(12) The Book of Characteristics of Prayer

CHAPTER 1. To raise both hands on saying the first Takbir simultaneously with opening the Salat (prayer).

1:702 Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet said, “The Imam is to be followed. Say the Takbir when he says it; bow if he bows; if he says ‘Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida’, say, ‘ Rabbana wa-laka-l-hamd’, prostrate if he prostrates and pray sitting altogether if he prays sitting.”

CHAPTER 2. To place the right hand on the left (on praying).

1:707 Narrated by Sahl bin Sa’d
The people were ordered to place the right hand on the left forearm in the prayer. Abu Hazim said, “I knew that the order was from the Prophet .”

CHAPTER 3. What to say after the Takbfr.

1:710 Narrated by Anas bin Malik
The Prophet, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar used to start the prayer with “Al-hamdu lil-lahi Rabbil-‘ala-min (All praises are for Allah the Lord of the Worlds).”
1:711 Narrated by Abu Huraira
Allah’s Apostle used to keep silent between the Takbir and the recitation of Qur’an and that interval of silence used to be a short one. I said to the Prophet “May my parents be sacrificed for you! What do you say in the pause between Takbir and recitation?” The Prophet said, “I say, ‘Allahumma, ba’id baini wa baina khatayaya kama ba’adta baina-l-mashriqi wa-l-maghrib. Allahumma, naqqim min khatayaya kama yunaqqa-ththawbu-l-abyadu mina-ddanas. Allahumma, ighsil khatayaya bil-ma’i wa-th-thalji wal-barad (O Allah! Set me apart from my sins (faults) as the East and West are set apart from each other and clean me from sins as a white garment is cleaned of dirt (after thorough washing). O Allah! Wash off my sins with water, snow and hail.)”

CHAPTER 4.

1:712 Narrated by Asma’ bint Abi Bakr
The Prophet once offered the eclipse prayer. He stood for a long time and then did a prolonged bowing. He stood up straight again and kept on standing for a long time, then bowed a long bowing and then stood up straight and then prostrated a prolonged prostration and then lifted his head and prostrated a prolonged prostration. And then he stood up for a long time and then did a prolonged bowing and then stood up straight again and kept on standing for a long time. Then he bowed a long bowing and then stood up straight and then prostrated a prolonged prostration and then lifted his head and went for a prolonged prostration. On completion o the prayer, he said, “Paradise became s near to me that if I had dared, I would have plucked one of its bunches for you and Hell became so near to me that said, ‘O my Lord will I be among those people?’ Then suddenly I saw a woman and a cat was lacerating her with it claws. On inquiring, it was said that the woman had imprisoned the cat till it died of starvation and she neither fed it no freed it so that it could feed itself.”

CHAPTER 5. To cast a look at the Imâm during As-Salât (the prayer).

1:713 Narrated by Abu Ma’mar
We asked Khabbab whether Allah’s Apostle used to recite (the Qur’an) in the Zuhr and the ‘Asr prayers. He replied in the affirmative. We said, “How did you come to know about it?” He said, “By the movement of his beard.”

CHAPTER 6. Looking towards the sky during the As-Salât (the prayer)

1:717 Narrated by Anas bin Malik
The Prophet said, “What is wrong with those people who look towards the sky during the prayer?” His talk grew stern while delivering this speech and he said, “They should stop (looking towards the sky during the prayer); otherwise their eye-sight would be taken away.”

CHAPTER 7. To look hither and thither in As-Salât (the prayer).

1:718 Narrated by ‘Aisha
I asked Allah’s Apostle about looking hither and thither in prayer. He replied, “It is a way of stealing by which Satan takes away (a portion) from the prayer of a person.”

CHAPTER 8. Recitation of the Qur’ân (Surat Al-Fâtiha) is compulsory for the Imâm and the followers.

