CHAPTER 1. How the Adhân for the Salât (prayer) was started.

1:578 Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar

When the Muslims arrived at Medina, they used to assemble for the prayer, and used to guess the time for it. During those days, the practice of Adhan for the prayers had not been introduced yet. Once they discussed this problem regarding the call for prayer. Some people suggested the use of a bell like the Christians, others proposed a trumpet like the horn used by the Jews, but ‘Umar was the first to suggest that a man should call (the people) for the prayer; so Allah’s Apostle ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the Adhan for prayers.

CHAPTER 2. Pronouncing the wording of Adhân for the ‘alât (prayers) twice (in doubles)

1:579 Narrated by Anas

Bilal was ordered to repeat the wording of the Adhan for prayers twice, and to pronounce the wording of the Iqamas once except “Qad-qamat-is-Salat”.

CHAPTER 3. Superiority of the Adhân.

1:582 Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah’s Apostle said, “When the Adhan is pronounced Satan takes to his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight in order not to hear the Adhan. When the Adhan is completed he comes back and again takes to his heels when the Iqama is pronounced and after its completion he returns again till he whispers into the heart of the person (to divert his attention from his prayer) and makes him remember things which he does not recall to his mind before the prayer and that causes him to forget how much he has prayed.”

CHAPTER 4. Raising the voice in pronouncing Adhân.

1:584 Narrated by Humaid

Anas bin Malik said, “Whenever the Prophet went out with us to fight (in Allah’s cause) against any nation, he never allowed us to attack till morning and he would wait and see: if he heard Adhan he would postpone the attack and if he did not hear Adhan he would attack them.” Anas added, “We reached Khaibar at night and in the morning when he did not hear the Adhan for the prayer, he (the Prophet ) rode and I rode behind Abi Talha and my foot was touching that of the Prophet. The inhabitants of Khaibar came out with their baskets and spades and when they saw the Prophet they shouted ‘Muhammad! By Allah, Muhammad and his army.’ When Allah’s Apostle saw them, he said, “Allahu-Akbar! Allahu-Akbar! Khaibar is ruined. Whenever we approach a (hostile) nation (to fight), then evil will be the morning of those who have been warned.”

CHAPTER 6. What to say on hearing the Adhân.

1:585 Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri

Allah’s Apostle said, “Whenever you hear the Adhan, say what the Mu’adhdhin is saying.

1:586 Narrated by ‘Isa bin Talha

That he had heard Muawiya repeating the words of Adhan up to “Wa ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan Rasulul-lah (and I testify that Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle.)”

CHAPTER 7. Invocation at the time of Adhan.

1:588 Narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah

Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever after listening to the Adhan says, ‘Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-d-da’ watit-tammati was-salatil qa’imati, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilata, wab’ athhu maqaman mahmudan-il-ladhi wa’ adtahu (O Allah! Lord of this perfect call (of not ascribing partners to You) and of the regular prayer which is going to be established! Kindly give Muhammad the right of intercession and superiority and send him (on the Day of Judgment) to the best and the highest place in Paradise which You promised him)’, then intercession for me will be permitted for him on the Day of Resurrection”).

CHAPTER 8. To draw lots for pronouncing the Adhân.

1:589 Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah’s Apostle said, “If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in congregational prayers) and found no other way to get that except by drawing lots they would draw lots, and if they knew the reward of the Zuhr prayer (in the early moments of its stated time) they would race for it (go early) and if they knew the reward of ‘Isha’ and Fajr (morning) prayers in congregation, they would come to offer them even if they had to crawl.”

CHAPTER 9. The Adhân pronounced by a blind man (is permissible) when there is a person to inform him about the time of the Salat (prayer).

1:591 Narrated by Salim bin Abdullah

My father said that Allah s Apostle said, “Bilal pronounces ‘Adhan at night, so keep on eating and drinking (Suhur) till Ibn Um Maktum pronounces Adhan.” Salim added, “He was a blind man who would not pronounce the Adhan unless he was told that the day had dawned.”

