waiting for
him, until he came out to us; he had performed Ghusl and his head was dripping
with water. Then he said the Takbir and prayed.” (Sahih)
811 It was
narrated that An-Nu’man bin Bashir said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to
straighten the rows like the shaft of an arrow is straightened before the head
is attached to it. He saw a man whose chest was sticking out from the row. I
saw the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: ‘Make your rows straight or Allah will
cause your faces to be deformed.”* (Sahih)
Meaning: “Or He will create hatred and enmity in your
hearts which will show on your faces.” See Sharh Muslim by An-Nawawi.
812 It was
narrated that Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to go
between the rows from one side to another, patting our shoulders and chests and
saying: ‘Do not make your rows ragged or your hearts will be filled with enmity
toward one another.’ And he used to say: ‘Allah and His angels send Salah upon
the front rows.’” (Sahih)
813 It was
narrated that Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to
gently pat our shoulders (to make sure the row was straight) at the time of
prayer, and he would say: ‘Keep (the rows) straight; do not differ from one
another lest your hearts should suffer from discord. Let those who are mature
and wise stand closest to me, then those who are next to them, then those who
are next to them.’” (Sahih)
814 It was
narrated from Anas that the Prophet (saw) used to say: “Make your rows
straight, make your rows straight, make your rows straight. By the One in Whose
Hand is my soul! I can see you behind me as I can see you in front of me.”
(Sahih)
815 It was
narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) turned to face us when
he stood up to pray, before he said the Takbir, and said: ‘Make your rows
straight and come close to one another, for I can see you behind my back.’”
(Sahih)
816 Anas
narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “Make your rows solid and close together,
and keep your necks in line. By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad!
I can see the Shaitan entering through the gaps in the rows as if they are
small sheep.” (Sahih)
817 It was
narrated that Jabir bin Samurah said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) came out to
us and said: ‘Will you not form rows as the angels form rows before their Lord?
They said: ‘How do the angels form rows before their Lord?’ he said: ‘They
complete the first row and fill the gaps in the rows.’” (Sahih)
818 It was
narrated from Al-‘Irbad bin Sariyah that the Messenger of Allah (saw) used to
send Salah on the first row three times and on the second row once. (Sahih)
819 It was
narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Complete the first
row, then the one behind it, and if any row is to be left incomplete let it be
the last row.” (Sahih)
820 It was
narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
“Whoever completes a row, may Allah be generous to him, and whoever cuts a row,
may Allah cut him off.” (Hasan)
821 It was
narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘The best
rows for men are the front rows and the worst are the last, and the best rows
for women are the back rows and the worst are those in the front.’” (Sahih)
822 It was
narrated that ‘Abdul-Hamid bin Mahmud said: “We were with Anas and we prayed
with one of the Amirs. They pushed us until we stood and prayed between two
rows, and Anas started moving backward and said: ‘We used to avoid this at the
time of the Messenger of Allah (saw).’” (Sahih)
823 It was
narrated that Al-bara’ said: “When we prayed behind the Messenger of Allah
(saw), I liked to be to his right.” (Sahih)
824 It was
narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (saw) said: “When any one of you
leads the people in prayer, let him make it short, for among them are the sick,
the weak and the elderly. And when any one of you prays by himself, let him
make it as long as he wishes.” (Sahih)
825 It was
narrated from Anas that the Prophet (saw) used to make his prayer very brief
but still complete when leading people. (Sahih)
826 It was
narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abi Qatadah, from his father, that the Prophet
(saw) said: “I stand in prayer, then I hear a child crying, so I make my prayer
brief, because I do not want to cause hardship for his mother.” (Sahih)
827 It was
narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to
enjoin upon us to make the prayer short, but he would lead us in prayer and
recite As-Saffat.” (Sahih)