1:722 Narrated by Jabir bin Samura
The People of Kufa complained against Sa’d to ‘Umar and the latter dismissed him and appointed ‘Ammar as their chief . They lodged many complaints against Sa’d and even they alleged that he did not pray properly. ‘Umar sent for him and said, “O Aba Ishaq! These people claim that you do not pray properly.”
Abu Ishaq said, “By Allah, I used to pray with them a prayer similar to that of Allah’s Apostle and I never reduced anything of it. I used to prolong the first two Rakat of ‘Isha prayer and shorten the last two Rakat.” ‘Umar said, “O Aba Ishaq, this was what I thought about you.” And then he sent one or more persons with him to Kufa so as to ask the people about him. So they went there and did not leave any mosque without asking about him. All the people praised him till they came to the mosque of the tribe of Bani ‘Abs; one of the men called Usama bin Qatada with a surname of Aba Sa’da stood up and said, “As you have put us under an oath; I am bound to tell you that Sa’d never went himself with the army and never distributed (the war booty) equally and never did justice in legal verdicts.”
(On hearing it) Sa’d said, “I pray to Allah for three things: O Allah! If this slave of yours is a liar and got up for showing off, give him a long life, increase his poverty and put him to trials.” (And so it happened). Later on when that person was asked how he was, he used to reply that he was an old man in trial as the result of Sa’d’s curse. ‘Abdul Malik, the sub narrator, said that he had seen him afterwards and his eyebrows were over-hanging his eyes owing to old age and he used to tease and assault the small girls in the way.
1:723 Narrated by ‘Ubada bin As-Samit
Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid.”
1:724 Narrated by Abu Huraira
Allah’s Apostle entered the mosque and a person followed him. The man prayed and went to the Prophet and greeted him. The Prophet returned the greeting and said to him, “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.” The man went back prayed in the same way as before, returned and greeted the Prophet who said, “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.” This happened thrice. The man said, “By Him Who sent you with the Truth, I cannot offer the prayer in a better way than this. Please, teach me how to pray.” The Prophet said, “When you stand for Prayer say Takbir and then recite from the Holy Qur’an (of what you know by heart) and then bow till you feel at ease. Then raise your head and stand up straight, then prostrate till you feel at ease during your prostration, then sit with calmness till you feel at ease (do not hurry) and do the same in all your prayers. “

CHAPTER 9. The recitation of the Qur’ãn in the Zuhr prayer.

1:726 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abi Qatada
My father said, “The Prophet in Zuhr prayers used to recite Al-Fatiha along with two other Suras in the first two Rakat: a long one in the first Rak’a and a shorter (Sura) in the second, and at times the verses were audible. In the ‘Asr prayer the Prophet used to recite Al-Fatiha and two more Suras in the first two Rakat and used to prolong the first Rak’a. And he used to prolong the first Rak’a of the Fajr prayer and shorten the second.

CHAPTER 10. The recitation of the Qur’ân in the Maghrib prayer

1:730 Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas
(My mother) Umu-l-Fadl heard me reciting “Wal Mursalati ‘Urfan” (77) and said, “O my son! By Allah, your recitation made me remember that it was the last Sura I heard from Allah’s Apostle. He recited it in the Maghrib prayer. “
1:731 Narrated by Marwan bin Al-Hakam
Zaid bin Thabit said to me, “Why do you recite very short Suras in the Maghrib prayer while I heard the Prophet reciting the longer of the two long Suras?”

CHAPTER 11. To recite aloud in the Maghrib prayer.

1:732 Narrated by Jubair bin Mut’im
My father said, “I heard Allah’s Apostle reciting “At-Tur” (52) in the Maghrib prayer.”

CHAPTER 12. To recite in the ‘Isha’ prayer with As-Sajda (prostration)

1:735 Narrated by Abu Rafi’
Once I prayed the ‘Isha’ prayer with Abu Huraira and he recited, “Idha-s-Sama’ unShaqqat” (84) and prostrated. I said, “What is that?” He said, “I prostrated behind Abu-l-Qasim, (the Prophet) (when he recited that Sura) and I will go on doing it till I meet him.”

CHAPTER 13. Recitation in the ‘Isha’ prayer.

1:736 Narrated by Al-Bara
I heard the Prophet reciting wat-tini wazzaituni” (95) in the ‘Isha’ prayer, and I never heard a sweeter voice or a better way of recitation than that of the Prophet.

CHAPTER 14. The Recitation of the Qur’ân in the Fajr prayer.

1:739 Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Qur’an is recited in every prayer and in those prayers in which Allah’s Apostle recited aloud for us, we recite aloud in the same prayers for you; and the prayers in which the Prophet recited quietly, we recite quietly. If you recite “Al-Fatiha” only it is sufficient but if you recite something else in addition, it is better.

CHAPTER 15. To recite aloud in the Fajr (early morning) prayer.