CHAPTER 10. The Adhan after dawn (Al-Fajr).

1:592 Narrated by Hafsa

When the Muadh-dhin pronounced the Adhan for Fajr prayer and the dawn became evident the Prophet ordered a two Rakat light prayer (Sunna) before the Iqama of the compulsory (congregational) prayer.

CHAPTER 11. The Adhân before dawn (Al-Fajr).

1:595 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud

The Prophet said, “The Adhan pronounced by Bilal should not stop you from taking Suhur, for he pronounces the Adhan at night, so that the one offering the late night prayer (Tahajjud) from among you might hurry up and the sleeping from among you might wake up. It does not mean that dawn or morning has started.” Then he (the Prophet) pointed with his fingers and raised them up (towards the sky) and then lowered them (towards the earth) like this (Ibn Mas’ud imitated the gesture of the Prophet). Az-Zuhri gestured with his two index fingers which he put on each other and then stretched them to the right and left. These gestures illustrate the way real dawn appears. It spreads left and right horizontally. The dawn that appears in the high sky and lowers down is not the real dawn) .

CHAPTER 12. Between every two calls (Adhân and Iqama) there is a Salât (prayer) (that is optional), for the one who wants to pray.

1:600 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal

The prophet said, “There is a prayer between the two Adhans (Adhan and Iqama), there is a prayer between the two Adhans.” And then while saying it the third time he added, “For the one who wants to (pray).”

CHAPTER 13. Whoever said that there should be one Mu’adhdhin in the journey.

1:601 Narrated by Malik bin Huwairth

I came to the Prophet with some men from my tribe and stayed with him for twenty nights. He was kind and merciful to us. When he realized our longing for our families, he said to us, “Go back and stay with your families and teach them the religion, and offer the prayer and one of you should pronounce the Adhan for the prayer when its time is due and the oldest one amongst you should lead the prayer.”

1:603 Narrated by Malik bin Huwairth

Two men came to the Prophet with the intention of a journey. The Prophet said, “When (both of) you set out, pronounce Adhan and then Iqama and the oldest of you should lead the prayer.”

CHAPTER 14. If there are many travelers, Adhân and Iqâma should be pronounced, (the same is to be observed in ‘Arafat and Muzdalifa). And the saying of the Mu’adhdhin on a very cold and rainy night: “Ala Salli fir-Riial [Pray at your Ar-Rihâl (homes or camps)]”

1:605 Narrated by Nafi

Once in a cold night, Ibn ‘Umar pronounced the Adhan for the prayer at Dajnan (the name of a mountain) and then said, “Pray at your homes”, and informed us that Allah’s Apostle used to tell the Mu’adhdin to pronounce Adhan and say, “Pray at your homes” at the end of the Adhan on a rainy or a very cold night during the journey.”

CHAPTER 15. The saying of a person: “We have missed As-Salât (the prayer)”

1:608 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abi Qatada

My father said, “While we were praying with the Prophet he heard the noise of some people. After the prayer he said, ‘What is the matter?’ They replied ‘We were hurrying for the prayer.’ He said, ‘Do not make haste for the prayer, and whenever you come for the prayer, you should come with calmness, and pray whatever you get (with the people) and complete the rest which you have missed.”

CHAPTER 16. When should the people get up for the Salat (prayer) if they see the Imam during the Iqâma?

1:610 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abi Qatada

My father said. “Allah’s Apostle said, ‘If the Iqama is pronounced then do not stand for the prayer till you see me (in front of you).’ “

CHAPTER 17. If the Imâm is confronted with a problem after the Iqâma

1:615 Narrated by Anas

Once the Iqama was pronounced and the Prophet was talking to a man (in a low voice) in a corner of the mosque and he did not lead the prayer till (some of) the people had slept (dozed in a sitting posture) .

CHAPTER 18. Congregational Salat (prayer) is obligatory.