828 It was
narrated that Abu Qatadah said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (saw) leading the
people in prayer, carrying Umamah bint Abi Al-‘As on his shoulder. When he
bowed he put her down and when he stood up from prostration he picked her up
again.” (Sahih)
829 It was
narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “Muhammad (saw) said: ‘Does the one who raises
his head before the Imam not fear that Allah may turn his head into the head of
a donkey?’” (Sahih)
830 It was
narrated that Abu Ishaq said: “I heard ‘Abdullah bin Yazid delivering a
Khutbah. He said: ‘Al-Bara’, who was no liar, told us that when they prayed
with the Messenger of Allah (saw), he would raise his head from bowing and they
would remain standing until they saw him prostrate, then they would
prostrate.’” (Sahih)
831 It was
narrated that Hittan bin ‘Abdullah said: “Abu Musa led us in prayer and when he
was sitting, a man from among the people entered and said: ‘Prayer is based on
righteousness and is always mentioned alongside Zakah (in the Qur’an).’ When
Abu Musa had said the Salam, he turned to the people and said: ‘Which of you
spoke these words?’ The people kept quiet. Then he said: ‘O Hittan, perhaps you
said it?’ He said: ‘No, but I was afraid that you would rebuke me for it.’ He said: ‘The Messenger of Allah
(saw) taught us our prayer and Sunnah prayers, and he said: The Imam is
appointed to be followed, so when he says the Takbir, say the Takbir, when he
says “Not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went
astray,” [1:7] say Amin, and Allah will respond to you; when he goes from
bowing and rises up and says, ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those
who praise Him), say ‘Rabbana lakal-hamd (Our Lord, to You be praise),’ and
Allah will hear you; when he prostrates, prostrate, and when he sits up, sit
up. The Imam should prostrate before you do and sit up before you do.’ The
Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘This makes up for that.’”* (Sahih)
*Because the Imam bowed or prostrated before you, so you
missed a moment of bowing or prostrating, but if you rise up after him, it will
make up for that.
832 It was
narrated that Jabir said: “A man from the Ansar came when the Iqamah for prayer
had been said. He entered the Masjid and prayed behind Mu’adh, and he (Mu’adh)
made the prayer lengthy. The man went away and prayed in a corner of the
Masjid, then he left. When Mu’adh finished praying, it was said to him that
so-and-so had done such and such. Mu’adh said: ‘Tomorrow I will mention that to
the Messenger of Allah (saw).’ So Mu’adh came to the Messenger of Allah (saw)
and told him about that. The Messenger of Allah (saw) sent for him and asked
him: ‘What made you do what you did?’ He said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I had
been working on my camel to bring water all day, and when I came the Iqamah for
prayer had already been said, so I entered the Masjid and joined him in the
prayer, then he recited such and such a Surah and made it lengthy, so I went
away and prayed in a corner of the Masjid.’ The Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
‘Do you want to cause hardship to the people, O Mu’adh; do you want to cause
hardship to the people, O Mu’adh; do you want to cause hardship to the people,
O Mu’adh?’” (Sahih)
833 It was
narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (saw) rode a horse and
fell from it, and sustained an injury on his right side. He led one of the
prayers sitting, and we prayed behind him sitting. When he had finished he
said: “The Imam is appointed to be followed. If he prays standing then pray
standing; when he bows, bow; when he says, Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah
hears those who praise Him), say ‘Rabban lakal-hamd (Our Lord, to You be
praise); and if he prays sitting then pray sitting, all of you.” (Sahih)
834 It was
narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (saw) became seriously
ill, Bilal came to tell him it was time to pray and he said: ‘Tell Abu Bakr to
lead the people in prayer.’” She said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, Abu Bakr
is a tender-hearted man, and when he stands in your place he will not be able
to make the people hear his voice; why don’t you tell ‘Umar (to do it)?’ He
said: ‘Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’ I said to Hafsah: ‘Tell
him.’ So she told him. He said: ‘You are (like) the female companions of Yusuf.
Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’” She said: “So they told Abu Bakr.