1:740 Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas
The Prophet set out with the intention of going to Suq ‘Ukaz (market of ‘Ukaz) along with some of his companions. At the same time, a barrier was put between the devils and the news of heaven. Fire commenced to be thrown at them. The Devils went to their people, who asked them, “What is wrong with you?” They said, “A barrier has been placed between us and the news of heaven. And fire has been thrown at us.” They said, “The thing which has put a barrier between you and the news of heaven must be something which has happened recently. Go eastward and westward and see what has put a barrier between you and the news of heaven.” Those who went towards Tuhama came across the Prophet at a place called Nakhla and it was on the way to Suq ‘Ukaz and the Prophet was offering the Fajr prayer with his companions. When they heard the Qur’an they listened to it and said, “By Allah, this is the thing which has put a barrier between us and the news of heaven.” They went to their people and said, “O our people; verily we have heard a wonderful recital (Qur’an) which shows the true path; we believed in it and would not ascribe partners to our Lord.” Allah revealed the following verses to his Prophet (Sura ‘Jinn’) (72): “Say: It has been revealed to me.” And what was revealed to him was the conversation of the Jinns.
1:741 Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas
The Prophet recited aloud in the prayers in which he was ordered to do so and quietly in the prayers in which he was ordered to do so. “And your Lord is not forgetful.” “Verily there was a good example for you in the ways of the Prophet.”

CHAPTER 16. To recite two Surah in one Rak’a and to recite the last Verses of some Surah or to recite the Surah in their reverse order or to recite the beginning of a Sarah.

1:742 Narrated by Abu Wa’il
A man came to Ibn Mas’ud and said, “I recited the Mufassal (Suras) at night in one Rak’a.” Ibn Mas’ud said, “This recitation is (too quick) like the recitation of poetry. I know the identical Suras which the Prophet used to recite in pairs.” Ibn Mas’ud then mentioned 20 Mufassal Suras including two Suras from the family of (i.e. those verses which begin with) AL, HA, MIM (which the Prophet used to recite) in each Rak’a.

CHAPTER 17. To recite only Sürat Al-Fâtiha in the last two Rak’at during a four Rak’at prayer.

1:743 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abi Qatada
My father said, “The Prophet uses to recite Al-Fatiha followed by another Sura in the first two Rakat of the prayer and used to recite only Al-Fatiha in the last two Rakat of the Zuhr prayer. Sometimes a verse or so was audible and he used to prolong the first Rak’a more than the second and used to do the same in the ‘Asr and Fajr prayers.”

CHAPTER 18. Saying of Amin aloud by the Imâm

1:747 Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet said, “Say Amin” when the Imam says it and if the Amin of any one of you coincides with that of the angels then all his past sins will be forgiven.” Ibn Shihab said, “Allah’s Apostle used to Say “Amin.”

CHAPTER 19. Superiority of saying Amin

1:748 Narrated by Abu Huraira
Allah’s Apostle said, “If any one of you says, “Amin” and the angels in the heavens say “Amin” and the former coincides with the latter, all his past sins will be forgiven.”

CHAPTER 20. If someone bowed behind the rows, [on entering the mosque and before joining the rows of Salât (prayer)].

1:750 Narrated by Abu Bakra
I reached the Prophet in the mosque while he was bowing in prayer and I too bowed before joining the row mentioned it to the Prophet and he said to me, “May Allah increase your love for the good. But do not repeat it again (bowing in that way).”

CHAPTER 21. To say the Takbir perfectly on bowing.

1:751 Narrated by Imran bin Husain
I offered the prayer with ‘Ali in Basra and he made us remember the prayer which we used to pray with Allah’s Apostle. ‘Ali said Takbir on each rising and bowing.

CHAPTER 22. Saying of the Takbir on rising from the prostration.

1:755 Narrated by ‘Ikrima
I prayed behind a Sheikh at Mecca and he said twenty two Takbirs (during the prayer). I told Ibn ‘Abbas that he (i.e. that Sheikh) was foolish. Ibn ‘Abbas admonished me and said, “This is the tradition of Abu-l-Qasim.” And narrated Abu Huraira: Whenever Allah’s Apostle stood for the prayer, he said Takbir on starting the prayer and then on bowing. On rising from bowing he said, “Sami’ a-l-lahu liman hamida,” and then while standing straight he used to say, “Rabbana laka-l hamd” (Al-Laith said, “(The Prophet said), ‘Walaka-l-hamd’.” He used to say Takbir on prostrating and on raising his head from prostration; again he would Say Takbir on prostrating and raising his head. He would then do the same in the whole of the prayer till it was completed. On rising from the second Rak’a (after sitting for At-Tahiyyat), he used to say Takbir.

