5. Establishing the Prayer and the Sunnah Regarding Them

Muhammad bin ‘Amr bin ‘Ata’ said: “I heard Abu Humaid As-Sa’idi say: ‘When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up for prayer, he would face the prayer direction, raise his hands, and say: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Most Great).” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to start his prayer by saying: ‘Subhanaka Allahumma wa bi hamdika, wa tabarakas-muka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuka (Glory and praise be to You, O Allah, blessed be Your Name and exalted be Your majesty, none has the right to be worshipped but you).” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Takbir (Allah Akbar), he would remain silent between the Takbir and the recitation. I said: ‘May my father and mother be ransomed for you! I noticed that you are silent between the Takbir and the recitation; please tell me what you say then.’ He said: ‘I say: ‘Allahumma ba’id baini wa baina khatayaya kama ba’adta bainal-mashriqi wal-maghrib; Allahumma naqqini min khatayay kath-thawbil abyad minad- danas; Allahummaghsilni min khatayaya bil-ma’i waththalji wal-barad (O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the east from the west; O Allah purify me of my sins as a white garment is purified of dirt; O Allah, cleanse me of my sins with water and snow and hail).” It was narrated from ‘Aishah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) started Salat he would say: “Subhanak Allahumma wa bi hamdika, wa tabarakas- muka wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruk (Glory and praise is to You, O Allah, blessed is Your Name and exalted is Your majesty, none has the right to be worshipped but You).” It was narrated from Ibn Jubair bin Mut’im that his father said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he started the prayer. He said: ‘Allahu Akbaru kabiran, Allahu Akbaru kabiran (Allah is the Most Great indeed),’ three times; ‘Al-hamdu Lillahi kathiran, al-hamdu Lillahi kathiran (Much praise is to Allah),’ three times; ‘Subhan Allahi bukratan wa asilan (Glory is to Allah morning and evening),’ three times; ‘Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minash-Shaitanir-rajim, min hamzihi wa nafkhihi wa nafthihi (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the accursed Satan, from his madness, his poetry, and his pride).” It was narrated from Ibn Mas’ud that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minash-Shaitanir-rajim, wa hamzihi wa nafkhihi wa mafthihi (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the accursed Satan, from his madness, his pride, and his poetry).” It was narrated from Qabisah bin Hulb that his father said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to lead us in prayer, and he would take hold of his left hand with his right.” It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) performing prayer, and he took hold of his left hand with his right.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by me, and I was putting my left hand on my right. He took hold of my right hand and put it on my left.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Uthman used to start their recitation with “All praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. (Al- hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin).’” [1:2] It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Abu Bakr and ‘Umar used to start their recitation with ‘All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of all that exists (Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin).” [1:2] It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to start his recitation with ‘All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of all that exists’ (Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin),’ [1: 2] Ibn ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal narrated from his father and he said: “I have rarely seen a man for whom innovation in Islam was harder to bear than him. He heard me reciting: ‘In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful’ Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim [1:1] and he said: ‘O my son, beware of innovation, for I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and with Abu Bakr, and with ‘Umar, and with ‘Uthman, and I never heard any of them saying this. When you (begin to) recite, say: ‘All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of all that exists.’ (Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin).’” [1:2] It was narrated from Qutbah bin Malik that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) recite: “And tall date palms, with ranged clusters” [50:10] in the Subh. It was narrated that ‘Amr bin Huraith said: “I performed prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) when he was reciting in the Fajr, and it is as if I can hear him reciting: ‘So verily, I swear by the planets that recede. And by the planets that move swiftly and hide themselves.’”[81:15-16] It was narrated from Abu Barzah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite between sixty and one hundred (Verses) in Fajr prayer. It was narrated that Abu Qatadah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to lead us in prayer, and he would lengthen the first Rak’ah of the Zuhr and shorten the second Rak’ah, and he would do likewise in the Subh.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Sa’ib said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited Al-Mu’minun [Al-Mu’minun 23] in the Subh prayer, and when he came to the mention of ‘Eisa, he was overcome with a cough, so he bowed in Ruku’.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “For the Subh prayer on Fridays, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite ‘Alif-Lam-Mim. The revelation...’ [32:1] and ‘Has there not been over man...’” [76:1] It was narrated from Mus’ab bin Sa’d that his father said: “For the Fajr prayer on Fridays, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite ‘Alif-Lam-Mim. The revelation...’ [32:1] and ‘Has there not been over man...’” [76:1] It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that for the Subh prayer on Fridays, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite ‘Alif-Lam-Mim’. The revelation...’[32: 1] and ‘Has there not been over man...” [76:1] It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that for the Subh prayer on Fridays, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite “Alif-Lam-Mim. The revelation...” [32: 1] and “Has there not been over man..” [76:1] It was narrated that Qaza’ah said: “I asked Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: ‘There is nothing good in that for you.’* I said: ‘Explain it, may Allah have mercy on you.’ He said: ‘The Iqamah would be given for the Zuhr prayer for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), then one of us would go out to Al- Baqi’, relieve himself, then come back and perform ablution, and he would find the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) still in the first Rak’ah of Zuhr.’” It was narrated that Abu Ma’mar said: “I said to Khabbab: ‘How did you recognize that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was reciting in the Zuhr and the ‘Asr?’ He said: ‘From the movement of his beard.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “I have never seen anyone whose prayer more closely resembles that of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) than so-and-so. He used to lengthen the first two Rak’ah of the Zuhr and shorten the last two Rak’ah, and he used to shorten the ‘Asr.” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “Thirty of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) who had been at Badr came together and said: ‘Come, let us estimate the length of the recitation of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for the prayer in which Qur’an is not recited out aloud.’ No two men among them disagreed, and they estimated the length of his recitation in the first Rak’ah of the Zuhr to be thirty Verses and in the second Rak’ah to be half of that. They estimated his recitation in ‘Asr to be half of the last two Rak’ah of Zuhr.” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abu Qatadah that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite when leading us in the first two Rak’ah of the Zuhr prayer, and sometimes he would recite such that we could hear the Verse.” It was narrated that Bara’ bin ‘Azib said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to lead us for the Zuhr, and we would hear him reciting a Verse after the Verses from Surat Luqman (31) and Adh-Dhariyat (51).” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said, narrating from his mother (one of the narrators) Abu Bakr bin Abu Shaibah said: “(She was) Lubabah” that she heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) reciting ‘By the winds sent forth one after another...’[Al-Mursalat (77)] in the Maghrib. It was narrated from Muhammad bin Jubair bin Mut’im that his father said: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) reciting At-Tur (52) in the Maghrib.” In a different narration, Jubair said: “And when I heard him recite: ‘Were they created by nothing? Or were they themselves the creators?’ up to: ‘Then let their listener produce some manifest proof’,[52:35-38] it was as if my heart were about to take flight.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite in the Maghrib: ‘Say: O you disbelievers!’[Al-Kafirun (109)] and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’”[Al-Ikhlas (112)] It was narrated from Bara’ bin ‘Azib that he performed the ‘Isha’, the later, with the Prophet (ﷺ). He said: “I heard him reciting ‘By the fig, and the olive’.”[Al-Tin (95)] ‘Adi bin Thabit narrated something similar from Bara’ and said: “I have never heard any man with a better voice or who recites better than him.” It was narrated from Jabir that Mu’adh bin Jabal led his companions for the ‘Isha’ and he made the prayer too long for them. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Recite ‘By the sun and its brightness,’[Al-Shams (91)] ‘Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High,’ [Al-A’la (87)] ‘By the night as it envelops,’ [Al-Lail (92)] or, ‘Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created.’” [Al-‘Alaq (96)] It was narrated from ‘Ubadah bin Samit that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is no prayer for the one who does not recite Fatihatil-Kitab in it.” It was narrated from Abu Sa’ib that he heard Abu Hurairah say: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever performs a prayer in which he does not recite Ummul Qur’an (the Mother of the Qur’an, i.e., Al- Fatihah), it is deficient; not complete.’” I said: ‘O Abu Hurairah, sometimes I am behind the Imam. He pressed my forearm and said: ‘O Persian! Recite it to yourself.’” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There is no prayer for the one who does not recite in every Rak’ah: Al-Hamd (Al-Fatihah) and a Surah whether in an obligatory prayer or another.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Every prayer in which the Ummul-Kitab (the Mother of the Book) is not recited is deficient.’” It was narrated that from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Every prayer in which Fatihatil-Kitab (the Opening of the Book) is not recited, it is deficient, it is deficient.” Abu Idris Al-Khawlani narrated that a man asked Abu Darda’: “Should I recite when the Imam is reciting?” He said: “A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) whether there was recitation in every prayer. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Yes.’ A man among the people said: ‘It has become obligatory.’” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “We used to recite the Opening of the Book and a Surah behind the Imam in the first two Rak’ah of the Zuhr and the ‘Asr, and in the last wo Rak’ah (we would recite) the Opening of the Book.” It was narrated that Samurah bin Jundab said: “There are two pauses which I memorized from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), but `Imran bin Husain denied that. We wrote to Ubayy bin Ka`b in Al-Madinah, and he wrote that Samurah had indeed memorized them.” (One of the narrators) Sa`eed said: "We said to Qatadah: 'What are these two pauses?' He said: 'When he started his prayer, and when he finished reciting.' Then later he said: 'And when he recited: 'Not (the way) of those who earned your anger, nor of those who went astray.' They used to like (for the Imam) when he had finished reciting to remain silent until he had caught his breath.'" Samurah said: “I memorized two pauses in the prayer, a pause before reciting and a pause when bowing. ‘Imran bin Husain denied that, so they wrote to Al-Madinah, to Ubayy bin Ka’b, and he said that Samurah was speaking the truth.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The Imam has been appointed to be followed, so when he says Allahu Akbar, then say Allahu Akbar, when he recites, then listen attentively; when he says: Not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray,[1:7] then say Amin; when he bows then bow; when he says Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), then say Allahumma Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O Allah, our Lord, to You is the praise);” when he prostrates then prostrate; and if he prays sitting down then all of you pray sitting down.’” It was narrated that Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When the Imam recites, then listen attentively, and if he is sitting (in the prayer) then the first remembrance that anyone of you recites should be the Tashahhud.’” It was narrated that Ibn Ukaimah said: “I heard Abu Hurairah say: ‘The Prophet (ﷺ) led his Companions in a prayer; we think it was the Subh. He said: “Did anyone among you recite?” A man said: “I did.” He said: “I was saying to myself, what is wrong with me that someone is fighting to wrest the Qur’an from me?” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in prayer,” and he mentioned a similar report, and added to it, and he said: “And after that they were quiet in the prayers in which the Imam recites aloud.” It was narrated that Jabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever has an Imam, the recitation of the Imam is his recitation.’” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the reciter says Amin, then say Amin, for the angels say Amin, and if a person’s Amin coincides with the Amin of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the reciter says Amin, then say Amin, for if a person’s Amin coincides with the Amin of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The people stopped saying Amin, but when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said ‘Not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray’[1:7] he would say Amin, until the people in the first row could hear it, and the mosque would shake with it. It was narrated that ‘Ali said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying ‘Amin’ after he said, ‘nor of those who went astray.’[1:7] It was narrated from ‘Abdul-Jabbar bin Wa’il that his father said: “I performed prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) and when he said: ‘Nor of those who went astray’,[1:7] he said Amin and we heard that from him.” It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The Jews do not envy you for anything more than they envy you for the Salam and (saying) ‘Amin’.” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Jews do not envy you for anything more than they envy you for the Salam and (saying) Amin, so say Amin a great deal.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raising his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders when he started the prayer, and when he bowed in Ruku’, and when he raised his head from Ruku’, but he did not raise them between the two prostrations.” It was narrated that Malik bin Huwairith said that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said Allahu Akbar, he would raise his hands until they were close to his ears; when he bowed in Ruku’ he did likewise, and when he raised his head from Ruku’ he did likewise. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raising his hands during prayer until they were parallel with his shoulders when he started to pray, when he bowed and when he prostrated.” It was narrated that ‘Umair bin Habib said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands at every Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar) in the obligatory prayer.” It was narrated that Muhammad bin `Amr bin `Ata’ said, concerning Abu Humaid As-Sa`di: “I heard him when he was among ten of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), one of whom was Abu Qatadah bin Rib`i, saying: ‘I am the most knowledgeable of you about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). When he stood up for prayer, he stood up straight and raised his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders, then he said: Allahu Akbar. When he wanted to bow in Ruku`, he raised his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders. When he said Sami` Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), he raised his hands and stood up straight. When he stood up after two Rak`ah, he said Allahu Akbar and raised his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders, as he did when he started the prayer.’” ‘Abbas bin Sahl As-Sa’di said: “Abu Humaid, Abu Usaid As-Sa’di, Sahl bin Sa’d, and Muhammad bin Maslamah came together and spoke about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Abu Humaid said: ‘I am the most knowledgeable of you about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up and said Allahu Akbar, and raised his hands, then he raised them when he said Allahu Akbar for Ruku’, then he stood up and raised his hands, and stood straight until every bone had returned to its place.’” It was narrated that ‘Ali bin Abu Talib said: “When the Prophet (ﷺ) stood up to offer a prescribed prayer, he said Allahu Akbar and raised his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders. When he wanted to bow he did likewise; when he raised his head from bowing he did likewise; and when he stood up after the two prostrations he did likewise.”