When he started to pray, the Messenger of Allah (saw) began to feel better, so
he got up and came with the help of two men, with his feet dragging along the
ground. (When) he entered the Masjid, Abu Bakr heard him coming and he wanted
to step back, but the Messenger of Allah (saw) gestured to him: ‘Stay where you
are.’ Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) came and sat on Abu Bakr’s left, so the
Messenger of Allah (saw) was leading the people in prayer sitting, and Abu Bakr
was standing and following the Messenger of Allah (saw), and the people were
following the prayer of Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him.” (Sahih)
835 It was
narrated that ‘Ubaidullah bin ‘Abdullah said: “I entered upon ‘Aishah and said:
‘Will you not tell me about the sickness of the Messenger of Allah (saw)?’ She
said: ‘When the Messenger of Allah (saw) became seriously ill, he said: “Have
the people prayed?” We said: “No, they are waiting for you, O Messenger of
Allah.” He said: “Put some water in a tub for me.” We did that and he performed
Ghusl, then he tried to get up but he fainted. Then he came to us and said:
“Have the people prayed?” We said: “No, they are waiting for you, O Messenger
of Allah.” He said: “Put some water in a tub for me.” We did that and he
performed Ghusl, then he tried to get up but he fainted. Then for the third
time he said the same thing. She said: The people were in the Masjid, waiting
for the Messenger of Allah (saw) to lead the ‘Isha’ prayer. The Messenger of
Allah (saw) sent word to Abu Bakr, telling him to lead the people in prayer, so
the messenger came to him and said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) is telling
you to lead the people in prayer.” Abu Bakr was a tender-hearted man, so he
said: “O ‘Umar, lead the people in prayer.” But (‘Umar) said: “You have more
right to that.” So Abu Bakr led them in prayer during those days. When the
Messenger of Allah (saw) felt a little better, he came with the help of two
men, one of whom was Al-‘Abbas, to pray Zuhr. When Abu Bakr saw him, he wanted
to step back, but the Messenger of Allah (saw) gestured to him not to step
back. He told them (the two men) to seat him beside him, and Abu Bakr started
to pray standing, and the people were following the prayer of Abu Bakr, and the
Messenger of Allah (saw) was praying sitting.’”
“I (‘Ubaidullah) entered upon Ibn ‘Abbas and said: ‘Shall
I not tell you what ‘Aishah narrated to me about the sickness of the Messenger
of Allah (saw)?’ He said: ‘Yes.’ So I told him and he did not deny any of it,
but he said: ‘Did she tell you the name of the man who was with Al-‘Abbas?’ I
said: ‘No.’ He said: ‘That was ‘Ali, may Allah honor his face.’” (Sahih)
836 It was
narrated that ‘Amr said: “I heard Jabir bin ‘Abdullah say: ‘Mu’adh used to pray
with the Prophet (saw), then he would go back to his people to lead them in
prayer. He stayed late one night and prayed with the Prophet (saw), then he
went back to his people to lead them in prayer, and he recited Surat
Al-Baqarah. When a man from his people heard that, he stepped aside and prayed
(on his own), then he left. They said: ‘You have become a hypocrite, O
so-and-so!’ He said: ‘By Allah, I have not become a hypocrite, and I will go to
the Prophet (saw) and tell him (about that).’ So he went to the Prophet (saw)
and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, Mu’adh prays with you, then he comes to lead
us in prayer. You delayed the prayer, and he prayed with you then he came back
to lead us in prayer, and he started to recite Surat Al-Baqarah. When I heard
that, I stepped aside and prayed by myself, because we are people who bring
water with the camels and we work hard.’ The prophet (saw) said to him: ‘O
Mu’adh, do you want to cause hardship to the people? Recite such and such a
Surah, and such and such a Surah.’” (Sahih)
837 It was
narrated from Abu Bakrah that the Prophet (saw) offered the fear prayer (Salat
Al-Khawf). He led those who were behind him in two Rak’ahs and those who came
(after them) in two Rak’ahs, so the Prophet (saw) prayed four Rak’ahs and each
group prayed two. (Da’if)
838 It was
narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Praying in
congregation is twenty-seven times better than praying alone.” (Sahih)
839 It was
narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Praying in
congregation is twenty-five portions better than one of you praying alone.”
(Sahih)
840 It was
narrated from ‘Aishah that the Prophet (saw) said: “Prayer in congregation is
twenty-five levels better than a prayer offered on one’s own.” (Sahih)
841 It was
narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘If there
are three people, let one of them lead the others in prayer, and the one who
has the most right to lead the prayer is the one who recites (knows) the most
(Qur’an).’” (Sahih)
842 Ibn ‘Abbas
said: “I prayed beside the Prophet (saw) and ‘Aishah was behind us praying with
us, and I was beside the Prophet (saw) praying with him.” (Sahih)
843 It was narrated
that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (saw) and I stood
on his left. He took hold of me with his left hand and made me stand on his
right.” (Sahih)
844 Ubayy bin
Ka’b said: “One day the Messenger of Allah (saw) prayed Fajr, then he said:
‘Did so-and-so attend the prayer?’ They said: ‘No.’ He said: ‘(What about)
so-and-so?’ They said: ‘No.’ He said: ‘These two prayers are the most
burdensome for the hypocrites. If they knew what (virtue) is in them, they
would come, even if they had to crawl. And the virtue of the first row is like
that of the row of the angels. If you knew its virtue, you would compete for
it. A man’s prayer with another man is greater in reward than his prayer alone.