1:617 Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah’s Apostle said, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is I was about to order for collecting fire-wood (fuel) and then order Someone to pronounce the Adhan for the prayer and then order someone to lead the prayer then I would go from behind and burn the houses of men who did not present themselves for the (compulsory congregational) prayer. By Him, in Whose Hands my soul is, if anyone of them had known that he would get a bone covered with good meat or two (small) pieces of meat present in between two ribs, he would have turned up for the ‘Isha’ prayer.’

CHAPTER 19. Superiority of the congregational Salât (prayers)

1:618 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Umar

Allah’s Apostle said, “The prayer in congregation is twenty seven times superior to the prayer offered by person alone.”

CHAPTER 20. Superiority of the Fajr (early morning) prayer in congregation.

1:621 Narrated by Abu Salama bin ‘Abdur Rahman

Abu Huraira said, “I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, ‘The reward of a prayer in congregation is twenty five times greater than that of a prayer offered by a person alone. The angels of the night and the angels of the day gather at the time of Fajr prayer.’ “ Abu Huraira then added, “Recite the Holy Book if you wish, for “Indeed, the recitation of the Qur’an in the early dawn (Fajr prayer) is ever witnessed.” (17.18). Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar: The reward of the congregational prayer is twenty seven times greater (than that of the prayer offered by a person alone).

1:623 Narrated by Abu Musa

The Prophet said, “The people who get tremendous reward for the prayer are those who are farthest away (from the mosque) and then those who are next farthest and so on. Similarly one who waits to pray with the Imam has greater reward than one who prays and goes to bed. “

CHAPTER 21. The superiority of offering the Zuhr prayer early.

1:624 Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah’s Apostle said, “While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that.” Then the Prophet said, “Five are martyrs: One who dies of plague, one who dies of an abdominal disease, one who dies of drowning, one who is buried alive (and) dies and one who is killed in Allah’s cause.” (The Prophet further said, “If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in the congregational prayer) and found no other way to get it except by drawing lots they would do so, and if they knew the reward of offering the Zuhr prayer early (in its stated time), they would race for it and they knew the reward for ‘Isha’ and Fajr prayers in congregation, they would attend them even if they were to crawl’)

CHAPTER 22. Every step towards good deeds is rewarded.

1:625 Narrated by Humaid

Anas said, “The Prophet said, ‘O Bani Salima! Don’t you think that for every step of yours (that you take towards the mosque) there is a reward (while coming for prayer)?” Mujahid said: “Regarding Allah’s Statement: “We record that which they have sent before (them), and their traces” (36:12). ‘Their traces’ means ‘their steps.’ ” And Anas said that the people of Bani Salima wanted to shift to a place near the Prophet but Allah’s Apostle disliked the idea of leaving their houses uninhabited and said, “Don’t you think that you will get the reward for your footprints.” Mujahid said, “Their foot prints mean their foot steps and their going on foot.”

CHAPTER 23. The superiority of the ‘Ishâ’prayer in congregation.

1:626 Narrated by Abu Huraira

The Prophet said, “No prayer is harder for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the ‘Isha’ prayers and if they knew the reward for these prayers at their respective times, they would certainly present themselves (in the mosques) even if they had to c awl.” The Prophet added, “Certainly I decided to order the Mu’adh-dhin (call-maker) to pronounce Iqama and order a man to lead the prayer and then take a fire flame to burn all those who had not left their houses so far for the prayer along with their houses.”

CHAPTER 24. (The reward of a person) who waits for As-Salât (the prayer) in the mosque and the superiority of mosques.

1:629 Narrated by Abu Huraira

The Prophet said, “Allah will give shade, to seven, on the Day when there will be no shade but His. (These seven persons are) a just ruler, a youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah (i.e. worships Allah sincerely from childhood), a man whose heart is attached to the mosques (i.e. to pray the compulsory prayers in the mosque in congregation), two persons who love each other only for Allah’s sake and they meet and part in Allah’s cause only, a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illicit intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah, a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity), and a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears.”

CHAPTER 25. The superiority of going to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon and evening [for the congregational Salât (prayers)

1:631 Narrated by Abu Huraira

The Prophet said, “Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings.