CHAPTER 23. To put the hands (palms) on both knees while bowing.

1:756 Narrated by Mus’ab bin Sa’d
I offered prayer beside my father and approximated both my hands and placed them in between the knees. My father told me not to do so and said, “We used to do the same but we were forbidden (by the Prophet) to do it and were ordered to place the hands on the knees.”

CHAPTER 24. To keep the back straight in bowing and observe calmness.

1:758 Narrated by Al-Bara
The bowing, the prostration the sitting in between the two prostrations and the standing after the bowing of the Prophet but not Qiyam (standing in the prayer) and Qu’ud (sitting in the prayer) used to be approximately equal (in duration).

CHAPTER 25. Invocation in bowing.

1:760 Narrated by ‘Aisha
The Prophet used to say in his bowing and prostrations, “Subhanaka-Allahumma Rabbana wa-bihamdika Allahumma-ighfirli.’ (I honor Allah from all what (unsuitable things) is ascribed to Him. O Allah Our Lord! And all the praises are for You. O Allah! Forgive me).”

CHAPTER 26. The superiority of saying Allâhumma Rabbanâ lakalhamd (0 Allah, Our Lord! All the praises and the thanks are for You).

1:762 Narrated by Abu Huraira
Allah’s Apostle said, “When the Imam says, “Sami’ a-l-lahu Liman hamida,” you should say, “Allahumma Rabbana laka-l-hamd.” And if the saying of any one of you coincides with that of the angels, all his past sins will be forgiven.”

CHAPTER 27.

1:763 Narrated by Anas
The Qunut used to be recited in the Maghrib and the Fajr prayers.
1:764 Narrated by Rifa’a bin Rafi AzZuraqi
One day we were praying behind the Prophet. When he raised his head from bowing, he said, “Sami’a-l-lahu Liman hamida.” A man behind him said, “Rabbana walaka-l hamd hamdan Kathiran taiyiban mubarakan fihi” (O our Lord! All the praises are for You, many good and blessed praises). When the Prophet completed the prayer, he asked, “Who has said these words?” The man replied, “I.” The Prophet said, “I saw over thirty angels competing to write it first.” Prophet rose (from bowing) and stood straight till all the vertebrae of his spinal column came to a natural position.

CHAPTER 28. To stand straight with calmness on raising the head from bowing.

1:765 Narrated by Thabit
Anas used to demonstrate to us the prayer of the Prophet and while demonstrating, he used to raise his head from bowing and stand so long that we would say that he had forgotten (the prostration).

CHAPTER 29. One should say Takbir while going in prostration.

1:768 Narrated by Abu Bakr bin ‘Abdur Rahman Ibn Harith bin Hisham and Abu Salama bin ‘Abdur Rahman
Abu Huraira used to say Takbir in all the prayers, compulsory and optional — in the month of Ramadan or other months. He used to say Takbir on standing for prayer and on bowing; then he would say, “Salmi’a-l-lahu Liman hamida,” and before prostrating he would say “Rabbana walaka-l-hamd.” Then he would say Takbir on prostrating and on raising his head from the prostration, then another Takbir on prostrating (for the second time), and on raising his head from the prostration. He also would say the Takbir on standing from the second Rak’a.
He used to do the same in every Rak’a till he completed the prayer. On completion of the prayer, he would say, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is! No doubt my prayer is closer to that of Allah’s Apostle than yours, and this was His prayer till he left this world.” And Abu Huraira said, “When Allah’s Apostle raised his head from (bowing) he used to say “Sami’ a-l-lahu Liman hamida, Rabbana walakal-hamd.” He Would invoke Allah for some people by naming them: “O Allah! Save Al-Walid bin Al-Walid and Salama bin Hisham and ‘Aiyash bin Abi Rabi’a and the weak and the helpless people among the faithful believers O Allah! Be hard on the tribe of Mudar and let them suffer from famine years like that of the time of Joseph.” In those days the Eastern section of the tribe of Mudar was against the Prophet.