And a man’s prayer with two other men is greater in reward than his rayer with
one other man; the more people there are, the more beloved that is to Allah,
the Mighty and Sublime.’” (Hasan)
845 It was
narrated from ‘Itban bin Malik that he said: “O Messenger of Allah, the floods
keep me from coming to the Masjid of my people. I would like you to come and
pray in a place in my house so that I can take it as a Masjid.” The Messenger
of Allah (saw) said: “We shall do that.” “When the Messenger of Allah (saw)
entered he said: ‘Where do you want (me to pray).’ I showed him a corner of the
house, and the Messenger of Allah (saw) stood there, and we formed rows behind
him, and he led us in praying two Rak’ahs.” (Sahih)
846 It was
narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) turned to face us when
he stood up to pray, before he said Takbir, and said: ‘Make your rows straight
and fill the gaps, for I can see you from behind my back.’” (Sahih)
847 It was
narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abi Qatadah that his father said: “We were with the
Messenger of Allah (saw) when some of the people said: ‘Why do you not stop
with us to rest awhile, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said: ‘I am afraid that you
will sleep and miss the prayer.’ Bilal said: ‘I will wake you up.’ So they lay
down and slept, and Bilal leaned back on his mount. Then the Messenger of Allah
(saw) woke up when the sun had already started to rise, and he said: ‘O Bilal,
what about what you told us?’ He said: ‘I have never slept like that before.’
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, takes your
souls when He wills and sends them back when He wills. Stand up O Bilal and
call the people to prayer.’ Then Bilal stood up and called the Adhan, and they
performed Wudhu’” – that is, when the sun had risen (fully) – “then he stood
and lead them in prayer.” (Sahih)
848 It was
narrated that Ma’dan bin Abi Talhah Al-Ya’muri said: “Abu Ad-Darda’ said to me:
‘Where do you live?’ I said: ‘In a town near Hims.’ Abu Ad-Darda’ said: ‘I
heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: “There are no three people in a town or
encampment among whom prayer is not established, but the Shaitan takes control
of them. Therefore, stick to the congregation, for the wolf eats the sheep that
strays off on its own.” (One of the narrators (As-Sa’ib)) said: “The
congregation means the congregational prayer.” (Sahih)
849 It was
narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “By the One
in Whose Hand is my soul! I nearly ordered that firewood be gathered to be lit,
then I would have ordered that the Adhan be called for prayer, and ordered a
man to lead the people in prayer, then I would have gone from behind to those
men and burned their houses down over them. By the One in Whose Hand is my
soul! If any one of them knew that he would get a meaty bone or some meat in
between two ribs, he would attend ‘Isha’.” (Sahih)
850 It was
narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “Whoever would like to meet Allah tomorrow as a
Muslim, let him regularly attend these five (daily) prayers whenever the call
for them is given (that in the mosques), for Allah prescribed for His Prophet
(saw) the ways of guidance, and they (the prayers) are part of those ways of
guidance. I do not think that there is anyone among you who does not have a
place where he prays in his house. But if you were to pray in your houses and
forsake the Masjids, you would be forsaking the Sunnah of your Prophet, and if
you were to forsake the Sunnah of your Prophet you would go astray. There is no
Muslim slave who performs Wudu’ and does it well, then walks to the prayer, but
Allah will record one Hasanah (good deed) for each step he takes, or raise him
one level by it or erase one sin from him. I remember how we used to take short
steps, and I remember (a time) when no one stayed behind from the prayer except
a hypocrite who hypocrisy was well known. And I have seen a man coming
supported by two others until he would be made to stand in the row.” (Sahih)
851 It was
narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “A blind man came to the Messenger of Allah
(saw) and said: ‘I do not have a guide to bring me to the prayer.’ And he asked
him to grant him a dispensation allowing him to pray in his house, and he gave
him permission. Then when he turned away he said to him: ‘Can you hear the call
to prayer?’ He said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Then respond to it.’” (Sahih)
852 It was
narrated from Ibn Umm Maktum that he said: “O Messenger of Allah, there are
many (dangerous) pests and wild animals in Al-Madinah.” He said: “Can you hear
(the words) ‘Come to prayer, come to prosperity’?” He said: “Yes.” He said: “Then
be quick to respond,” and he did not grant him a dispensation. (Sahih)
853 It was
narrated from Hisham bin ‘Urwah from his father that ‘Abdullah bin Arqam used
to lead his companions in prayer. The time for prayer came one day and he went
to relieve himself then he came back and said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah
(saw) say: ‘If any one of you feels the need to defecate, let him do that
first, before he prays.’” (Sahih)
854 It was
narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘If dinner is
ready and the Iqamah for prayer is said, then start with dinner first.’”