CHAPTER 26. No Salatt(prayer)(is to be offered) except the compulsory Salât (prayer) after the Iqâma has been pronounced for that compulsory Salat(prayer).

1:632 Narrated by Malik Ibn Buhaina

Allah’s Apostle passed by a man praying two Rakat after the Iqama (had been pronounced). When Allah’s Apostle completed the prayer, the people gathered around him (the Prophet) or that man and Allah’s Apostle said to him (protesting), Are there four Rakat in Fajr prayer? Are there four Rakat in Fajr prayer?”

CHAPTER 27. The limit set for a patient to attend the congregational Salât (prayer).

1:633 Narrated by Al-Aswad

“We were with ‘Aisha discussing the regularity of offering the prayer and dignifying it. She said, ‘When Allah’s Apostle fell sick with the fatal illness and when the time of prayer became due and Adhan was pronounced, he said, ‘Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’ He was told that Abu Bakr was a soft-hearted man and would not be able to lead the prayer in his place. The Prophet gave the same order again but he was given the same reply. He gave the order for the third time and said, ‘You (women) are the companions of Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer.’ So Abu Bakr came out to lead the prayer. In the meantime the condition of the Prophet improved a bit and he came out with the help of two men one on each side. As if I was observing his legs dragging on the ground owing to the disease. Abu Bakr wanted to retreat but the Prophet beckoned him to remain at his place and the Prophet was brought till he sat beside Abu Bakr.” Al-A’mash was asked, “Was the Prophet praying and Abu Bakr following him, and were the people following Abu Bakr in that prayer?” Al-A’mash replied in the affirmative with a nod of his head. Abu Muawiya said, “The Prophet was sitting on the left side of Abu Bakr who was praying while standing.”

1:634 Narrated by ‘Aisha

“When the Prophet became seriously ill and his disease became aggravated he asked for permission from his wives to be nursed in my house and he was allowed. He came out with the help of two men and his legs were dragging on the ground. He was between Al-Abbas and another man.” ‘Ubaid Ullah said, “I told Ibn ‘Abbas what ‘Aisha had narrated and he said, ‘Do you know who was the (second) man whose name ‘Aisha did not mention'” I said, ‘No.’ Ibn ‘Abbas said, ‘He was ‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib.’ “

CHAPTER 28. Can the Imâm offer the Salât (prayer) with only those who are present (for the prayer)? And can he deliver a Khutba (religious talk) on Friday if it is raining?

1:637 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Al-Harith

Ibn Abbas addressed us on a (rainy and) muddy day and when the Mu’adh-dhin said, “Come for the prayer” Ibn ‘Abbas ordered him to say, “Pray in your homes.” The people began to look at one another with surprise as if they did not like it. Ibn ‘Abbas said, “It seems that you thought ill of it but no doubt it was done by one who was better than I (i.e. the Prophet). It (the prayer) is a strict order and I disliked to bring you out.” Ibn ‘Abbas narrated the same as above but he said, “I did not like you to make you sinful (in refraining from coming to the mosque) and to come (to the mosque) covered with mud up to the knees.”

1:639 Narrated by Anas bin Sirin

I heard Anas saying, “A man from Ansar said to the Prophet, ‘I cannot pray with you (in congregation).’ He was a very fat man and he prepared a meal for the Prophet and invited him to his house. He spread out a mat for the Prophet, and washed one of its sides with water, and the Prophet prayed two Rakat on it.” A man from the family of Al-Jaruid asked, “Did the Prophet used to pray the Duha (forenoon) prayer?” Anas said, “I did not see him praying the Duha prayer except on that day.”

CHAPTER 29. (What should one do) if the meal has been served and Iqâma has been pronounced for As-Salât (the prayer).

1:641 Narrated by Anas bin Malik

The Prophet said, “If supper is served, and Iqama is pronounced one should start with the supper.”

CHAPTER 30. If somebody was busy with his domestic work and Iqâma was pronounced and then he came out [for offering the Salât (prayer)].

1:644 Narrated by Al-Aswad

That he asked ‘Aisha “What did the Prophet use to do in his house?” She replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was the time for prayer he would go for it.”