CHAPTER 30. Superiority of prostrating:

Narrated by Abu Huraira
The people said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?” He replied, “Do you have any doubt in seeing the full moon on a clear (not cloudy) night?” They replied, “No, O Allah’s Apostle!” He said, “Do you have any doubt in seeing the sun when there are no clouds?” They replied in the negative. He said, “You will see Allah (your Lord) in the same way.

On the Day of Resurrection, people will be gathered and He will order the people to follow what they used to worship. So some of them will follow the sun, some will follow the moon, and some will follow other deities; and only this nation (Muslims) will be left with its hypocrites.
Allah will come to them and say, ‘I am Your Lord.’ They will say, ‘We shall stay in this place till our Lord comes to us and when our Lord will come, we will recognize Him. Then Allah will come to them again and say, ‘I am your Lord.’ They will say, ‘You are our Lord.’ Allah will call them, and As-Sirat (a bridge) will be laid across Hell and I (Muhammad) shall be the first amongst the Apostles to cross it with my followers. Nobody except the Apostles will then be able to speak and they will be saying then, ‘O Allah! Save us. O Allah Save us.’ There will be hooks like the thorns of Sa’dan in Hell. Have you seen the thorns of Sa’dan?”
The people said, “Yes.” He said, “These hooks will be like the thorns of Sa’dan but nobody except Allah knows their greatness in size and these will entangle the people according to their deeds; some of them will fall and stay in Hell forever; others will receive punishment (torn into small pieces) and will get out of Hell, till when Allah intends mercy on whomever He likes amongst the people of Hell, He will order the angels to take out of Hell those who worshipped none but Him alone. The angels will take them out by recognizing them from the traces of prostrations, for Allah has forbidden the (Hell) fire to eat away those traces.

So they will come out of the Fire, it will eat away from the whole of the human body except the marks of the prostrations. At that time they will come out of the Fire as mere skeletons. The Water of Life will be poured on them and as a result they will grow like the seeds growing on the bank of flowing water. Then when Allah had finished from the Judgments amongst his creations, one man will be left between Hell and Paradise and he will be the last man from the people of Hell to enter paradise. He will be facing Hell, and will say, ‘O Allah! Turn my face from the fire as its wind has dried me and its steam has burnt me.’ Allah will ask him, “Will you ask for anything more in case this favor is granted to you?’ He will say, “No by Your (Honor) Power!” And he will give to his Lord (Allah) what he will of the pledges and the covenants. Allah will then turn his face from the Fire.

When he will face Paradise and will see its charm, he will remain quiet as long as Allah will. He then will say, ‘O my Lord! Let me go to the gate of Paradise.’ Allah will ask him, ‘Didn’t you give pledges and make covenants (to the effect) that you would not ask for anything more than what you requested at first?’ He will say, ‘O my Lord! Do not make me the most wretched, amongst Your creatures.’ Allah will say, ‘If this request is granted, will you then ask for anything else?’ He will say, ‘No! By Your Power! I shall not ask for anything else.’ Then he will give to his Lord what He will of the pledges and the covenants. Allah will then let him go to the gate of Paradise. On reaching then and seeing its life, charm, and pleasure, he will remain quiet as long as Allah wills and then will say, ‘O my Lord ! Let me enter Paradise.’ Allah will say, May Allah be merciful unto you, O son of Adam! How treacherous you are! Haven’t you made covenants and given pledges that you will not ask for anything more that what you have been given?’ He will say, ‘O my Lord! Do not make me the most wretched amongst Your creatures.’ So Allah will laugh and allow him to enter Paradise and will ask him to request as much as he likes.

He will do so till all his desires have been fulfilled . Then Allah will say, ‘Request more of such and such things.’ Allah will remind him and when all his desires and wishes; have been fulfilled, Allah will say “All this is granted to you and a similar amount besides.” Abu Said Al-Khudri, said to Abu Huraira, ‘Allah’s Apostle said, “Allah said, ‘That is for you and ten times more like it.’ “Abu Huraira said, “I do not remember from Allah’s Apostle except (his saying), ‘All this is granted to you and a similar amount besides.” Abu Sahd said, “I heard him saying, ‘That is for you and ten times more the like of it.”

CHAPTER 31. To prostrate on seven bones.