(Sahih)
855 It was
narrated from Abu Al-Malih that his father said: “We were with the Messenger of
Allah (saw) in Hunain and it rained. The caller of the Messenger of Allah (saw)
called out, telling us: ‘Pray where you are.’” (Sahih)
856 It was
narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Whoever
performs Wudu’ and does it well, then sets out for the Masjid and finds that
the people have already prayed, Allah will decree for him a reward like that of
those who attended (the prayer), without reducing the slightest from their
reward.” (Hasan)
857 It was
narrated that ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw)
say: ‘Whoever performs Wudhu’ for prayer and does Wudhu’ properly, then walks
to (attend) the prescribed prayer, and prays with the people or with the
congregation or in the Masjid, Allah will forgive him his sins.” (Sahih)
858 It was
narrated from Mihjan that he was in a gathering with the Messenger of Allah
(saw) when the Adhan was called for prayer. The Messenger of Allah (saw) got
up, then he came back and Mihjan was still sitting there. The Messenger of
Allah (saw) said to him: “What kept you from praying? Are you not a Muslim man?”
He said: “Yes, but I had already prayed with my family.” The Messenger of Allah
(saw) said to him: “When you come you should pray with the people even if you
have already prayed.” (Hasan)
859 Jabir bin
Yazid bin Al-Aswad Al-‘Amiri told us that his father said: “I attended Fajr
prayer with the Messenger of Allah (saw) in Masjid Al-Khaif.* When he finished
praying, he saw two men at the back of the people who had not prayed with him.
He said: ‘Bring them here.’ So they were brought to him, trembling. He said: ‘What
kept you from praying with us?’ They said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, we had
already prayed in our lodgings.’ He said: ‘Do not do that. If you have already
prayed in your lodgings, then you come to a Masjid in which there is a
congregation, then pray with them, and it will be a voluntary prayer for you.’”
(Sahih)
*The main Masjid in Mina, one of stations of pilgrimage
in Makkah.
860 It was
narrated that Abu Dharr said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said to me, and
struck my thigh: ‘What will you do if you stay among people who delay the
prayer until its time is over?’ He said: ‘What do you command me to do?’ He
said: ‘Offer the prayer on time, then go about your business, then if the
Iqamah for that prayer is said and you are in the Masjid, then pray.’” (Sahih)
861 It was
narrated that Sulaiman – the freed slave of Maimunah – said: “I saw Ibn ‘Umar
sitting in Al-Balat* when the people were praying. I said: ‘O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman,
why are you not praying?’ He said: ‘I have already prayed, and I heard the
Messenger of Allah (saw) say: “Do not repeat a prayer twice in one day.’
(Sahih)
*A place in Al-Madinah.
862 It was
narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘When you
come to pray, do not come rushing; come walking in a dignified manner, and
whatever you catch up with, pray, and whatever you miss, make it up.’” (Sahih)
863 It was
narrated that Abu Rafi’ said: “After the Messenger of Allah (saw) had prayed ‘Asr,
he would go to Banu ‘Abdul-Ashhal to speak to them, until the time for Maghrib
came.” Abu Rafi’ said: “While the Prophet (saw) was hastening to pray Maghrib,
we passed by Al-Baqi’* and he said: ‘Fie upon you, fie upon you!’ That upset me
so I slowed down, because I thought that he meant me. He said: ‘What is the
matter with you? Keep up!’ I said: ‘Is there something wrong?’ He said: ‘Why
are you asking that?’ I said: ‘Because you said: “Fie on you” to me.’ He said: ‘No,
that was so-and-so whom I had sent to collect Zakah from the tribe of
so-and-so, and he stole a Namirah** and now he is clothed with something
similar made of Fire.’” (Hasan)
*The graveyard of Al-Madinah.