* It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands at every Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar). It was narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands when he entered prayer, and when he bowed in Ruku’.” It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I said: ‘I will look at the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and see how he performs the prayer.’ He stood up and faced the Qiblah, and raised his hands until they were parallel to his ears. When he bowed, he raised them likewise, and when he raised his head from Ruku’, he raised them likewise.” It was narrated from Abu Zubair that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah would raise his hands when he began the prayer, and when he bowed, and when he raised (his head) from Ruku’ he would do likewise, and he said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) doing that.” (One of the narrators) said: “Ibrahim bin Tahman (one of the narrators) raised his hands to his ears.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) bowed, he neither raised his head nor lowered it, rather (he did something) between that.” It was narrated that Abu Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘No prayer is acceptable in which a man does not settle his spine when bowing and when prostrating.’” It was narrated that ‘Ali bin Shaiban who was part of a delegation (to the Prophet (ﷺ)) said: “We set out until we came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and we gave him our oath of allegiance and performed prayer behind him. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at a man who was not settling his spine when he bowed and prostrated. When the Prophet (ﷺ) finished the prayer, he said: ‘O Muslims, there is no prayer for the one who does not settle his spine when bowing and prostrating.’” It was narrated that Rashid said: “I heard Wabisah bin Ma’bad saying: ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing prayer, and when he bowed he made his back so straight that if water were poured on it, it would have stayed there.’” It was narrated that Mus’ab bin Sa’d said: “I bowed (in prayer) beside my father, and I put my hands between my knees. He struck my hand and said: ‘We used to do that, then we were commanded to put them on the knees.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to bow with his hands on his knees and his upper arms held away from his sides.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him),” he said: “Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O our Lord, to You is the praise).” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the Imam says: ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him),’ say: ‘Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O our Lord, to You is the praise).’” It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “When the Imam says: ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him),’ say: ‘Allahumma, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O Allah! O our Lord! To You is the praise).’” It was narrated that Ibn Abu Awfa said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raised his head from Ruku’, he said: ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Allahumma, Rabbana lakal-hamd, mil’ as-samawati wa mil’ al- ard wa mil’ ma shi’ta min shay’in ba’d (Allah hears those who praise Him. O Allah! O our Lord, to You is the praise as much as fills the heavens, as much as fills the earth and as much as You will after that).’” It was narrated that Abu ‘Umar said: “I heard Abu Juhaifah say: Good fortune was mentioned in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) while he was performing prayer. A man said: ‘so-and-so’s fortune is in horses.’ Another man said: ‘So-and-so’s fortune is in camels.’ Another man said: ‘So-and-so’s fortune is in sheep.’ Another man said: ‘So- and-so’s fortune is in slaves.’ While the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was finishing his prayer, he raised his head at the end of the last Rak’ah and said: ‘Allahumma Rabbana lakal-hamd mil’ as-samawati wa mil’ al- ard wa mil’ ma shi’ta min shai’in ba’du. Allahumma la mani’ lima a’taita wa la mu’ti lima mana’ta, wa la yanfa’u dhal-jaddi minkal-jadd (Allah hears those who praise Him. O Allah! O our Lord! To You is the praise as much as fills the heavens, as much as fills the earth and as much as You will after that. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none who can give what You withhold, and the good fortune of any fortunate person is to no avail against You).’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) elongated the word Jadd (fortune) so that they would know that it was not as they had said.” It was narrated from Maimunah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) prostrated, he would hold his forearms away from his sides, such that if a lamb wanted to pass under his arms, it would be able to do so. It was narrated from (`Ubaidullah bin `Abdullah) bin Aqram Al-Khuza`i that his father said: “I was with my father on the plain in Namirah,* when some riders passed us and made their camels kneel down at the side of the road. My father said to me: ‘Stay with your lambs until I go to those people and see what they want.’ He said: Then he (my father) went out and I came, (i.e., I came near,) then there was the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and the time for prayer came so I prayed with them, and I was looking at the whiteness of the armpits of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) every time he prostrated.” Ibn Majah said: The people say `Ubaidullah bin `Abdullah, but Abu Bakr bin Abu Shaibah said: "The people say `Abdullah bin `Ubaidullah." Muhammad bin Bashshar said: "`Abdur-Rahman bin Mahdi, Safwan bin `Eisa and Abu Dawud all said: 'Dawud bin Qais narrated to us, from `Ubaidullah bin `Abdullah bin Aqram, from his father, from the Prophet (ﷺ).'" With similar wording. It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) when he prostrated and put his knees on the ground before his hands, and when he stood up after prostrating, he took his hands off the ground before his knees.” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven, but not to tuck up my hair or my garment.” It was narrated from ‘Abbas bin ‘Abdul-Muttalib that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: “When a person prostrates, seven parts of his body prostrate with him: His face, his two hands, his two knees, and his two feet.” Ahmar, the Companion of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), narrated to us: “We used to feel sorry for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) because he took pains to keep his arms away from his sides when he prostrated.” ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amir Al-Juhani said: “When the following was revealed: ‘So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most Great’,[69:52] the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to us: ‘Say this in your Ruku’.’ And when the following was revealed: ‘Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High.’[87:1] the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to us: ‘Say this in your prostrations.’” It was narrated from Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say when he bowed: “Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Azim (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great)” three times, and when he prostrated he said: “Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la (Glory is to my Lord the Most High)” three times. It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) often used to say when bowing and prostrating: ‘Subhanak Allahumma wa bi hamdika, Allahummaghfir li (Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise; O Allah forgive me),’ following the command given by the Qur’an.”[Surat An-Nasr (110)] It was narrated that Ibn Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When anyone of you bows, let him say in his bowing: “Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Azim (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great)” three times; if he does that his bowing will be complete. And when anyone of you prostrates, let him say in his prostration, ‘Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la (Glory if to my Lord, the Most High)” three times; if he does that, his prostration will be complete, and that is the minimum.’” It was narrated that Jabir said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you prostrates let him be balanced in prostration, and not spread his arms as a dog does.” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Be balanced in prostration; none of you should prostrate with his arms spread out like a dog.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raised his head from bowing, he would not prostrate until he had stood up straight. When he prostrated, he would raise his head and not prostrate again until he had sat up straight. And he used to spread out his left leg.” It was narrated that ‘Ali said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me: “Do not squat between the two prostrations.” It was narrated that ‘Ali said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘O ‘Ali, do not squat like a dog.’” It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me: ‘When you raise your head from prostration, do not squat like a dog. Put your buttocks between your feet and let the tops of your feet touch the ground.” It was narrated from Hudhaifah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: “Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li (O Lord forgive me, O Lord forgive me).” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “When praying at night (Qiyamul-Lail), the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: ‘Rabbighfir li warhamni wajburni warzuqni warfa’ni (O Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, improve my situation, grant me provision and raise me in status).’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “When we performed prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) we said: ‘Peace be upon Allah from His slaves, peace be upon Jibra’il and Mika’il and so-and-so and so-and- so.’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) heard us and said: ‘Do not say peace (Salam) be upon Allah, for He is As-Salam. When you sit (during prayer) say: At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu; as- salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu; as- salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin (All compliments, prayers and good words are due to Allah; peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah).” For as you say that it will reach every righteous slave in the heavens and on earth. (Then say:) “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu (I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger).” (Another chain) with similar wording. (Another chain) that `Abdullah bin Mas`ud said: "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach us the Tashahhud." And he mentioned similarly. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the Tashah-hud as he used to teach us a Surah of the Qur’an. He used to say: ‘At-Tahiyyatul-Mubarakatus salawatut-tayyibatu lillah; As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu; as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu (All blessed compliments and good prayers are due to Allah; peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger).’” It was narrated from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) addressed us and explained the Sunnah for us, and he taught us our prayer. He said: ‘When you perform prayer, and you are sitting, let the first thing you say be: At-Tahiyyatut-tayyibatus-salawatu lillah; as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu; as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu (All compliments, good words and prayers are due to Allah; peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger). Seven phrases which are the greeting of the prayer.’” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the Tashah-hud as he used to teach us a Surah from the Qur’an: ‘Bismillahi wa Billahi; at-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu lillahi; as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan- Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu; as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu. As’alu Allahal-jannah, wa a’udhu billahi minannar (In the name of Allah and by the grace of Allah. All compliments are due to Allah and all prayers and good words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I ask Allah for Paradise and I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire).’” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! We know what it means to send greetings upon you, but what does it mean to send peace and blessings upon you?’ He said: ‘Say: “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin ‘abdika wa Rasulika kama salayta ‘ala Ibrahima, wa barik ‘ala Muhammad (wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin) kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima [O Allah, send Your grace, honor and mercy upon Muhammad, Your slave and Messenger, as You sent Your (grace, honour and mercy) upon Ibrahim, and send Your blessings upon Muhammad (and the family of Muhammad) as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim].” It was narrated that Hakam said: “I heard Ibn Abi Laila say: ‘Ka’b bin ‘Ujrah met me and said: “Shall I not give you a gift? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out to us and we said: ‘We know what it means to send greetings on you, but what does it mean to send peace and blessings upon you?’ He said: ‘Say: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid; Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid (O Allah, send your grace, honour and mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your grace, honour and mercy upon Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious).’” It was narrated from Abu Humaid As-Sa’di that they said: “O Messenger of Allah! We have been commanded to send peace and blessings upon you. How should we send peace and blessings upon you?” He said: “Say: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhurriyatihi, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim; wa barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhurriyatihi kama barakta ‘ala ali Ibrahim fil-‘alamin, innaka Hamidum Majid (O Allah, send Your grace, honour and mercy upon Muhammad and his wives and offspring, as You sent Your grace, honour and mercy upon Ibrahim. O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and his wives and offspring, as You sent Your blessings upon the family of Ibrahim among the nations, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious).” Aswad bin Yazid narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “When you send peace and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), then do it well, for you do not know, that may be shown to him.” They said to him: “Teach us.” He said: “Say: ‘Allahumma aj’al salataka wa rahmataka wa barakatika ‘ala sayyidil-mursalin wa imamil-muttaqin wa khatamin- nabiyyin, Muhammad ‘abdika wa Rasulika imamil-khayri (wa qa’idil- khair), wa Rasulir-Rahmah. Allahummab’athhu maqaman mahmudan yaghbituhu bihil-awwaluna wal-akhirun. Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim; Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidum Majid (O Allah, send Your grace, honour, mercy and blessings upon the leader of the Messengers, the imam of the pious and the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, Your slave and Messenger, the Imam of the good (and the leader) of the good, and the Messenger of mercy. O Allah, raise him to a station of praise and glory that will be the envy of the first and the last. O Allah, send Your grace, honour and mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your grace, honour and mercy upon Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious).’” It was narrated that ‘Asim bin ‘Ubaidullah said: “I heard ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amir bin Rabi’ah narrating from his father that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is no Muslim who sends peace and blessings upon me, but the angels will send peace and blessings upon him as long as he sends peace and blessings upon me. So let a person do a little of that or a lot.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever forgets to send peace and blessings upon me, then he has missed the road to Paradise.’” Muhammad bin Abi ‘Aishah said: “I heard Abu Hurairah say that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When anyone of you finishes the last Tashah-hud, let him seek refuge with Allah from four things: From the torment of Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the Fitnah (tribulation) of Masihud-Dajjal.’ It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to a man: ‘What do you say during your Salat?’ He said: ‘The Tashah-hud, then I ask Allah for Paradise, and I seek refuge with Him from Hell, but I do not understand what you and Mu’adh murmur (during Salat). He said: ‘Our murmuring revolves around the same things.’” It was narrated from Malik bin Numair Al-Khuza’i that his father said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) putting his right hand on his right thigh during prayer, and pointing with his finger.” It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) making a circle with his thumb and middle finger, and raising the one next to it (the index finger), supplicating with it during the Tashah-hud.” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to sit during prayer, putting his hands on his knees and raising his right finger which was next to his thumb, supplicating with it, and with his left hand (spread out) on his knee. It was narrated from ‘Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the Salam to his right and his left, until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen (saying): “As-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).” It was narrated from ‘Amir bin Sa’d, from his father, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the Salam to his right and to his left. It was narrated that ‘Ammar bin Yasir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the Salam to his right and to his left, until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen (saying): ‘As-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah, as-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah.’” It was narrated that Abu Musa said: “Ali led us in prayer on the day of (the battle of) the Camel, in a way that reminded us of the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Either we had forgotten it or we had abandoned it. He said the Salam to his right and to his left.” ‘Abdul-Muhaimin bin ‘Abbas bin Sahl bin Sa’d As-Sa’idi narrated from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said one Taslim to the front. It was narrated from Hisham bin ‘Urwah, from his father, from ‘Aishah, that the Messenger of Allah (saW) used to say one Salam, to the front. It was narrated that Salamah bin Akwa’ said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing the prayer, and he said one Salam.” It was narrated from Samurah bin Jundub that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When the Imam says the Salam, then respond to him.” It was narrated that Samurah bin Jundab said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded us to greet our Imam with Salam, and to greet one another with Salam.” It was narrated that Thawban said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘No person should lead others in prayer, then supplicate only for himself and not for them. If he does that, he has betrayed them.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Salam, he would sit only for as long as it took to say: ‘Allahumma Antas-Salam wa minkas-salam. Tabarakta ya Dhal-jalali wal- ikram. (O Allah, You are As-Salam, From You is all peace, blessed are You O Possessor of majesty and honour).’” It was narrated from Umm Salamah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) performed the Subh (morning prayer), while he said the Salam, he would say: ‘Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision and acceptable deeds).’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There are two characteristics which no Muslim man acquires but he will enter Paradise. They are easy but those who do them are few. At the end of every prayer he should glorify Allah (by saying Subhan Allah) ten times, extol Him (by saying Allahu Akbar) ten times, and praise Him (by saying Al-Hamdu Lillah) ten times.’ I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) counting them on his hand. ‘That is one hundred and fifty (after all the prayers of the day) on the tongue, and one thousand and five hundred on the Scale. And when he goes to his bed, let him glorify Allah and praise Him and extol Him one hundred times. That will be one hundred on the tongue and one thousand on the Scale. Who among you does two thousand and five hundred evil actions in one day?’ They said: ‘Who would not be keen to do that?’ He said: ‘But the Shaitan comes to anyone of you while he is performing prayer and says: ‘Remember such and such, remember such and such,” until the person becomes distracted and does not understand (what he is saying). And he comes to him when he is in his bed, and makes him sleepy such that he sleeps.’” It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: “It was said to the Prophet (ﷺ) and perhaps (one of the narrators) Sufyan said: I said: O Messenger of Allah! Those who have property and wealth have surpassed us in reward. They say the same as we do, and they spend but we do not spend.’ He said to me: ‘Shall I not tell you something which, if you do it, you will catch up with those who have surpassed you and you will excel over those who come after you? Praise Allah (by saying Al- Hamdu Lillah) after every prayer, and glorify Him (by saying Subhan- Allah) and extol Him (by saying Allahu Akbar), thirty-three, thirty- three, and thirty-four times.’” Sufyan said: “I do not know which of them was to be recited thirty-four times.” Thawban narrated that when he finished his prayer, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would ask for forgiveness three times, then he would say: “Allahumma Antas-Salam wa minkas-salam tabarakta ya Dhal-jalali wal- ikram” (O Allah, You are As-Salam and from You is all peace, Blessed are You O Possessor of majesty and honour).” It was narrated from Qabisah bin Hulb that his father said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) led us (in prayer), and he used to depart from both sides. (i.e. from either side).” It was narrated that Aswad said: “ ‘Abdullah (bin Mas’ud) said: ‘None of you should apportion within himself a part (of his prayer) thinking that it is a right of Allah upon him that he must only turn to his right to leave after finishing the prayer. I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and most of the time he turned to his left.’” It was narrated from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, that his grandfather said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) departing to his right and to his left when he finished the prayer.” It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Salam, the women would stand up when he finished his Taslim, and he would stay where he was for a little while before standing up. (i.e. to depart).” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “If food is served and the Iqamah for prayer is given, then start with the food.” It was narrated from Nafi’ that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If food is served and the Iqamah for prayer is given, then start with the food.” He said: "Ibn 'Umar ate dinner one night while he could hear the Iqamah." It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “If food is ready and the Iqamah is being given, then start with the food.” It was narrated that Abu Malih said: “I went out on a rainy night (for congregational prayer), and when I came back I asked for the door to be opened. My father said: ‘Who is this?’ I said: ‘Abu Malih.’ He said: ‘We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) at Hudaybiyah and it rained a little, such that the soles of our sandals did not get wet. The announcer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called out: ‘Perform your prayer at your camps.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “On rainy nights or on cold windy nights, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would summon his announcer to call out: ‘Perform your prayer at your camps.’” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, on a Friday that was rainy: “Perform your prayer at your camps.” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Harith bin Nawfal that Ibn ‘Abbas commanded the Mu’adh-dhin to call the Adhan one Friday, which was a rainy day. He said: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah (Allah is the Most Great, Allah is Most Great, I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).” Then he (Ibn ‘Abbas) said: “Proclaim to the people that they should pray in their houses.” The people said to him: “What is this that you have done?” He said: “One who is better than me did that. Are you telling me that I should bring the people out of their houses and make them come to me wading through the mud up to their knees?” It was narrated from Musa bin Talhah that his father said: “We used to perform prayer while the beasts were passing in front of us. That was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he said: ‘If something like the hand of a saddle* is placed in front of anyone of you, it will not matter whoever passes in front of him.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “A small spear (Harbah) would be brought out to the Prophet (ﷺ) when he was travelling; he would plant it (in the ground) to perform prayer while facing it.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah had a reed mat that he would spread out during the day, and make into a compartment at night, towards which he would perform prayer.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you performs prayer, let him put something in front of him. If he cannot find anything then let him put a stick. If he cannot find one, then let him draw a line. Then it will not matter if anything passes in front of him.” Busr bin Sa’eed said: “They sent me to Zaid bin Khalid to ask him about passing in front of one who is performing prayer. He told me that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Waiting for forty is better than passing in front of one who is performing prayer.’” (One of the narrators) Sufyan said: "I do not know if he meant forty years, months, days, or hours." It was narrated from Busr bin Sa’eed that Zaid bin Khalid sent word to Abu Juhaim Al-Ansari asking him: “What did you hear from the Prophet (ﷺ) about a man when he is performing prayer?” He said: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying: ‘If anyone of you knew (how great is the sin involved) when he passed in front of his brother who is performing prayer, then waiting for forty’,” (one of the narrators) said: “I do not know if he meant forty years, forty months, or forty days, ‘would be better for him than that.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘If anyone of you knew (how great is the sin involved) in passing in front of his brother while he is performing prayer, waiting for one hundred years would be better for him than one step that he takes.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was performing prayer at ‘Arafat, and Fadl and I came riding a female donkey. We passed in front of part of the row, then we dismounted and left the donkey, and we came and joined the row.” It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was performing prayer in the house of Umm Salamah, and ‘Abdullah or ‘Umar bin Abu Salamah passed in front of him; he gestured his hand, and he went back. Then Zainab bint Umm Salamah passed in front of him, and he gestured his hand, but she kept going. When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) finished his prayer, he said: ‘These (women) are more stubborn.’” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The prayer is severed by a black dog and a woman who has reached the age of menstruation.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The prayer is severed by a woman, a dog and a donkey.” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The prayer is severed by a woman, a dog and a donkey.” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Samit from Abu Dharr, that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The prayer is severed by a woman, a donkey, and a black dog, if there is not something like the handle of a saddle in front of a man.” I (‘Abdullah) said: “What is wrong with a black dog and not a red one?” He (Abu Dharr) said: ‘I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) the same question, and he said: “The black dog is a Shaitan (satan).” It was narrated that Hasan Al-‘Urani said: ‘Mention was made in the presence of Ibn ‘Abbas about what severs the prayer. They mentioned a dog, a donkey and a woman. He said: ‘What do you say about kids (young goats)? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was performing prayer one day, when a kid came and wanted to pass in front of him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) preceded it toward the Qiblah. (to tighten the space and prevent it from passing in front of him).’” It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Sa’eed that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When anyone of you performs prayer, let him pray facing towards a Sutrah, and let him get close to it, and not let anyone pass in front of him. If someone comes and wants to pass in front of him, let him fight him, for he is a Shaitan (satan).’” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you is performing prayer, he should not let anyone pass in front of him. If he insists then let him fight him, for he has a Qarin (devil-companion) with him.” It was narrated from ‘Aishah: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray at night, and I was laying between him and the prayer direction, as a (body for a) funeral horizontally.’” It was narrated from Zainab bint Umm Salamah that her mother said that her bed was in front of the place where the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prostrated. Maimunah, the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ), said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform prayer when I was opposite to him, and his garment would sometimes touch me when he prostrated.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade performing prayer behind one who is engaged in conversation or one who is sleeping.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach us not to bow or prostrate before the Imam; when he says the Takbir then say the Takbir, and when he prostrates, you should prostrate.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Does not the one who raises his head before the Imam fear that Allah may turn his head into the head of a donkey?’” It was narrated that Abu Musa said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I have gained weight, so when I bow, then bow, and when I stand up, then stand up, and when I prostrate, then prostrate. I should never find anyone preceding me in bowing or prostration.’” It was narrated that Mu’awiyah bin Abu Sufyan said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Do not bow or prostrate before me. No matter how far ahead of you I bow, you will catch up with me when I stand up, and no matter how far ahead of you I prostrate, you will catch up with me when I raise my head. I have become bulky.’” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “It is impolite for a man to wipe his forehead a great deal before he finishes prayer.” It was narrated from ‘Ali that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Do not crack your fingers during the prayer.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade a man to cover his mouth during the prayer.” It was narrated from Ka’b bin ‘Ujrah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw a man who had interlocked his fingers during the prayer, so the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) separated his fingers. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you yawns, let him put his hand over his mouth and not make a sound, because Satan laughs at him.” It was narrated from ‘Adi bin Thabit, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Spitting, blowing one’s nose, menstruating and drowsiness during the prayer are from Satan.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There are three whose prayer are not accepted: A man who leads people while they do not like him; a man who does not come to prayer until its end – meaning after its time has expired – and one who enslaves a freed person.’” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There are three whose prayer do not rise more than a hand span above their heads: A man who leads people (in prayer) when they do not like him; a woman who has spent the night with her husband angry with her; and two brothers who have severed contact with one another.” It was narrated that Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Two or more people are a congregation.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “I stayed overnight with my maternal aunt Maimunah, and the Prophet (ﷺ) got up during the night to perform prayer. So I got up and stood on his left. He took me by the hand and made me stand on his right.” Shurahbil said: “I heard Jabir bin ‘Abdullah say: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was performing Maghrib, and I came and stood on his left, but he made me stand on his right.’” It was narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led a woman of his household and myself in prayer. I stood to his right and the woman stood behind us.” It was narrated that Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to gently pat our shoulders (to make sure the row was straight) at the time of prayer, saying: ‘Keep (the rows) straight, do not differ from one another lest your hearts should suffer from discord. Let those who are forbearing and wise stand closest to me, then those who are next to them, then those who are next to them.’” It was narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) liked the Muhajirun and Ansar to stand closest to him, so that they could learn from him.” It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw that some of 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 will put them back.” It was narrated that Malik bin Huwairith said: “I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) with a friend of mine, and when we wanted to leave, he said to us: ‘When the time for prayer comes, say the Adhan and Iqamah, then let the older of you lead the prayer.’” Abu Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The people should be lead by the one who is most well-Versed in recitation of the Book of Allah. If they are equal in recitation, then they should be led by the one who emigrated first. If they are equal in emigration, then they should be led by the eldest. A man should not be led among his family or in his place of authority; no one should be sat in his place of honour in his house without permission, or without his permission.’” Abu Hazim said: “Sahl bin Sa’d As-Sa’idi used to give preference to the young to lead his people in prayer. It was said to him: “Do you do that, when you have such seniority (in Islam)?” He said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘The Imam is responsible. If he does well, then he will have the reward and so will they, but if he does badly, then that will be counted against him but not against them.’” It was narrated that Salamah bint Hurr, the sister of Kharashah, said: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: ‘A time will come when the people will stand for a long time and will not be able to find any Imam to lead them in prayer.” It was narrated from Abu ‘Ali Al-Hamdani that he went out in a ship in which ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amir Al-Juhani was present. The time for prayer came, and we told him to lead us in prayer and said to him: “You are the most deserving of that, you were the Companion of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” But he refused and said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Whoever leads the people and gets it right, the prayer will be for him and for them, but if he falls short, then that will be counted against him but not against them.” It was narrated that Abu Mas’ud said: “A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! I stay behind and do not perform the morning prayer (in congregation) because of so-and-so, for he makes it too long for us.’ I never saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) preaching with such anger as he did that day. He said; ‘O people! There are among you those who repel others. Whoever among you leads others in prayer, let him keep it short, for among them are those who are weak and elderly, and those who have pressing needs.’” It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to make his prayer brief but perfect.” It was narrated that Jabir said: “Mu’adh bin Jabal Al-Ansari led his companions in the ‘Isha’ prayer and he made it long. A man among us went away and prayed by himself. Mu’adh was told about that and he said: ‘He is a hypocrite.’ When the man heard about that, he went to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and told him what Mu’adh had said to him. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Do you want to be a cause of Fitnah (trial, tribulation), O Mu’adh? When you lead the people in prayer, recite “By the sun and its brightness,”[Ash-Shams 91] and “Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High,” [Al-A’la 87] and “By the night as it envelopes,” [Al-Lail 92] and “Recite in the Name of your Lord.’”[Al-‘Alaq] It was narrated that Mutarrif bin ‘Abdullah bin Shikhkhir said: “I heard ‘Uthman bin Abul-‘As say: “The last thing that the Prophet (ﷺ) enjoined on me when he appointed me governor of Ta’if was that he said: “O ‘Uthman! Be tolerable in prayer and estimate the people based upon the weakest among them, for among them are the elderly, the young, the sick, those who live far from the mosque, and those who have pressing needs.” ‘Uthman bin Abul-‘As narrated that the last thing the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined on him was that he said: “When you lead people, keep it short for them.” It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I start prayer and I want to make it long, but then I hear an infant crying, so I make my prayer short, because I know the distress caused to the mother by his crying.’” It was narrated that ‘Uthman bin Abul-‘As said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I hear an infant crying so I make the prayer short.’” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abu Qatadah that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I get up to perform prayer and I intend to make it long, but then I hear an infant crying, so I make it short, because I do not like to cause distress to his mother.’” It was narrated that Jabir bin Samurah As-Suwa’i said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Will you not form your rows as the angels form their rows before their Lord?’ We said: ‘How do the angels form their rows before their Lord?’ He said: ‘They complete the first row and they stand close of one another in the line (leaving no gaps between one another).’” It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Make your rows straight, for straightening the rows is part of completing the prayer.’” Simak bin Harb narrated that he heard Nu’man bin Bashir say: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to straighten the rows until he made them like a spear or an arrow-shaft. Once he saw a man’s chest (sticking out) so the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Make your rows straight or Allah will create division among you.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah and His angels send blessings upon those who complete the rows, and whoever fills a gap, Allah will raise him one degree in status thereby.’” It was narrated from ‘Irbad bin Sariyah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to ask for forgiveness for the first row three times and for the second row twice. Bara’ bin ‘Azib said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Allah and the angels send blessings upon the first row.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If they knew what (goodness) there is in the first row, they would cast lots for it.’” It was narrated from Ibrahim bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah and the angels send blessings upon the first row.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The best rows for women are the back rows, and the worst are the front rows, and the best rows for men are the front rows, and the worst are the back rows.’” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The best rows for men are the front rows and the worst rows are the back rows, and the best rows for women are the back rows and the worst are the front rows.’” It was narrated from Mu’awiyah bin Qurrah that his father said: “We were forbidden to form a row between two pillars at the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and we would be repelled from them forcefully.” ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Ali bin Shaiban narrated that his father, ‘Ali bin Shaiban, who was part of the delegation, said: “We set out until we came to the Prophet (ﷺ). We gave him our oath of allegiance and performed prayer behind him. Then we offered another prayer behind him. He finished the prayer and saw a man on his own, praying behind the row.” He said: “The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) stood beside him and when he finished he said: ‘Repeat your prayer; there is no prayer for the one who is behind the row.’” It was narrated that Hilal bin Yasaf said: “Ziyad bin Abu-Ja’d took me by the hand and made me stand near an old man at Raqqah, whose name was Wabisah bin Ma’bad. He said: ‘A man performed prayer behind the row on his own, and the Prophet (ﷺ) commanded him to repeat the prayer.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah and His angels send blessings upon the right side of the rows.’” It was narrated that Bara’ said: “When we performed prayer behind the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) (One of the narrators) Mis’ar said: ‘One of the things we liked, or one of the things I liked’ ‘was to stand to his right.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “It was said to the Prophet (ﷺ): ‘The left side of the mosque has been abandoned. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever frequents the left side of the mosque, two Kifl* of reward will be recorded for him.” It was narrated that Jabir said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) finished Tawaf around the House (the Ka’bah), he came to Maqam of Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim). ‘Umar said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, this is the Station of our father Ibrahim about which Allah said: “And take you (people) the Maqam of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.’” [2:125] It was narrated that Anas bin Malik told that ‘Umar said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), why do you not take the Maqam of Ibrahim as a place of prayer?’ Then the following was revealed: ‘And take you (people) the Maqam of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.’” [2:125] It was narrated that Bara’ said: “We prayed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) facing towards Baitul-Maqdis (Jerusalem) for eighteen months, then the Qiblah was changed to the Ka’bah two months after the Prophet (ﷺ) entered Al-Madinah. When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed towards Baitul-Maqdis, he would often lift his face towards the heavens, and Allah knew what was in the heart of His Prophet and how he longed to face the Ka’bah (during prayer). Jibril appeared (in the sky), and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) started watching him as he was descending between the heavens and the earth, waiting to see what he would bring. Then Allah revealed the words: ‘Verily, We have seen the turning of your face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haram (at Makkah). And wherever you people are, turn your faces (during prayer) in that direction.’ [2:144] Then someone came to us and said: ‘The Qiblah has been changed to the Ka’bah.’ We had performed two Rak’ah facing towards Jerusalem. And we were bowing. So we turned around, and we continued our prayer. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘O Jibril! What about our prayer facing towards Baitul- Maqdis?’ Then Allah revealed the words: “And Allah would never make your faith to be lost.” [2:143] It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘What is between the east and the west is the Qiblah (prayer direction).’”* It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you enters the mosque, let him not sit down until he performs two Rak’ah.” It was narrated from Abu Qatadah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When one of you enters the mosque, let him perform two Rak’ah before he sits down.” It was narrated from Ma’dan bin Abu Talhah Al-Ya’muri that ‘Umar bin Khattab stood up one Friday to deliver a sermon, or, he delivered a sermon one Friday. He praised Allah, then he said: “O people, you eat two plants that I find are nothing but obnoxious; this garlic and this onion. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), if a foul odour was detected from a man, I would see him seized by the arm and taken out to Al-Baqi’. Whoever must eat them, let him cook them to death.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever eats from this plant; garlic, let him not annoy us with it in this mosque of ours.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever eats anything from this plant, let him not come to the mosque.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to the mosque at Quba’ and performed prayer there. Some men of the Ansar came and greeted him. I asked Suhaib, who was with him: ‘How did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) respond to them?’ He said: ‘He gestured with his hand.’” It was narrated that Jabir said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) sent me on an errand, then I caught up with him while he was performing prayer, and I greeted him. He gestured to me, then when he finished, he called me and said: ‘You greeted me before, but I was performing prayer.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “We would greet others during the prayer, and it was said to us: ‘During the prayer one is preoccupied.’” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amir bin Rabi’ah that his father said: “We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on a journey, and the sky was overcast so it was difficult for us to determine the Qiblah. So we performed prayer, and we marked the location.* Later, when the sun reappeared, we realized that we had prayed facing a direction other than the Qiblah. We mentioned that to the Prophet (ﷺ), then the Words were revealed: ‘So wherever you turn there is the Face of Allah.’” [2:115] It was narrated that Tariq bin ‘Abdullah Al-Muharibi said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘When you perform prayer, do not spit in front of you or to your right, but spit to your left or beneath your feet.’” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw some sputum in the direction of the Qiblah of the mosque. He turned to the people and said: “What is wrong with one of you that he stands facing Him (meaning his Lord) and spits in front of Him? Would anyone like to be faced by someone who spits in his face? If anyone of you needs to spit, then let him spit to his left, or let him do like this in his garment.” It was narrated from Hudhaifah that he saw Shabath bin Rib’i spitting in front of him. He said: “O Shabath! Do not spit in front of you, for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to forbid that, and he said: ‘When a man stands up to perform prayer, Allah turns His Face towards him until he turns away or he commits an evil Hadath.’”* It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) spat on his garment while he was performing prayer, then he rubbed it. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever smoothes the pebbles, then he has engaged in Laghw.”* It was narrated that Mu’aiqib said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, concerning smoothing the pebbles during prayer: ‘If you must do that, then do it only once.’” It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When anyone of you gets up to perform prayer, then indeed mercy is facing him, so he should not smooth the pebbles.’” Maimunah the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform prayer on a Khumrah.” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performed prayer on a reed mat.” It was narrated that ‘Amr bin Dinar said: “When Ibn ‘Abbas was in Basrah, he performed prayer on his rug, then he told his companions that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform prayer on his rug.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdur-Rahman said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) came to us and led us in prayer in the mosque of Banu ‘Abdul- Ashhal, and I saw him putting his hands on his garment when he prostrated.” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Thabit bin Samit, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performed prayer among Banu ‘Abdul-Ashhal, wearing a cloak in which he was wrapped and putting his hands on it to protect them from the cold of the pebbles. It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “We used to perform prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) when it was very hot. When one of us could not place his forehead firmly on the ground, he would spread his garment and prostrate on it.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Tasbih (saying Subhan-Allah) is for men and clapping is for women.” It was narrated from Sahl bin Sa’d As-Sa’idi that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Tasbih is for men and clapping is for women.” It was narrated that Nafi’ used to say: “Ibn ‘Umar said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) granted a concession for the women to clap, and for the men to say the Tasbih.” It was narrated that Ibn Abu Aws said: “My grandfather, Aws, used to perform prayer, and sometimes he would make a gesture while praying, and I would give him his sandals. He said: ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing prayer in his sandals.’” It was narrated from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, that his grandfather said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing prayer both barefoot, and while wearing sandals.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “We saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing prayer wearing sandals and leather slippers.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I was commanded not to tuck up my hair or my garment.”* It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “We were ordered to not (tuck up our) hair (nor garment) and not to repeat ablution for what we stepped on.” Mukhawwal said: “I heard Abu Sa’d, a man from the people of Madinah, say: ‘I saw Abu Rafi’, the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), when he saw Hasan bin ‘Ali performing prayer, with his hair braided. He undid it, or told him not to do that, and said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade a man from performing prayer with his hair braided.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Do not lift your gaze to the heavens lest your sight be snatched away,” meaning during prayer. It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led his Companions in prayer one day. When he had finished prayer he turned to face the people and said: ‘What is wrong with some people that they lift their gaze to the heavens?’ He spoke severely concerning that: ‘They should certainly abstain from that or Allah will snatch away their sight.’” It was narrated from Jabir bin Samurah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Let those who lift their gaze to the heavens desist, or their sight will not come back.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “A woman used to perform prayer behind the Prophet (ﷺ), and she was one of the most beautiful of people. Some of the people used to go into the first row so that they would not see her, and some of them used to lag behind so that they would be in the last row, and when they bowed, they would do like this so that they could see her from beneath their armpits. Then Allah revealed: “And indeed, We know the first generations of you who had passed away, and indeed, We know the present generations of you (mankind), and also those who will some afterwards.” [15:24] concerning her matter. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! One of us performs prayer in a single garment.’ The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Does everyone have two garments?’” Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri narrated that he entered upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he was performing prayer in a single garment, wrapping himself in it. It was narrated that ‘Umar bin Abu Salamah said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing prayer in a single garment, wrapping himself in it and throwing the ends over his shoulders.” It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Kaisan that his father said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing prayer at Bi’r ‘Ulya, in a garment.” Ibn Kaisan narrated that his father said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) performing the Zuhr and the ‘Asr in a single garment, wrapping it around his chest.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When a son of Adam recites a Sajdah* and prostrates, Satan withdraws weeping, saying: ‘Woe is me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate and he prostrated, and Paradise will be his; I was commanded to prostrate and I refused, so I am doomed to Hell.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “I was with the Prophet (ﷺ), and a man came to him and said: ‘Last night while I was sleeping, I saw that I was praying towards the base of a tree. I recited (an Ayah of) prostration and prostrated, and the tree prostrated when I did, and I heard it saying: Allahummah-tut anni biha wizran, waktub li biha ajran, waj’al-ha li ‘indaka dhukhran (O Allah, reduce my burden of sin thereby, reward me for it and store it for me with You).’ Ibn ‘Abbas said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) recite (an Ayah of) prostration and then prostrate, and I heard him saying in his prostration something like that which the man had told him the tree said.” It was narrated from ‘Ali that whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) prostrated he would say: “Allahumma laka sajadtu, wa bika amantu, wa laka aslamtu, Anta rabbi, sajada wajhi lilladhi shaqqa sam’ahu wa basarahu, tabarak Allah ahsanul-khaliqin (O Allah, to You I have prostrated, and in You I have believed, and to You I have submitted. You are my Lord; my face has prostrated to the One Who gave it hearing and sight. Blessed is Allah the best of Creators).”* It was narrated that Umm Darda’ said: “Abu Darda’ told me that he did eleven prostrations* with the Prophet (ﷺ), including An-Najm.” It was narrated that Abu Darda’ said: “I performed eleven prostrations with the Prophet (ﷺ) of which there were none in the Mufassal. Al-A’raf, Ar-Ra’d, An-Nahl, Bani Isra’il, Maryam, Al-Hajj, the prostration in Al-Furqan, Surat An-Naml (mentioning) Sulaiman, As- Sajdah, Sad, and the Ha-Mim Surah.” It was narrated from ‘Amr bin ‘As that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught him fifteen prostrations in the Qur’an, including three in the Mufassal and two in Al-Hajj. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “We prostrated with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in “When the heaven is split asunder” [84:1] and “Read! In the Name of your Lord.” [96:1] It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) prostrated in “When the heaven is split asunder.” [84: 1] It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that a man entered the mosque and performed prayer, and the Prophet (ﷺ) was in a corner of the mosque. The man came and greeted him, and he said: “And also upon you. Go back and repeat your prayer, for you have not prayed.” So he went back and repeated his prayer, then he came and greeted the Prophet (ﷺ). He said: “And also upon you. Go back and repeat your prayer, for you have not prayed.” On the third occasion, the man said: “Teach me, O Messenger of Allah!” He said: “When you stand up to offer the prayer, perform ablution properly, then stand to face the prayer direction and say Allahu Akbar. Then recite whatever you can of Qur’an, and then bow until you can feel at ease bowing. Then stand up until you feel at ease standing, then prostrate until you feel at ease prostrating. Then raise your head until you are sitting up straight. Do that throughout your prayer.” Muhammad bin ‘Amr bin ‘Ata’ said: ‘While he was among ten of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) including Abu Qatadah: “I heard Abu Humaid As-Sa’idi say: ‘I am the most knowledgeable of you concerning the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).’ They said: ‘Why? By Allah, you did not follow him more than we did, and you did not accompany him for longer.’ He said: ‘Yes I am.’ They said: ‘Show us.’ He said: ‘When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up for prayer, he would say the Takbir, then he would raise his hands parallel to his shoulders, and every part of his body would settle in place. Then he would recite, then he would raise his hands parallel to his shoulders and bow, placing his palms on his knees and supporting his weight on them. He neither lowered his head, nor raised it up, it was evenly balanced (between either extreme). Then he would say: “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him); and he would raise his hands parallel with his shoulders, until every bone returned to its place. Then he would prostrate himself on the ground, keeping his arms away from his sides. Then he would raise his head and tuck his left foot under him and sit on it, and he would spread his toes when he prostrated.* Then he would prostrate, then say the Takbir and sit on his left foot, until every bone returned to its place. Then he would stand up and do the same in the next Rak’ah. Then when he stood up after two Rak’ah, he would raise his hands level with his shoulders as he did at the beginning of the prayer. Then he would offer the rest of his prayer in like manner until, when he did the prostration after which the Taslim comes, he would push one of his feet back and sit with his weight on his left side, Mutawarrikan.’** They said: ‘You have spoken the truth; this is how the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform the prayer.’”*** It was narrated that ‘Amrah said: “I asked ‘Aishah: ‘How did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) perform prayer?’ She said: ‘When the Prophet (ﷺ) performed ablution, he would put his hand in the vessel and say Bismillah, and he would perform ablution properly. Then he would stand and face the Qiblah. He would say the Takbir raising his hands parallel to his shoulders. Then he would bow, putting his hands on his knees and keeping his arms away from his sides. Then he would raise his head and straighten his back, and he would stand a little longer than your standing. Then he would prostrate, pointing his hands towards the Qiblah, keeping his arms away (from his sides) as much as possible, according to what I have seen. Then he would raise his head and sit on his left foot with his right foot held upright, and he disliked leaning towards his left side.’” It was narrated that ‘Umar said: “The prayer while traveling is two Rak’ah, and Friday is two Rak’ah, and ‘Eid is two Rak’ah. They are complete and are not shortened, as told by Muhammad (ﷺ).” ‘Umar said: “The prayer when traveling is two Rak’ah, and Friday is two Rak’ah, and Al-Fitr and Al-Adha are two Rak’ah, complete, not shortened, as told by Muhammad (ﷺ).” It was narrated that Ya’la bin Umayyah said: “I asked ‘Umar bin Khattab: ‘Allah says: “And when you travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten the prayer if you fear that the disbelievers may put you in trial (attack you), verily, the disbelievers are ever to you open enemies,” [4:101] but now there is security and people are safe.’ He said: ‘I found it strange just as you do, so I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about that, and he said: “It is charity that Allah has bestowed upon you, so accept His charity.” It was narrated from Umayyah bin ‘Abdullah bin Khalid that he said to ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar: “We find (mention of) the prayer of the resident and the prayer in a state of fear in the Qur’an, but we do not find any mention of the prayer of the traveler. ‘Abdullah said to him: “Allah sent Muhammad (ﷺ) to us, and we did not know anything, rather we do what we saw Muhammad (ﷺ) doing.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out from this city (Al-Madinah) he did not perform more than two Rak’ah for prayer until he returned.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “Allah enjoined the prayer upon the tongue of your Prophet (ﷺ): Four Rak’ah while a resident and two Rak’ah when traveling.” It was narrated from Mujahid, Sa’eed bin Jubair, ‘Ata’ bin Abi Rabah and Tawus that Ibn ‘Abbas told them that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to combine the Maghrib and ‘Isha’ when traveling, although there was nothing to make him hurry and no enemy pursuing him, and he was not afraid of anything. It was narrated from Mu’adh bin Jabal that the Prophet (ﷺ) combined the Zuhr and ‘Asr, and the Maghrib and ‘Isha’ when traveling during the campaign of Tabuk. It was narrated from ‘Isa bin Hafs bin ‘Asim bin ‘Umar bin Khattab that his father told him: “We were with Ibn ‘Umar on a journey, and he led us in prayer. Then we finished with him and he finished turning around, and saw some people praying. He said: ‘What are these people doing?’ I said: ‘Glorifying Allah.’* He said: ‘If I wanted to glorify Allah (perform voluntary prayer) I would have completed my prayer. O son of my brother! I accompanied the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he never prayed more than two Rak’ah when he was traveling, until Allah took his soul. Then I accompanied Abu Bakr and he never prayed more than two Rak’ah (when he was traveling), until Allah took his soul. Then I accompanied ‘Umar and he never prayed more than two Rak’ah, until Allah took his soul. Then I accompanied ‘Uthman and he never prayed more than two Rak’ah, until Allah took his soul. Allah says: ‘Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad (ﷺ)) you have a good example to follow.’” [33:21] Usamah bin Zaid said: “I asked Tawus about performing voluntary prayer while traveling. Al-Hasan bin Muslim bin Yannaq was sitting with him and he said: ‘Tawus told me that he heard Ibn ‘Abbas say: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined prayer while a resident and prayer when one is traveling. We used to pray when we were residents both before and after (the obligatory prayer), and we used to pray both before and after (the obligatory prayer) when we were traveling.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Humaid Az-Zuhri said: “I asked Sa’ib bin Yazid: ‘What have you heard about staying in Makkah?’ He said: ‘I heard ‘Ala’ bin Hadrami say: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Three (days) for the Muhajir after departing (from Mina).’”* ‘Ata’ narrated: “Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, who was among the people with me, told me that the Prophet (ﷺ) arrived in Makkah in the morning of the fourth day of Dhul-Hijjah.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stayed for nineteen days in which he shortened his prayer to two Rak’ah. So, whenever we stayed for nineteen days we would shorten our prayer to two Rak’ah, but if we stayed more than that we would pray four Rak’ah.” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stayed in Makkah for fifteen nights during the year of the Conquest, (during which time) he shortened his prayer. Yahya bin Abu Ishaq narrated that Anas said: “We went out with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) from Al-Madinah to Makkah, during which time we shortened our prayer to two Rak’ah, until we came back.” I asked: “How long did he stay in Makkah?” He said: “Ten (days).” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Between a person and Kufr (disbelief) is abandoning the prayer.’” ‘Abdullah bin Buraidah narrated that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The covenant that distinguishes between us and them is prayer; so whoever leaves it, he has committed Kufr.’” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is nothing standing between a person and Shirk (polytheism) except leaving the prayer, so if he leaves it he has committed Shirk.” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) delivered a sermon to us and said: ‘O people! Repent to Allah before you die. Hasten to do good deeds before you become preoccupied (because of sickness and old age). Uphold the relationship that exists between you and your Lord by remembering Him a great deal and by giving a great deal of charity in secret and openly. (Then) you will be granted provision and Divine support, and your condition will improve. Know that Allah has enjoined Friday upon you in this place of mine, on this day, in this month, in this year, until the Day of Resurrection. Whoever abandons it, whether during my lifetime or after I am gone, whether he has a just or an unjust ruler, whether he takes it lightly or denies (that it is obligatory), may Allah cause him to lose all sense of tranquility and contentment, and may He not bless him in his affairs. Indeed, his prayer will not be valid, his Zakat will not be valid, his Hajj will not be valid, his fasting will not be valid, and his righteous deeds will not be accepted, until he repents. Whoever repents, Allah will accept his repentance. No woman should be appointed as Imam over a man, no Bedouin should be appointed as Imam over a Muhajir, no immoral person should be appointed as Imam over a (true) believer, unless that is forced upon him and he fears his sword or whip.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Ka’b bin Malik said: “I used to guide my father after he lost his sight, and when I took him out for the Friday (prayer), when he heard the Adhan he would pray for forgiveness for Abu Umamah As’ad bin Zurarah, and supplicate for him. I heard that from him for a while, then I said to myself: ‘By Allah! What is this weakness? Every time he heard the Adhan for Friday (prayer) I hear him praying for forgiveness for Abu Umamah and supplicate for him, and I do not ask him about why he does that.’ Then I took him out for Friday (prayer), as I used to take him out, and when he heard the Adhan he prayed for forgiveness as he used to do. I said to him: ‘O my father! I see you supplicating for As’ad bin Zurarah every time you hear the call for Friday; why is that?’ He said: ‘O my son, he was the first one who led us for the Friday prayer before the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came from Makkah, in Naqi’ Al- Khadamat (a place near Al-Madinah), in the plain of Harrah Banu Bayadah.’ I asked: ‘How many of you were there at that time?’ He said: ‘Forty men.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah led those who came before us astray from Friday. Saturday was for the Jews and Sunday was for the Christians. And they will lag behind us until the Day of Resurrection. We are the last of the people of this world but we will be the first to be judged among all of creation.’” It was narrated that Abu Lubabah bin ‘Abdul-Mundhir said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Friday is the chief of days, the greatest day before Allah. It is greater before Allah then the Day of Adha and the Day of Fitr. It has five characteristics: On it Allah created Adam; on it Allah sent down Adam to this earth; on it there is a time during which a person does not ask Allah for anything but He will give it to him, so long as he does not ask for anything that is forbidden; on it the Hour will begin. There is no angel who is close to Allah, no heaven, no earth, no wind, no mountain, and no sea that does not fear Friday.’” It was narrated that Shaddad bin Aws said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The best of your days is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it the Trumpet will be blown, on it all creatures will swoon. So send a great deal of peace and blessings upon me on that day, for your peace and blessings will be presented to me.’ A man said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, how will our peace and blessings be shown to you when you will have disintegrated?’ He said: ‘Allah has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the Prophets.’” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “From one Friday to the next is an expiation for whatever was committed in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.” Aws bin Aws Ath-Thaqafi said: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: ‘Whoever takes a bath on Friday, and bathes completely, and goes early, arriving early,* and walks and does not ride (to the mosque), and sits close to the Imam and listens to him, and does not engage in idle talk; for every step he takes he will have the reward of one year, the reward of a year’s fasting and praying (at night).” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say from the pulpit: ‘Whoever comes to Friday, let him take a bath.’” It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Bath on Fridays is obligatory for every male who has reached the age of puberty.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever performs ablution and performs ablution well, then comes to Friday (prayer) and sits near (the Imam), and keeps quiet and listens, he will be forgiven for what was between that and the previous Friday (of sins), and three days more. And whoever touches the pebbles then he has engaged in Laghw (idle talk or behaviour).” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever performs ablution on Friday, it is well and good for him, and he has done what is obligatory for him. But whoever takes a bath, bath is better.