1:774 Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas
The Prophet said, “We have been ordered to prostrates on seven bones and not to tuck up the clothes or hair.”

CHAPTER 32. To sit for a while between the two prostrations.

1:774 Narrated by Thabit
Anas said, “I will leave no stone unturned in making you offer the prayer as I have seen the Prophet making us offer it.” Anas used to do a thing which I have not seen you doing. He used to stand after the bowing for such a long time that one would think that he had forgotten (the prostrations) and he used to sit in-between the prostrations so long that one would think that he had forgotten the second prostration.

CHAPTER 33. One should not put the forearms on the ground during prostrations. Abü Humaid said: The
Prophet prostrated and put his hands (on the ground) with the forearms away from the ground and away from the body].

1:785 Narrated by Anas bin Malik
The Prophet said, “Be straight in the prostrations and none of you should put his forearms on the ground (in the prostration) like a dog.”

CHAPTER 34. Sitting straight in a Witr prayer (i.e. odd Rak’a) and then getting up.

1:786 Narrated by Malik bin Huwairith Al-Laithi
I saw the Prophet praying and in the odd Rakat, he used to sit for a moment before getting up.

CHAPTER 35. Saying Takbir on rising from the two prostrations.

1:788 Narrated by Said bin Al-Harith
Abu Said led us in the prayer and said the Takbir aloud on arising from the prostration, and on prostrating, on rising again, and on getting up from the second Rak’a. Abu Said said, “I saw the Prophet doing the same.”

CHAPTER 36. The Prophet’s legal way (Sunna) for the sitting in the Tashahhud in the Salat (prayer)].

1:790 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdullah
I saw ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar crossing his legs while sitting in the prayer and I, a mere youngster in those days, did the same. Ibn ‘Umar forbade me to do so, and said, “The proper way is to keep the right foot propped up and bend the left in the prayer.” I said questioningly, “But you are doing so (crossing the legs).” He said, “My feet cannot bear my weight.”
1:791 Narrated by Muhammad bin ‘Amr bin ‘Ata’
I was sitting with some of the companions of Allah’s Apostle and we were discussing about the way of praying of the Prophet. Abu Humaid As-Saidi said, “I remember the prayer of Allah’s Apostle better than any one of you. I saw him raising both his hands up to the level of the shoulders on saying the Takbir; and on bowing he placed his hands on both knees and bent his back straight, then he stood up straight from bowing till all the vertebrate took their normal positions. In prostrations, he placed both his hands on the ground with the forearms away from the ground and away from his body, and his toes were facing the Qibla. On sitting In the second Rak’a he sat on his left foot and propped up the right one; and in the last Rak’a he pushed his left foot forward and kept the other foot propped up and sat over the buttocks “

CHAPTER 37. Whoever considered that the first Tashahhud is not compulsory.

1:792 Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Buhaina
(he was from the tribe of Uzd Shan’u’a and was the ally of the tribe of ‘Abdul-Manaf and was one of the companions of the Prophet): Once the Prophet led us in the Zuhr prayer and stood up after the second Rak’a and did not sit down. The people stood up with him. When the prayer was about to end and the people were waiting for him to say the Taslim, he said Takbir while sitting and prostrated twice before saying the Taslim and then he said the Taslim.”

CHAPTER 38. (Saying of the) Tashahhud in the last Rak’a.

1:794 Narrated by Shaqlq bin Salama
‘Abdullah said, “Whenever we prayed behind the Prophet we used to recite (in sitting) ‘Peace be on Gabriel, Michael, peace be on so and so. Once Allah’s Apostle looked back at us and said, ‘Allah Himself is As-Salam (Peace), and if anyone of you prays then he should say, At-Tahiyatu lil-lahi wassalawatu wat-taiyibatu. AsSalamu ‘alalika aiyuha-n-Nabiyu wa rahmatu-l-lahi wa barakatuhu. As-Salam alaina wa ala ibadil-lah is-salihin. (All the compliments, prayers and good things are due to Allah: peace be on you, O Prophet and Allah’s mercy and blessings be on you. Peace be on us an on the true pious slaves of Allah). (If you say that, it will be for all the slaves in the heaven and the earth). Ash-hadu an la-ilaha illa-l-lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu. (I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I also testify that Muhammad is His slave and His Apostle).”

CHAPTER 39. Invocation before the Taslim.