** “Every garment including stripes which the ‘Arabs wrap
around the waist is called a Namirah, its plural is Namar. It is as if it
refers to the colors of a Namir (leopard or tiger); because it contains white
and black.” (An-Nihayah)
864 (Another
chain) with similar from Abu Rafi’. (Hasan)
865 Abu
Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “The likeness of one
who comes early to prayer is that of one who sacrificed a camel, then the one
who comes after him is like one who sacrificed a cow, then the one who comes
after him is like one who sacrificed a ram, then the one who comes after him is
like one who sacrificed a chicken, then the one who comes after him is like one
who sacrificed an egg.” (Sahih)
866 It was
narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘When the
Iqamah for prayer is said, there is no prayer except the prescribed prayer.’”
(Sahih)
867 It was
narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (saw) said: “When the Iqamah for
prayer is said, there is no prayer except the prescribed prayer.” (Sahih)
868 It was
narrated that Ibn Buhainah said: “The Iqamah for Subh prayer was said, and the
Messenger of Allah (saw) saw a man praying while the Mu’adhdhin was saying the
Iqamah. He said: ‘Are you praying Subh with four Rak’ahs?’” (Sahih)
869 It was
narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Sarjis said: “A man came while the Messenger of
Allah (saw) was praying Subh, and he prayed two Rak’ahs then joined the prayer.
When the Messenger of Allah (saw) had finished praying he said: ‘O so-and-so,
which of them is your prayer – the one you prayed with us or the one you prayed
on your own?’” (Sahih)
870 Anas said:
“The Messenger of Allah (saw) came to our house and I prayed with an orphan of
ours behind him, and Umm Sulaim prayed behind us.” (Sahih)
871 It was
narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “There was a woman who used to pray behind the
Messenger of Allah (saw) who was beautiful, one of the most beautiful people.
Some of the people used to go to the front row to avoid seeing her, and some
used to go to the back row so that when they bowed they could see her from
beneath their armpits. Then Allah revealed the words: ‘To Us are known those of
you who hasten forward and those who lag behind. [15:24] (Da’if)
872 Abu Bakrah
narrated that he entered the Masjid when the Prophet (saw) was bowing, so he
bowed outside the row. The Prophet (saw) said: “May Allah increase you in
keenness, but do not do this again.” (Sahih)
873 It was
narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) prayed one day
then left and said: ‘O so-and-so, why don’t you improve your prayer? Shouldn’t
the one who is praying reflect how he prays it for himself? I can see behind me
just as I can see in front of me.’” (Sahih)
874 It was
narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (saw) used to pray two Rak’ahs
before Zuhr and two afterward, and he used to pray two Rak’ahs after Maghrib in
his house, and two Rak’ahs after ‘Isha’, and he did not pray after Jumu’ah until
he departed (from the Masjid), then he would pray two Rak’ahs at home.”
875 It was
narrated from Abu Ishaq, that ‘Asim bin Damrah said: “We asked ‘Ali about the
prayer of the Messenger of Allah (saw). He said: ‘Who among you could manage to
do that?’ We said; ‘Even if we cannot do it, we still want to hear about it.’
He said: ‘When the sun reached the same height (in the east) as it reaches (in
the west) at the time of ‘Asr, he would pray two Rak’ahs,* and when the sun
reached the same height (in the east) as it reaches (the west) at the time for
Zuhr he would pray four Rak’ahs. He would pray four Rak’ahs before Zuhr and two
after, and he would pray four Rak’ahs before ‘Asr, separating each two Rak’ahs
with Taslim upon the angels who are close to Allah, and the prophets, and those
who follow them of the believers and Muslims.’” (Sahih)
*That is, the Duha prayer.
876 It was
narrated from Abu Ishaq, that ‘Asim bin Damrah said: “I asked ‘Ali bin Abi
Talib about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (saw) during the day before
the prescribed prayers. He said: ‘Who is able to do that?’ Then he told us: ‘The
Messenger of Allah (saw) used to pray two Rak’ahs when the sun had passed its
zenith, and four Rak’ahs before the middle of the day, with the Taslim at the
end.’” (Hasan)
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