CHAPTER 31. Offering (prayer) in front of the people with the sole intention of teaching them the Salât (prayer) of the Prophet and his Sunnah (legal ways etc.).

1:645 Narrated by Aiyub

Abu Qilaba said, “Malik bin Huwairith came to this Mosque of ours and said, ‘I pray in front of you and my aim is not to lead the prayer but to show you the way in which the Prophet used to pray.’ ” I asked Abu Qilaba,”How did he use to pray?’ ” He replied, “(The Prophet used to pray) like this Sheikh of ours and the Sheikh used to sit for a while after the prostration, before getting up after the first Rak’a. “

CHAPTER 32. The religious learned men are entitled to precedence in leading the Salat (prayers).

1:647 Narrated by ‘Aisha

The mother of the believers: Allah’s Apostle in his illness said, “Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.” I said to him, “If Abu Bakr stands in your place, the people would not hear him owing to his (excessive) weeping. So please order ‘Umar to lead the prayer.” ‘Aisha added I said to Hafsa, “Say to him: If Abu Bakr should lead the people in the prayer in your place, the people would not be able to hear him owing to his weeping; so please, order ‘Umar to lead the prayer.” Hafsa did so but Allah’s Apostle said, “Keep quiet! You are verily the Companions of Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer. ” Hafsa said to ‘Aisha, “I never got anything good from you.”

1:648 Narrated by Az-Zuhn

Anas bin Malik Al-Ansari, told me, “Abu Bakr used to lead the people in prayer during the fatal illness of the Prophet till it was Monday. When the people aligned (in rows) for the prayer the Prophet lifted the curtain of his house and started looking at us and was standing at that time. His face was (glittering) like a page of the Qur’an and he smiled cheerfully. We were about to be put to trial for the pleasure of seeing the Prophet, Abu Bakr retreated to join the row as he thought that the Prophet would lead the prayer. The Prophet beckoned us to complete the prayer and he let the curtain fall. On the same day he died.”

CHAPTER 33. If somebody is leading the Salât (prayer) and (in the meanwhile) the first (usual) Imâm comes.

1:652 Narrated by Sahl bin Sa’d As-Sa’idi

Allah’s Apostle went to establish peace among Bani ‘Amr bin ‘Auf. In the meantime the time of prayer was due and the Mu’adh-dhin went to Abu Bakr and said, “Will you lead the prayer, so that I may pronounce the Iqama?” Abu Bakr replied in the affirmative and led the prayer. Allah’s Apostle came while the people were still praying and he entered the rows of the praying people till he stood in the (first row). The people clapped their hands. Abu Bakr never glanced sideways in his prayer but when the people continued clapping, Abu Bakr looked and saw Allah’s Apostle. Allah’s Apostle beckoned him to stay at his place. Abu Bakr raised his hands and thanked Allah for that order of Allah’s Apostle and then he retreated till he reached the first row. Allah’s Apostle went forward and led the prayer. When Allah’s Apostle finished the prayer, he said, “O Abu Bakr! What prevented you from staying when I ordered you to do so?” Abu Bakr replied, “How can Ibn Abi Quhafa (Abu Bakr) dare to lead the prayer in the presence of Allah’s Apostle?” Then Allah’s Apostle said, “Why did you clap so much? If something happens to anyone during his prayer he should say Subhan Allah. If he says so he will be attended to, for clapping is for women.”

CHAPTER 34. The Imâm is appointed to be followed.