1:795 Narrated by ‘Aisha
(the wife of the Prophet) Allah’s Apostle used to invoke Allah in the prayer saying “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min adhabil-qabri, wa a’udhu bika min fitnatil-masihid-dajjal, wa a’udhu bika min fitnatil-mahya wa fitnatil-mamati. Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-ma thami wal-maghrami. (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave and from the afflictions of Masi,h Ad-Dajjal and from the afflictions of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the sins and from being in debt).” Somebody said to him, “Why do you so frequently seek refuge with Allah from being in debt?” The Prophet replied, “A person in debt tells lies whenever he speaks, and breaks promises whenever he makes (them).” ‘Aisha also narrated: I heard Allah’s Apostle in his prayer seeking refuge with Allah from the afflictions of Ad-dajjal.
1:796 Narrated by Abu Bakr As-Siddiq
I asked Allah’s Apostle to teach me an invocation so that I may invoke Allah with it in my prayer. He told me to say, “Allahumma inni zalumtu nafsi zulman kathiran, Wala yaghfirudhdhunuba illa anta faghfirli maghfiratan min ‘Indika, war-hamni innaka antal-ghafururrahim (O Allah! I have done great injustice to myself and none except You forgives sins, so please forgive me and be Merciful to me as You are the Forgiver, the Merciful).”

CHAPTER 40. What optional invocation may be selected after the Tashahhud.

1:797 Narrated by ‘Abdullah
When we prayed with the Prophet we used to say, “Peace be on Allah from His slaves and peace be on so and so.” The Prophet said, “Don’t say As-Salam be on Allah, for He Himself is As-Salam, but say, ‘At-tahiyatu lil-lahi was-salawatu wat-taiyibatu. As-salamu ‘Alaika aiyuhan-Nabiyu warahmatu-l-lahi wa barakatuhu. As-salamu ‘alaina wa ‘ala ibadillahis-salihin. (If you say this then it will be for all the slaves in heaven or between heaven and earth). Ashhadu an la-ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu wa Rasuluhu.’ Then select the invocation you like best and recite it.” (See Hadith No. 794, 795 & 796).

CHAPTER 41. Taslim [turning the face to the right and then to the left and saying, “As-Salâmu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullâh “, at the end of the Salât (prayers).

1:799 Narrated by Um Salama
Whenever Allah’s Apostle finished his prayers with Taslim, the women would get up and he would stay on for a while in his place before getting up. Ibn Shihab said, “I think (and Allah knows better), that the purpose of his stay was that the women might leave before the men who had finished their prayer. “

CHAPTER 42. To finish the Salât (prayer) with Taslim along with the Imâm.

1:800 Narrated by ‘Itban bin Malik
We prayed with the Prophet and used to finish our prayer with the Taslim along with him.

CHAPTER 43. The Dhikr (Remembering Allah by glorifying, praising and magnifying Him) after As-Salât (the prayer).

1:802 Narrated by Abu Ma’bad
(the freed slave of Ibn ‘Abbas) Ibn ‘Abbas told me, “In the lifetime of the Prophet it was the custom to celebrate Allah’s praises aloud after the compulsory congregational prayers.” Ibn ‘Abbas further said, “When I heard the Dhikr, I would learn that the compulsory congregational prayer had ended.”
1:804 Narrated by Abu Huraira
Some poor people came to the Prophet and said, “The wealthy people will get higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money by which they perform the Hajj, and ‘Umra; fight and struggle in Allah’s Cause and give in charity.” The Prophet said, “Shall I not tell you a thing upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would overtake you and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who would do the same. Say “Sub-han-al-lah”, “Alhamdu-lillah” and “Allahu Akbar” thirty three times each after every (compulsory) prayer.” We differed and some of us said that we should say, “Subhan-al-lah” thirty three times and “Alhamdu lillah” thirty three times and “Allahu Akbar” thirty four times. I went to the Prophet who said, “Say, “Subhan-al-lah” and “Alhamdu lillah” and “Allahu Akbar” all together for thirty three times.”
1:805 Narrated by Warrad
(the clerk of Al-Mughira bin Shu’ba) Once Al-Mughira dictated to me in a letter addressed to Mu’awiya that the Prophet used to say after every compulsory prayer, “La ilaha ilallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa-lahul-hamdu, wahuwa ala kulli shai in qadir. Allahumma la mani ‘a lima a’taita, wa la mu’tiya lima mana’ta, wa la yanfa’u dhal-jaddi minka-l-jadd. (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and He has no partner in Lordship or in worship or in the Names and the Qualities, and for Him is the Kingdom and all the praises are for Him and He is omnipotent. O Allah! Nobody can hold back what you give and nobody can give what You hold back. Hard (efforts by anyone for anything cannot benefit one against Your Will).” And Al-Hasan said, “Al-jadd’ means prosperity.”