1:655 Narrated by ‘Ubaid-Ullah Ibn ‘Abdullah bin ‘Utba

I went to ‘Aisha and asked her to describe to me the illness of Allah’s Apostle. ‘Aisha said, “Yes. The Prophet became seriously ill and asked whether the people had prayed. We replied, ‘No. O Allah’s Apostle! They are waiting for you.’ He added, ‘Put water for me in a trough.” ‘Aisha added, “We did so. He took a bath and tried to get up but fainted. When he recovered, he again asked whether the people had prayed. We said, ‘No, they are waiting for you. O Allah’s Apostle,’ He again said, ‘Put water in a trough for me.’ He sat down and took a bath and tried to get up but fainted again. Then he recovered and said, ‘Have the people prayed?’ We replied, ‘No, they are waiting for you. O Allah’s Apostle.’ He said, ‘Put water for me in the trough.’ Then he sat down and washed himself and tried to get up but he fainted. When he recovered, he asked, ‘Have the people prayed?’ We said, ‘No, they are waiting for you. O Allah’s Apostle! The people were in the mosque waiting for the Prophet for the ‘Isha prayer. The Prophet sent for Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer. The messenger went to Abu Bakr and said, ‘Allah’s Apostle orders you to lead the people in the prayer.’ Abu Bakr was a soft-hearted man, so he asked ‘Umar to lead the prayer but ‘Umar replied, ‘You are more rightful.’ So Abu Bakr led the prayer in those days. When the Prophet felt a bit better, he came out for the Zuhr prayer with the help of two persons one of whom was Al-‘Abbas. while Abu Bakr was leading the people in the prayer. When Abu Bakr saw him he wanted to retreat but the Prophet beckoned him not to do so and asked them to make him sit beside Abu Bakr and they did so. Abu Bakr was following the Prophet (in the prayer) and the people were following Abu Bakr. The Prophet (prayed) sitting.” ‘Ubaid-Ullah added “I went to ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas and asked him, Shall I tell you what Aisha has told me about the fatal illness of the Prophet?’ Ibn ‘Abbas said, ‘Go ahead. I told him her narration and he did not deny anything of it but asked whether ‘Aisha told me the name of the second person (who helped the Prophet ) along with Al-Abbas. I said. ‘No.’ He said, ‘He was ‘Ali (Ibn Abi Talib).

1:656 Narrated by Aisha

The mother of the believers: Allah’s Apostle during his illness prayed at his house while sitting whereas some people prayed behind him standing. The Prophet beckoned them to sit down. On completion of the prayer, he said, ‘The Imam is to be followed: bow when he bows, raise up your heads (stand erect) when he raises his head and when he says, ‘Sami a-l-lahu liman-hamida ‘ (Allah heard those who sent praises to Him) say then ‘Rabbana wa laka-l-hamd’ (O our Lord! All the praises are for You), and if he prays sitting then pray sitting.”

CHAPTER 35. When should those who are behind the Imam prostrate? (Anas said, “Prostrate when the Imâm prostrates”).

1:658 Narrated by Al-Bara

(and he was not a liar) When Allah’s Apostle said, “Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida ” none of us bent his back (for prostrations) till the Prophet prostrated and then we would prostrate after him.

CHAPTER 36. The sin of the one who raises his head before the Imâm (raises his head).

1:660 Narrated by Abu Huraira

The Prophet said, “Isn’t he who raises his head before the Imam afraid that Allah may transform his head into that of a donkey or his figure (face) into that of a donkey?”

CHAPTER 37. A slave or a manumitted slave or a boy who has not reached the age of puberty can lead the Salât (prayers).

1:662 Narrated by Anas

The Prophet said, “Listen and obey (your chief) even if an Ethiopian whose head is like a raisin were made your chief.”

CHAPTER 38. If the Imâm does not offer the SaIât (prayer) perfectly and the followers offer it perfectly.

1:663 Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah’s Apostle said, “If the Imam leads the prayer correctly then he and you will receive the rewards but if he makes a mistake (in the prayer) then you will receive the reward for the prayer and the sin will be his.”

CHAPTER 39. To stand on the right side of the Imâm on the same line if only two persons (counting the Imâm) are offering Salât (prayer) in congregation.

1:665 Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas

Once I passed the night in the house of my aunt Maimuna. Allah’s Apostle offered the ‘Isha’ prayer and then came to the house and offered four Rakat and slept. Later on, he woke up and stood for the prayer and I stood on his left side. He drew me to his right and prayed five Rakat and then two. He then slept till I heard him snoring (or heard his breath sounds). Afterwards he went out for the morning prayer.

CHAPTER 40. If the Imâm prolongs the Salât (prayer) and somebody has an urgent work or need and so he leaves the congregation and prays alone.

1:669 Narrated by ‘Amr

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said, “Mu’adh bin Jabal used to pray with the Prophet and then go to lead his people in prayer Once he led the ‘Isha’ prayer and recited Surat “Al-Baqra.” Somebody left the prayer and Mu’adh criticized him. The news reached the Prophet and he said to Mu’adh, ‘You are putting the people to trial,’ and repeated it thrice (or said something similar) and ordered him to recite two medium Suras of Mufassal.” (‘Amr said that he had forgotten the names of those Suras).

CHAPTER 41. The shortening of the Qiyam (standing) by the Imâm [in Salat (prayer)] but performing the bowings and the prostrations perfectly.

1:670 Narrated by Abu Mas’ud

A man came and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! By Allah, I keep away from the morning prayer only because So and so prolongs the prayer when he leads us in it.” The narrator said, “I never saw Allah’s Apostle more furious in giving advice than he was at that time. He then said, “Some of you make people dislike good deeds (the prayer). So whoever among you leads the people in prayer should shorten it because among them are the weak, the old and the needy.”

1:673 Narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah Al-Ansari

Once a man was driving two Nadihas (camels used for agricultural purposes) and night had fallen. He found Mu’adh praying so he made his camel kneel and joined Mu’adh in the prayer. The latter recited Surat ‘AlBaqara” or Surat “An-Nisa”, (so) the man left the prayer and went away. When he came to know that Mu’adh had criticized him, he went to the Prophet, and complained against Mu’adh. The Prophet said thrice, “O Mu’adh ! Are you putting the people to trial?” It would have been better if you had recited “Sabbih Isma Rabbika-l-a-la (87)”, Wash-Shamsi wadu-haha (91)”, or “Wal-laili Idha yaghsha (92)”, for the old, the weak and the needy pray behind you.” Jabir said that Mu’adh recited Sura Al-Baqara in the ‘Isha’ prayer.

CHAPTER 42. Short Salat (prayer) (in congregation) but perfect.

1:674 Narrated by Anas

The Prophet used to pray a short prayer (in congregation) but used to offer it in a perfect manner.

CHAPTER 43. Whoever cuts short As-Salât (the prayer) on hearing the cries of a child.

1:675 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abi Qatada

My father said, “The Prophet said, ‘When I stand for prayer, I intend to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut it short, as I dislike to trouble the child’s mother.’ “

CHAPTER 44. Straightening the rows at the time of Iqâma and after it (immediately).

1:685 Narrated by An-Nu’man bin ‘Bashir

The Prophet said, “Straighten your rows or Allah will alter your faces.”

CHAPTER 45. Facing of the Imâm towards his followers while straightening the rows.

1:687 Narrated by Anas bin Malik

Once the Iqama was pronounced and Allah’s Apostle faced us and said, “Straighten your rows and stand closer together, for I see you from behind my back.’

CHAPTER 46. If there is a wall or a Sutra between the Imâm and the followers.

1:696 Narrated by ‘Aisha

Allah’s Apostle used to pray in his room at night. As the wall of the room was LOW, the people saw him and some of them stood up to follow him in the prayer. In the morning they spread the news. The following night the Prophet stood for the prayer and the people followed him. This went on for two or three nights. Thereupon Allah’s Apostle did not stand for the prayer the following night, and did not come out. In the morning, the people asked him about it. He replied, that he way afraid that the night prayer might become compulsory.

CHAPTER 47. The night prayer

1:698 Narrated by Zaid bin Thabit

Allah’s Apostle made a small room in the month of Ramadan (Sa’id said, “I think that Zaid bin Thabit said that it was made of a mat”) and he prayed there for a few nights, and so some of his companions prayed behind him. When he came to know about it, he kept on sitting. In the morning, he went out to them and said, “I have seen and understood what you did. You should pray in your houses, for the best prayer of a person is that which he prays in his house except the compulsory prayers.”