CHAPTER 44. The Imâm should face the followers after finishing the Salât (prayer) with Taslim.

1:806 Narrated by Samura bin Jundab
The Prophet used to face us on completion of the prayer.
1:807 Narrated by Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani
The Prophet led us in the Fajr prayer at Hudaibiya after a rainy night. On completion of the prayer, he faced the people and said, “Do you know what your Lord has said (revealed)?” The people replied, “Allah and His Apostle know better.” He said, “Allah has said, ‘In this morning some of my slaves remained as true believers and some became non-believers; whoever said that the rain was due to the Blessings and the Mercy of Allah had belief in Me and he disbelieves in the stars, and whoever said that it rained because of a particular star had no belief in Me but believes in that star.’ “

CHAPTER 45. Whoever led the people in Salat (prayer) and remembered an urgent matter or necessity and had to pass over the people (to carry out that).

1:810 Narrated by ‘Uqba
I offered the ‘Asr prayer behind the Prophet at Medina. When he had finished the prayer with Taslim, he got up hurriedly and went out by crossing the rows of the people to one of the dwellings of his wives. The people got scared at his speed . The Prophet came back and found the people surprised at his haste and said to them, “I remembered a piece of gold Lying in my house and I did not like it to divert my attention from Allah’s worship, so I have ordered it to be distributed (in charity).”

CHAPTER 46. To leave or depart from the right and from the left after finishing from the Salât (prayers).

1:811 Narrated by ‘Abdullah
You should not give away a part of your prayer to Satan by thinking that it is necessary to depart (after finishing the prayer) from one’s right side only; I have seen the Prophet often leave from the left side.

CHAPTER 47. What has been said about uncooked garlic, onion and leek.

1:813 Narrated by ‘Ata’
I heard Jabir bin ‘Abdullah saying, “The Prophet said, ‘Whoever eats (from) this plant (he meant garlic) should keep away from our mosque.” I said, “What does he mean by that?” He replied, “I think he means only raw garlic.”
1:814 Narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah
The Prophet said, “Whoever eats garlic or onion should keep away from our mosque or should remain in his house.” (Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, in another narration said, “Once a big pot containing cooked vegetables was brought. On finding unpleasant smell coming from it, the Prophet asked, ‘What is in it?’ He was told all the names of the vegetables that were in it. The Prophet ordered that it should be brought near to some of his companions who were with him. When the Prophet saw it he disliked to eat it and said, ‘Eat. (I don’t eat) for I converse with those whom you don’t converse with (i.e. the angels).”

CHAPTER 48. The ablution etc. for boys (youngsters).

1:816 Narrated by Sulaiman Ash-Shaibam
I heard Ash-Sha’bi saying, “A person who was accompanying the Prophet passed by a grave that was separated from the other graves told me that the Prophet once led the people in the (funeral) prayer and the people had aligned behind him. I said, “O Aba ‘Amr! Who told you about it?” He said, “Ibn Abbas.”
1:817 Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri
The Prophet said, “Ghusl (taking a bath) on Friday is compulsory for every Muslim reaching the age of puberty.”
1:822 Narrated by ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Abis
A person asked Ibn Abbas, “Have you ever presented yourself at the (‘Id) prayer with Allah’s Apostle?” He replied, “Yes.” And had it not been for my kinship (position) with the Prophet it would not have been possible for me to do so (for he was too young). The Prophet went to the mark near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt and delivered a sermon. He then went towards the women. He advised and reminded them and asked them to give alms. So the woman would bring her hand near her neck and take off her necklace and put it in the garment of Bilal. Then the Prophet and Bilal came to the house.”

CHAPTER 49. Going of women to the mosques at night and in darkness

1:824 Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar
The Prophet said, “If your women ask permission to go to the mosque at night, allow them.”