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When Friday comes, angels stand at every door of the mosque and record the names of the people who come, in order of arrival. When the Imam comes out, they close their records and listen to the sermon. The first one who comes to the prayer is like one who sacrifices a camel; the one who comes after him is like one who sacrifices a cow; the one who comes after him is like one who sacrifices a ram,” (and so on) until he made mention of a hen and an egg. Sahl added in his Hadith: “And whoever comes after that comes only to do his duty with regard to the prayer.” It was narrated from Samurah bin Jundab that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) described the likeness of Friday, saying that those who come earliest are like the one who sacrifices a camel, then like one who sacrifices a cow, then like one who sacrifices a sheep, until he made mention of a chicken. It was narrated that ‘Alqamah said: “I went out with ‘Abdullah to Friday (prayer), and he found three men who arrived before him. He said: ‘The fourth of four, and the fourth of four is not far away. I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “On the Day of Resurrection people will gather near Allah according to how early they came to Friday (prayer), the first, second, and third.’” Then he said: ‘The fourth of four, and the fourth of four is not far away.’” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Salam that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying on the pulpit one Friday: “There is nothing wrong with anyone of you buying two garments for Friday (prayer), other than his daily work clothes.” (Another chain) from Yusuf bin Abdullah bin Salam that his father said: "The Prophet delivered a sermon to us" and he mentioned that. It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Prophet (ﷺ) delivered a sermon to the people one Friday, and he saw them wearing woollen clothes. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There is nothing wrong with any one of you, if he can afford it, buying two garments for Friday, other than his daily work clothes.” It was narrated from Abu Dharr that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever takes a bath on a Friday and does it well, and purifies himself and does it well, and puts on his best clothes, and puts on whatever Allah decrees for him of the perfume of his family, then comes to the mosque and does not engage in idle talk or separate (pushing between) two people; he will be forgiven for (his sins) between that day and the previous Friday.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘This day is an ‘Eid (festival) which Allah has ordained for the Muslims. Whoever comes to Friday (prayer), let him take a bath and if he has perfume then let him put some on. And upon you (I urge to use) is the tooth stick.” It was narrated that Sahl bin Sa’d said: “We did not take a Qailulah nor eat Ghada’ until after Friday (prayer).”* Iyas bin Salamah bin Akwa’ narrated that his father said: “We used to perform Friday (prayer) with the Prophet (ﷺ), then we would return, and we would not see any shadow from the walls in which we could seek shade.” ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’d bin ‘Ammar bin Sad, the Mu’adh-dhin of the Prophet (ﷺ), said: “My father told me, narrating from his father, from his grandfather, that during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), he used to call the Adhan on Fridays when the shadow was like a sandal strap.” It was narrated that Anas said: “We used to perform the Friday (prayer), then we would return for a nap (Qailulah).” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to deliver two sermons, and he would sit briefly between the two. (One of the narrators) Bishr added: “While he was standing.” It was narrated from Ja’far bin ‘Amr bin Huraith that his father said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) delivering the sermon on the pulpit, wearing a black turban.” It was narrated that Simak bin Harb said: “I heard Jabir bin Samurah say: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to deliver the sermon standing, but he used to sit down briefly, then stand up.’” It was narrated that Jabir bin Samurah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to deliver the sermon standing, then he would sit down, then he would stand up and recite some Verses and remember Allah. His sermon was moderate, and his prayer was moderate (i.e., neither too long nor too short).” ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’d bin ‘Ammar bin Sa’d narrated that his father told him, from his father, from his grandfather, that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) delivered a speech on the battlefield he would do so leaning on a bow, and when he delivered a sermon on Friday, he would do so leaning on his staff. ‘Alqamah narrated that ‘Abdullah was asked whether the Prophet (ﷺ) used to deliver the sermon standing or sitting. He said: “Have you not read the Verse: ‘...and leave you (Muhammad) standing (while delivering the Friday sermon?” [62:11] It was narrated from Jabir that whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) ascended the pulpit he would greet (the people with Salam). It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If you say to your companions: ‘Be quiet’ on a Friday while the Imam is delivering the sermon, you have engaged in Laghw (idle talk or behaviour).” ‘Ata’ bin Yasar narrated from Ubayy bin Ka’b: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited Tabarak [Al-Mulk (67)] one Friday, while he was standing and reminding us of the Days of Allah (i.e., preaching to us). Abu Darda’ or Abu Dharr raised an eyebrow at me and said: ‘When was this Surah revealed? For I have not heard it before now.’ He (Ubayy) gestured to him that he should remain silent. When they finished, he said: ‘I asked you when this Surah was revealed and you did not answer me.” Ubayy said: ‘You have gained nothing from your prayer today except the idle talk that you engaged in.’ He went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and told him about that, and what Ubayy had said to him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Ubayy spoke the truth.’” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “Sulaik Ghatafani entered the mosque when the Prophet (ﷺ) was delivering the sermon. He said: ‘Have you prayed?’ He said: ‘No.’ He said: ‘Then perform two Rak’ah.’” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: “A man entered the mosque when the Prophet (ﷺ) was delivering the sermon. He said: ‘Have you prayed?’ He said: ‘No.’ He said: ‘Then pray two Rak’ah.’” It was narrated that Jabir said: “Sulaik Al-Ghatafani came while the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was delivering the sermon. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him: ‘Did you perform two Rak’ah before you came?’ He said: ‘No.’ He said: ‘Then perform two Rak’ah, but make them brief.’” It was narrated from Jabir bin ‘Abdullah that a man entered the mosque one Friday when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was delivering the sermon. He started stepping over the people’s shoulders, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Sit down, for you have annoyed (people) and you are late.’” It was narrated from Sahl bin Mu’adh bin Anas that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever steps over the people’s necks on Friday has built a bridge to Hell.’” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the people used to speak to the Prophet (ﷺ) about their needs when he came down from the pulpit on Friday. It was narrated that ‘Ubaidullah bin Abu Rafi’ said: “Marwan appointed Abu Hurairah in charge of Al-Madinah, and set out for Makkah. Abu Hurairah led us in prayer on Friday, and he recited Surat Al-Jumu’ah in the first Rak’ah, and in the second, ‘When the hypocrites come to you,” [Al-Munafiqun (63)] ‘Ubaidullah said: “I caught up with Abu Hurairah when he finished and said to him: ‘You recited two Surah that ‘Ali used to recite in Kufah.’ Abu Hurairah said: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) reciting them.’” It was narrated that ‘Ubaidullah bin ‘Abdullah said: “Dahhak bin Qais wrote to Nu’man bin Bashir, saying: ‘Tell us what the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite on Friday along with Surah Al-Jumu’ah.’ He said: ‘He used to recite: “Has there come to you the narration of the overwhelming (i.e., the Day of Resurrection)?’” [Al-Ghashiyah (88)] It was narrated from Abu ‘Inabah Al-Khawlani that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite “Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High” and “Has there come to you the narration of the overwhelming (i.e., the Day of Resurrection)? [Al-A’la (87) and Al-Ghashiyah (88)] on Friday. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever catches one Rak’ah of Friday, let him add another Rak’ah to it.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever catches one Rak’ah of prayer, he has caught it.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever catches one Rak’ah of Friday prayer or other than it, then he has caught the prayer.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The people of Quba’ used to pray with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on Fridays.” It was narrated that Abu Ja’d Ad-Damri who was a Companion said that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever abandons Friday (prayer) three times, neglecting it, a seal will be placed over his heart.” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever abandons Friday (prayer) three times, for no necessary reason, Allah will place a seal over his heart.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “What if one of you were to take a flock of sheep and look for grass for them one or two miles away, but he cannot find any at that distance, so he goes further away? Then (the time for) Friday comes but he does not attend it, then (another) Friday comes but he does not attend it, and (another) Friday comes but he does not attend it, until Allah places a seal on his heart.” It was narrated from Samurah bin Jundab that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever abandons Friday deliberately, let him give a Dinar in charity, and if he cannot afford that, then (let him give) half a Dinar.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform four Rak’ah before Friday (prayer), and he did not separate any of them.” It was narrated that when ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar had prayed Friday, he went and prayed two Rak’ah in his house. Then he said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to do that.” It was narrated from Salim, from his father, that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray two Rak’ah after Jumu’ah. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If you pray after Friday, then pray four (Rak’ah).’” It was narrated from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade sitting in circles in the mosque on Fridays before the prayer. It was narrated from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, that his grandfather said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade Ihtiba’ (sitting with one's thighs gathered up against the stomach while wrapping one's arm or garment around them) on Fridays, meaning, when the Imam is delivering the sermon.” It was narrated that Sa’ib bin Yazid said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had only one Mu’adh-dhin. When he came out he would give the Adhan and when he came down (from the pulpit) he would give the Iqamah. Abu Bakr and ‘Umar did likewise, but when ‘Uthman (became caliph) the numbers of people had increased, he added the third call from atop a house in the marketplace that was called Zawra’. When he came out (the Mu’adh-dhin) would call the Adhan, and when he came down from the pulpit, he would call the Iqamah. It was narrated from ‘Adi bin Thabit that his father said: “When the Prophet (ﷺ) stood on the pulpit, his Companions would turn to face him.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘On Friday there is a time when no Muslim man happens to stand in prayer at that time, asking Allah for good things, but He will give that to him.” And he gestured with his hand to indicate how short that time is. Kathir bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin ‘Awf Al-Muzani narrated from his father, that his grandfather said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘On Friday there is a time of the day during which no person asks Allah for something but He will give him what he asks for.’” It was said: ‘When is that time?’ He said: ‘When the Iqamah for prayer (is called), until the prayer ends.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Salam said: “I said, when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was sitting: ‘We find in the Book of Allah that on Friday there is an hour when no believing slave performs prayer and asks Allah for anything at that time, but Allah will fulfill his need.’” ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) pointed to me, saying: ‘Or some part of an hour.’ I said: ‘you are right, or some part of an hour.’ I said: ‘What time is that?’ He said: ‘It is the last hours of the day.’ I said: ‘It is not the time of the prayer?’ He said: ‘Yes (it is so), when a believing slave performs prayer and then sits with nothing but the prayer keeping him, he is still in a state of prayer.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever persists in performing twelve Rak’ah from the Sunnah, a house will be built for him in Paradise: four before the Zuhr, two Rak’ah after Zuhr, two Rak’ah after Maghrib, two Rak’ah after the ‘Isha’ and two Rak’ah before Fajr.’” It was narrated from Umm Habibah bint Abi Sufyan that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever performs twelve Rak’ah (of Sunnah) during the day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever performs twelve Rak’ah (of Sunnah) each day, a house will be built for him in Paradise: two Rak’ah before Fajr, two Rak’ah before the Zuhr, two Rak’ah after the Zuhr, two Rak’ah, I think he said, before ‘Asr, two Rak’ah after Maghrib, and I think he said two Rak’ah after the ‘Isha’.’” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that when the dawn illuminated, the Prophet (ﷺ) would pray two Rak’ah. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray two Rak’ah before the morning (prayer), as if the Adhan were in his ears. (i.e., he would pray them briefly). It was narrated from Hafsah bint ‘Umar that when the call for the Subh prayer was given, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would pray two short Rak’ah before going to the prayer. It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When he performed ablution the Prophet (ﷺ) would pray two (short) Rak’ah and then go out for the prayer.” It was narrated that ‘Ali said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform two Rak’ah at the time of the Iqamah.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that in the two Rak’ah before the Fajr, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite: “Say: ‘O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kafirun (109)] and “Say: Allah is One.” [Al-Ikhlas (112)] It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “I watched the Prophet (ﷺ) for a month, and in the two Rak’ah before Fajr he used to recite: “Say: O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kafirun (109)] and “Say: Allah is One.” [Al- Ikhlas (112)] It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform two Rak’ah before Fajr, and he used to say: ‘The best two Surah to recite in the two Rak’ah of Fajr are: “Say: Allah is One” [Al-Ikhlas (112)] and “Say: O you disbelievers.” [Al-Kafirun (109)] It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Once the Iqamah has been called, there should be no prayer but the obligatory one.” Another chain with similar wording. It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Sarjis that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw a man performing the two Rak’ah before the morning prayer while he himself was performing prayer. When he had finished praying he said to him: “Which of your two prayers did you intend to be counted (i.e., accepted)?” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Malik bin Buhainah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by a man who was praying when the Iqamah for Subh prayer had been called, and he said something to him, I do not know what he said. When he finished, we surrounded the man and asked him: ‘What did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say to you?’ He said: ‘He said to me: “Soon one of you will pray Fajr with four Rak’ah.’” It was narrated that Qais bin ‘Amr said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) saw a man praying two Rak’ah after the Subh prayer and said, ‘Is the Subh prayer to be offered twice?’ The man said to him: ‘I did not pray the two Rak’ah before it, so I prayed them (now).’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) remained silent.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) slept and missed the two Rak’ah before Fajr, so he made them up after the sun had risen. It was narrated from Qabus that his father said: “My father sent word to ‘Aishah, asking which prayer the Prophet (ﷺ) most liked to perform regularly. She said: ‘He used to perform four Rak’ah before the Zuhr, in which he would stand for a long time and bow and prostrate perfectly.’” It was narrated from Abu Ayyub that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform four Rak’ah before the Zuhr when the sun had passed its zenith, and he did not separate them with a Taslim. He said, “The gates of heaven are opened when the sun passes its zenith.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “If the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) missed the four Rak’ah before the Zuhr, he would perform them after the two Rak’ah which come after the Zuhr.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Harith said: “Mu’awiyah sent word to Umm Salamah, and I went with his envoy who put the question to Umm Salamah. She said: ‘While the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was performing ablution for the Zuhr in my house and he had sent a Sa’i,* the Muhajirun gathered around him in large numbers, and he was busy dealing with them. When a knock on the door came, he went out and performed the Zuhr, then he sat and distributed what had been brought to him.’ She said: ‘He continued doing that until the ‘Asr. Then he came into my house and performed two Rak’ah. Then he said: “The matter of the Sa’i kept me from praying them after Zuhr, so I prayed them after ‘Asr.” It was narrated from Umm Habibah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever prays four Rak’ah before the Zuhr and four afterwards, Allah will forbid him to the Fire.” It was narrated that ‘Asim bin Damrah As-Saluli said: “We asked ‘Ali about the voluntary (prayer) of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) during the day. He said: ‘You will not be able.’ We said: ‘Inform us of it, we will do what we can of it?’ So he said: ‘When he prayed the Fajr he would delay praying any more. When the sun appeared over there (west) – like it appears here, meaning in the direction of the east, about the amount for the ‘Asr prayer from there, meaning in the direction of the west, meaning before the Maghrib – he would stand and perform two Rak’ah* then he would delay praying until the sun appeared over there (west), meaning in the direction of the east, about the amount of the Zuhr prayer from there, then he would stand and perform four. And, four before the Zuhr when the sun passed the zenith, and two Rak’ah after it, and, four before the ‘Asr, separating between every two Rak’ah with Taslim** upon the angels that are close (to Allah), the Prophets, and those who follow them among the Muslims and the believers.’” 'Ali said: "That is sixteen Rak'ah of voluntary prayer which Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) performed during the day. And there are very few who offer them regularly." Waki` said: “My father added: Habib bin Abu Thabit said: ‘O Abu Ishaq, this mosque filled with gold would not be dearer to me than this Hadith of yours.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal said: “The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Between every two Adhans there is a prayer.’ He said it three times, and on the third time he said, ‘For those who wish.’”* ‘Ali bin Zaid bin Jud’an said: “I heard Anas bin Malik say: ‘The Mu ’adh-dhin would call the Adhan during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and one would think that it was the Iqamah because there were so many people who stood and performed the two Rak’ah before the Maghrib.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray the Maghrib, then he would come back to my house and pray two Rak’ah.” It was narrated that Rafi’ bin Khadij said: “We came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) with Banu ‘Abdul-Ashhal, and he led us in praying the Maghrib in our mosque. Then he said: ‘Pray these two Rak’ah in your houses.’” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that for the two Rak’ah after Maghrib, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite: “Say: O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kafirun (109)] and “Say: He is Allah the One.” [Al- Ikhlas (112)] It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever prays six Rak’ah after the Maghrib and does not say anything bad in between them, will have a reward equal to the worship of twelve years.” It was narrated that Kharijah bin Hudhafah Al-‘Adawi said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) came out to us and said: ‘Allah has increased a prayer for you which is better for you than red camels. (It is) Witr, which Allah has enjoined on you between the ‘Isha’ prayer and the onset of dawn.’” ‘Ali bin Abu Talib said: “Witr is not definite (obligatory) nor is it like your prescribed prayers. But the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed Witr, then he said: ‘O people of the Qur’an! Perform Witr, for Allah is Witr* and He loves the odd (numbered).’” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah is Witr and He loves the odd (numbered), so perform Witr, O people of the Qur’an.” A Bedouin said: ‘What is the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying?’ He said: ‘That is not for you or your companions.’” It was narrated that Ubayy bin Ka’b said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform Witr and recite: ‘Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High.’, [Al-A’la (87)] ‘Say: O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kafirun (109)] and ‘Say: Allah is One.”. [Al-Ikhlas (112)] It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform Witr and recite: “Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High,” [Al-A’la (87)] “Say: O you disbelievers!” [Al-Kafirun (109)] and ‘Say: Allah is One.”. [Al-Ikhlas (112)] Another chain with similar wording. It was narrated that ‘Abdul-‘Aziz bin Juraij said: “We asked ‘Aishah what the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite in Witr. She said: ‘He used to recite: “Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High,” [Al-A’la (87)] in the first Rak’ah, ‘Say: “O disbelievers!’” [Al- Kafirun (109)] in the second Rak’ah, and ‘Say: Allah is One’ in the third and the Mu’awwidhatain (Chapter 113, 114).’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray (voluntary prayers) at night two by two, and he would pray one Rak’ah of Witr.” Abu Mijlaz narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Night prayers are to be offered two by two, and Witr is one Rak’ah.’ I said: ‘What do you think if I become drowsy and I want to sleep?’ He said: ‘Put “what do you think” up there with that star? (i.e., don’t think about it at all).’ I raised my head and saw As- Simak.* He repeated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘Night prayers are to be offered two by two, and Witr is one Rak’ah, before dawn.’” A man asked Ibn ‘Umar: “How should I perform Witr?” He said: “Pray Witr with one Rak’ah.” He said: “I am afraid that the people will say that I am cutting the prayer short.” He said: “The Sunnah of Allah and His Messenger.” Meaning “This is the Sunnah of Allah and His Messenger.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say Taslim after every two Rak’ah, and he would perform Witr with one Rak’ah.” It was narrated that Al-Hasan bin ‘Ali said: “My grandfather, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), taught me some words to say in Qunut of Witr: Allahumma ‘afini fiman ‘afait, wa tawallani fiman tawallait, wahdini fiman hadait, wa qini sharra ma qadait, wa barik li fima a’tait. Innaka taqdi wa la yuqda ‘alaik, innahu la yudhillu man walait. Subhanaka rabbana tabarakta wa ta’alait (O Allah, pardon me along with those whom You have pardoned, be an ally to me along with those whom You are an ally to, guide me along with those whom You have guided, protect me from the evil that You have decreed, and bless for me that which You have bestowed. For verily You decree and none can decree over You. He whom You support can never be humiliated. Glory is to You, our Lord, You are Blessed and Exalted).” It was narrated from ‘Ali bin Abi Talib that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say at the end of Witr: “Allahumma inni a’udhu biridaka min sakhatika, wa a’udhu bimu’afatika min ‘uqubatika, wa a’udhu bika minka, la uhsi thana’an ‘alaika, Anta kama athnaita ‘ala nafsika (O Allah, I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your wrath, and I seek refuge in Your forgiveness from your punishment, and I seek refuge in You from You. I cannot enumerate Your praise, You are as You have praised Yourself).” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not raise his hands in any of his supplications except when praying for rain (Istisqa’), when he raised his hands so high that the whiteness of his armpits could be seen. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When you call upon Allah, then do so with the palms of your hands (upwards). Do not do so with the back of your hands (upwards). And when you finish, then wipe your face with them.’” It was narrated from Ubayy bin Ka’b that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray Witr and he would recite Qunut before Ruku’. It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: He was asked about Qunut in the Subh prayer, and he said: “We used to recite Qunut before Ruku’ and afterwards.” It was narrated that Muhammad said: “I asked Anas bin Malik about Qunut, and he said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited Qunut after Ruku’.’” It was narrated that Masruq said: “I asked ‘Aishah about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). She said: ‘He prayed Witr at every part of the night, at the beginning, in the middle and at the end, when he died (he would perform it) just before dawn.’” It was narrated that ‘Ali said: “At every part of the night the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed Witr, at the beginning and in the middle, and finally his Witr was just before dawn.” It was narrated from Jabir that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever among you fears that he will not wake up at the end of the night, let him pray Witr at the beginning of the night, then go to sleep. Whoever hopes that he will wake up at the end of the night, let him pray Witr at the end of the night, for recitation (of the Qur’an) at the end of the night is attended (by the angels), and that is better.” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever sleeps and misses Witr, or forgets it, let him pray it when morning comes, or when he remembers.’” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Pray Witr before morning comes.’” It was narrated from Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Witr is Haqq.* Whoever wishes let him pray Witr with five (Rak’ah), and whoever wishes let him pray Witr with three (Rak’ah), and whoever wishes let him pray Witr with one (Rak’ah).” It was narrated that Sa’d bin Hisham said: “I asked ‘Aishah: ‘O Mother of the Believers! Tell me about the Witr of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).’ She said: ‘We used to keep his tooth stick and water for ablution ready for him. Allah would wake him as He willed to during the night, and he would use the tooth stick and perform ablution, then he would pray nine Rak’ah, during which he would not sit until the eighth Rak’ah. Then he would call upon his Lord and remember Allah and praise Him and supplicate to Him. Then he would get up without saying the Salam. Then he would stand up and pray the ninth Rak’ah. Then he would sit and remember Allah and praise Him, and supplicate to his Lord and send blessing upon His Prophet. Then he would say Salam that we could hear. Then he would pray two Rak’ah after the Salam, while he was sitting down. That was eleven Rak’ah. When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) grew older and had gained weight, he would pray Witr with seven Rak’ah and then pray two more Rak’ah after he had said the Salam.’” It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray Witr with seven or five Rak’ah, and he would not say Salam or speak in between them.” It was narrated from Salim that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray two Rak’ah while traveling, and he did not do more than that. And he used to pray Tahajjud at night.” I asked: “Did he pray Witr?” He said: “Yes.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas and Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prescribed two Rak’ah of prayer when traveling; they are complete and are not shortened. And Witr when traveling is Sunnah.” It was narrated from Umm Salamah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray two short Rak’ah after Witr, sitting down. It was narrated that Abu Salamah said: “Aishah narrated to me that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed Witr with one Rak’ah, then he prayed two Rak’ah in which he recited while sitting, then when he wanted to bow, he stood up and bowed.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “I never used to see the Prophet (ﷺ) at the end of the night, except that he was sleeping near me.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed the two (Sunnah) Rak’ah of Fajr, he would lie down on his right side.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (saw prayed the two (Sunnah) Rak’ah of Fajr, he would lie down.” It was narrated that Sa’eed bin Yasar said: “I was with Ibn ‘Umar and I lagged behind and prayed Witr. He said: ‘What kept you?’ I said: ‘I was praying Witr.’ He said: ‘Do you not have the best of examples in the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)?’ I said: ‘Of course.’ He said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray Witr while riding his camel.’” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray Witr while riding his mount. It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to Abu Bakr: ‘When do you pray Witr?’ He said: ‘At the beginning of the night, after ‘Isha’.’ He said: ‘And you, O ‘Umar?’ He said: ‘At the end of the night.’ The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘As for you, O Abu Bakr, you have seized the trustworthy handhold (i.e., you want to be on the safe side), and as for you, O ‘Umar, you have seized strength (i.e., you are confident that you have the resolve to get up and pray Witr).’” Another chain with similar meaning. It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed, and he added or omitted something.” (One of the narrators) Ibrahim said: “The confusion stems from me (i.e., he was not sure which it was).” “It was said to him: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Has something been added to the prayer?’ He said: ‘I am only human, I forget just as you forget. If anyone forgets, let him perform two prostrations when he is sitting (at the end).’ Then the Prophet (ﷺ) turned and prostrated twice.” ‘Iyad narrated that he asked Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri: “One of us prays and he does not know how many (Rak’ah) he has prayed.” He said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When anyone of you prays and does not know how many he has prayed, let him perform two prostrations while he is sitting.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “(Once) the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed Zuhr with five Rak’ah, and it was said to him: ‘Has something been added to the prayer?’ He said: ‘What is that?’ They told him, and he turned back towards the Qiblah and performed two prostrations.” It was narrated from Ibn Buhainah: “The Prophet (ﷺ) offered prayer, I think it was the ‘Asr, and in the second Rak’ah he stood up before he sat. Before he said the Salam, he prostrated twice.” It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman Al-A’raj that Ibn Buhainah told him that the Prophet (ﷺ) stood up in the second Rak’ah of Zuhr and forgot to sit. When he had finished his prayer, and before he said the Salam, he performed the two prostrations for forgetfulness (Sahw) and said the Salam. It was narrated that Mughirah bin Shu’bah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If anyone of you stands after two Rak’ah, if he has not yet stood up fully, let him sit down again, but if he has stood up fully, then let him not sit down, and let him perform two prostrations for forgetfulness (Sahw).’” It was narrated that ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘If anyone of you is uncertain as to whether he has prayed one or two Rak’ah, let him assume it is one. If he is uncertain as to whether he has prayed two or three, let him assume it is two. If he is uncertain as to whether he has prayed three or four, let him assume it is three. Then let him complete what is left of his prayer, so that the doubt will be about what is more. Then let him prostrate twice while he is sitting, before the Taslim (saying the Salam).’” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If anyone of you is uncertain about his prayer, let him put aside uncertainty and act upon that which is certain. When he has made sure his prayer is complete, then let him prostrate twice. Then if his prayer was complete, that (extra) Rak’ah will be counted as voluntary, and if his prayer was lacking, that Rak’ah will complete his prayer, and the two prostrations will rub the Satan’s nose in the dust.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) offered prayer, and I am not sure whether he did something extra or omitted something. He asked, and we told him, so he turned to face the Qiblah and prostrated twice, then he said the Salam. Then he turned to face us and said: ‘If any new command has been revealed concerning the prayer, I would certainly have told you. But I am only human and I forget and you forget. If I forget, then remind me. And if anyone of you is uncertain about the prayer, let him do what is closest to what is correct, then complete the prayer, say the Salam and prostrate twice.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If anyone of you is uncertain about his prayer, let him try to do what is correct then let him prostrate twice.’” Tanafisi said: "This is the basic rule, and no one is able to reject it." It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forgot and said the Taslim after two Rak’ah. A man who was called Dhul-Yadain said to him: ‘O Messenger of Allah, has the prayer been shortened or did you forget?’ He said: ‘It has not been shortened and I did not forget.’ He said: ‘But you prayed two Rak’ah.’ He said: ‘Is what Dhul-Yadain says true?’ They said: ‘Yes.’ So he went forward and performed two Rak’ah and said the Salam, then he prostrated twice for prostrations of forgetfulness. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in one of the afternoon prayers, and he prayed two Rak’ah, then he said the Salam. Then he stood up and went to a piece of wood in the mosque, and leaned against it. Those who were in a hurry left the mosque, saying that the prayer had been shortened. Among the people were Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, but they dared not say anything. Among the people there was also a man with long hands who was called Dhul- Yadain. He said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, has the prayer been shortened or did you forget?’ He said: ‘It has not been shortened and I did not forget.’ He said: ‘But you prayed two Rak’ah.’ He said: ‘Is what Dhul- Yadain says true?’ They said: ‘Yes.’ So he went forward and performed two Rak’ah and said the Salam, then he prostrated twice, and then he said the Salam again.” It was narrated that ‘Imran bin Husain said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Salam after three Rak’ah for ‘Asr, then he stood up and went into the apartment. Khirbaq, a man with big hands, stood up and called out: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Has the prayer been shortened?’ He came out angrily, dragging his lower garment, and asked about it, and was told (what had happened). So he performed the Rak’ah that he had omitted, then he said the Salam, then he prostrated twice and said the Salam again.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The Satan comes to any one of you while he is praying and comes between him and his soul, until he does not know whether he as added something or omitted something. If that happens, then he should prostrate twice before the Salam, then he should say the Salam.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The Satan comes between the son of Adam and his soul, and he does not know how many Rak’ah he has prayed. If a person notices that, then let him prostrate twice before he says the Salam.” It was narrated from ‘Alqamah that Ibn Mas’ud prostrated twice for the prostrations of forgetfulness after the Salam, and he mentioned that the Prophet (ﷺ) did that.” It was narrated that Thawban said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘For every mistake there are two prostrations, after saying the Salam.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) came out to pray and said the Takbir, then he gestured to them to wait. He went and took a bath, and his head was dripping with water while he led them in prayer. When he finished he said: ‘I came out to you in a state of sexual impurity, and I forgot until I had started to pray.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever vomits, has a nosebleed, belches, or emits prostatic fluid, should stop praying; perform ablution, then resume his prayer, and while he is in that state he should not speak.” It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you performs prayer and commits Hadath, (passing wind) let him take hold of his nose, then leave.” Another chain with similar wording. It was narrated that ‘Imran bin Husain said: “I suffered from Nasur* and I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about prayer. He said: ‘Perform prayer standing; if you cannot, then sitting; and if you cannot then while lying on your side.’” It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) performing prayer while sitting on his right side when he was sick.” It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: ‘By the One Who took his soul (i.e., the soul of the Prophet (ﷺ)), he did not die until he offered most of his prayers sitting down. And the dearest of the actions to him was the righteous action that the person does regularly, even if it were a little.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite Qur’an sitting down, then when he wanted to bow he would stand up for as long as it takes a person to recite forty Verses.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “I did not see the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) offer any of the night prayers in any way other than standing, until he became old. Then he started to pray sitting down until, when there were thirty or forty Verses left of his recitation, he would stand up and recite them, and prostrate.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Shaqiq Al-‘Uqaili said: “I asked ‘Aishah about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) at night. She said: ‘He used to pray for a long time at night standing up, and for a long time at night sitting down. If he prayed standing, he would bow standing, and if he prayed sitting, he would bow sitting.’” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr that the Prophet (ﷺ) passed by him when he was praying sitting down. He said: “The prayer of one who sits down is equivalent to half of the prayer of one who stands.” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out and saw some people praying while sitting down. He said: “The prayer of one who sits down is equivalent to half of the prayer of one who stands.” It was narrated from ‘Imran bin Husain that he asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about a man who prays sitting down. He said, “Whoever performs prayer standing up, that is better. Whoever performs prayer sitting down will have half the reward of one who prays standing. And whoever performs prayer lying down will have half the reward of one who prays sitting.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fell ill with the sickness that would be his last” – (One of the narrators) Abu Mu’awiyah said: “When he was overcome by sickness” – “Bilal came to tell him that it was time for prayer. He said, ‘Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’ We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Abu Bakr is a tender-hearted man, and when he takes your place he will weep and not be able to do it. Why do you not tell ‘Umar to lead the people in prayer?’ He said: ‘Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer; you are (like) the female companions of Yusuf.’” She said: “So we sent word to Abu Bakr, and he led the people in prayer. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) began to feel a little better, so he came out to the prayer, supported by two men with his feet making lines along the ground. When Abu Bakr realized that he was there, he wanted to step back, but the Prophet (ﷺ) gestured to him to stay where he was. Then (the two men) brought him to sit beside Abu Bakr, and Abu Bakr was following the lead of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the people were following Abu Bakr.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) told Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer when he was sick, and Abu Bakr used to lead them in prayer. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) began to feel a little better, so he came out, and saw Abu Bakr leading the people in prayer. When Abu Bakr saw him, he stepped back, but the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) gestured to him to stay where he was. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sat beside Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr was following the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and the people were following the prayer of Abu Bakr.” It was narrated that Salim bin ‘Ubaid said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fainted when he was sick, then he woke up and said: ‘Has the time for prayer come?’ They said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Tell Bilal to call the Adhan, and tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’ Then he fainted, then he woke up and said: ‘Has the time for prayer come?’ They said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Tell Bilal to call the Adhan, and tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’ Then he fainted, then he woke up and said: ‘Has the time for prayer come?’ They said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘Tell Bilal to call the Adhan, and tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’ ‘Aishah said: ‘My father is a tender-hearted man, and if he stands in that place he will weep and will not be able to do it. If you told someone else to do it (that would be better).’ Then he fainted, then woke up and said: ‘Tell Bilal to call the Adhan, and tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. You are (like) the female companions of Yusuf.’ So Bilal was told to call the Adhan and he did so, and Abu Bakr was told to lead the people in prayer, and he did so. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) felt a little better, and he said: ‘Find me someone I can lean on.’ Barirah and another man came, and he leaned on them. When Abu Bakr saw him, he started to step back, but (the Prophet (ﷺ)) gestured him to stay where he was. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came and sat beside Abu Bakr, until Abu Bakr finished praying. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) passed away.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fell ill with what would be his final illness, he was in the house of ‘Aishah. He said: ‘Call ‘Ali for me.’ ‘Aishah said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, should we call Abu Bakr for you?’ He said: ‘Call him.’ Hafsah said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, should we call ‘Umar for you?’ He said: ‘Call him.’ Ummul-Fadl said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, should we call Al-‘Abbas for you?’ He said: ‘Yes.’ When they had gathered, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) lifted his head, looked and fell silent. ‘Umar said: ‘Get up and leave the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).’ Then Bilal came to tell him that the time for prayer had come, and he said: ‘Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.’ ‘Aishah said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, Abu Bakr is a soft and tender-hearted man, and if he does not see you, he will weep and the people will weep with him. If you tell ‘Umar to lead the people in prayer (that would be better).’ Abu Bakr went out and led the people in prayer, then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) felt a little better, so he came out, supported by two men, with his feet making lines along the ground. When the people saw him, they said: ‘Subhan-Allah,’ to alert Abu Bakr. He wanted to step back, but the Prophet (ﷺ) gestured him to stay where he was. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came and sat on his right. Abu Bakr stood up and he was following the lead of the Prophet (ﷺ), and the people were following the lead of Abu Bakr. Ibn ‘Abbas said; ‘And the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) started to recite from where Abu Bakr had reached.’” Hamzah bin Mughirah bin Shu’bah narrated that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) lagged behind (on a journey) and we reached the people when ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Awf had already led them in one Rak’ah of the prayer. When he realized that the Prophet (ﷺ) was there, he wanted to step back, but the Prophet (ﷺ) gestured to him that he should complete the prayer. He said: ‘You have done well, do the same in the future.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fell ill and some of his Companions came to visit him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performed prayer while sitting down, and they prayed behind him standing up. He gestured them to sit down, and when he finished he said: ‘The Imam is appointed to be followed. When he bows, then bow; when he stands up again, then stand up, and if he prays sitting down then pray sitting down.’” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (ﷺ) fell from his horse and he suffered some lacerations on his right side. We went to visit him and the time for prayer came. He led us in prayer sitting down, and we prayed behind him sitting down. When he finished the prayer he said: “The Imam is appointed to be followed. When he says Allahu Akbar, then say Allahu Akbar; when he bows, then bow; when he says Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, then say Rabbana wa lakal-hamd; when he prostrates then prostrate; and if he prays sitting down then pray sitting down.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The Imam is appointed to be followed. When he says Allahu Akbar, then say Allahu Akbar; when he bows, then bow; when he says Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, then say Rabbana wa lakal-hamd; when he prostrates then prostrate; if he prays standing, then pray standing, and if he prays sitting down then pray sitting down.” It was narrated that Jabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fell ill, and we prayed behind him while he was sitting down, and Abu Bakr was saying the Takbir so that the people could hear them. He turned to us and saw us standing, so he gestured to us to sit down. When he had said the Salam, he said: ‘You were about to do the action of the Persians and Romans, who remain standing while their kings are seated. Do not do that. Follow the lead of your Imam; if he prays standing, then pray standing, and if he prays sitting down, then pray sitting down.’” Sa’d bin Tariq said: “I said to my father: ‘O my father! You prayed behind the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and behind Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Uthman, and behind ‘Ali here in Kufah for about five years. Did they recite Qunut in Fajr?’ He said: ‘O my son! That is an innovation.’” It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was forbidden to recite Qunut in Fajr.” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite Qunut in the Subh prayer, and he used to supplicate in it against one of the Arab tribes for a month, then he stopped doing so. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raised his head from Ruku’ in the Subh prayer, he said: ‘O Allah, save Al-Walid bin Walid, Salamah bin Hisham and ‘Ayyash bin Abu Rabi’ah, and the oppressed in Makkah. O Allah, tighten Your grip on Mudar, and send them years of famine like the famine of Yusuf.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) commanded killing the two black ones during prayer; the scorpion and the snake. It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was stung by a scorpion while he was performing prayer, and he said: ‘May Allah curse the scorpion, for it does not spare anyone, whether he is praying or not. Kill them whether you are in Ihram or not.’” In Al-Hill (outside the sacred precincts of Makkah) or Al-Haram (the sacred precincts or Makkah). It was narrated from Ibn Abu Rafi’, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (ﷺ) killed a scorpion while he was praying. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade two prayers: prayer after the Fajr until the sun has risen, and prayer after ‘Asr until the sun has set. It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is no prayer after the ‘Asr until the sun has set, and there is no prayer after the Fajr until the sun has risen.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “Good men among whom was ‘Umar bin Khattab, and the best of them in my view is ‘Umar, testified before me that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There is no prayer after Fajr until the sun has risen, and there is no prayer after the ‘Asr until the sun has set.’” It was narrated that ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah said: “I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: ‘Is there any time that is more beloved to Allah than another?’ He said: ‘Yes, the middle of the night, so pray as much as you want until dawn comes. Then refrain from praying until the sun has risen, and as long as it looks like a shield until it becomes apparent. Then pray as much as you want until a pole stands on its shadow (i.e., noon), then refrain from praying until it has crossed the zenith, for Hell is heated up at midday. Then pray as much as you want until you pray ‘Asr, then refrain from praying until the sun has set, for it sets between the two horns of Satan and it rises between the two horns of Satan.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “Safwan bin Mu’attal asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): ‘O Messenger of Allah, I want to ask you about something of which you have knowledge and I know nothing.’ He said: ‘What is it?’ He said: ‘Is there any time of the night or day when it is disliked to perform prayer? He said: ‘Yes, when you have prayed the Subh, then do not pray until the sun has risen, for it rises between the two horns of Satan. Then pray, for the prayer is attended (by the angels) and is acceptable (to Allah) until the sun is right overhead like a spear. For at that time Hell is heated up and its gates are opened. (Then refrain from prayer) until the sun passes the zenith. Then when it has passed the zenith, the prayer is attended (by the angels) and is acceptable (to Allah) until you pray the ‘Asr. Then stop praying until the sun has set.’” It was narrated from Abu ‘Abdullah As-Sunabihi that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The sun rises between the two horns of Satan” or he said “The two horns of Satan rise with it, and when it has risen, Satan parts from it. When it is in the middle of the sky he accompanies it, then when it has crossed the zenith he parts from it. When it is about to set, he accompanies it, and when it has set he parts from it. So do no pray at these three times.” It was narrated that Jubair bin Mut’im said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘O Banu ‘Abd Manaf! Do not prevent anyone from circumambulating this House or praying at any time he wants of the day or night.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘You may come across people who offer a prayer at the wrong time. If you meet them, then perform prayer in your houses at the time that you know, then pray with them and make that voluntary.” It was narrated from Abu Dharr that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Offer prayer on time, and if you reached the Imam leading them in prayers (on time), then perform it with them, and you will be safe with your prayer, otherwise it will be voluntary for you.” It was narrated from ‘Ubadah bin Samit that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There will be leaders who will be distracted by matters and they will delay the prayer until after its proper time. So make your prayer with them voluntary.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said concerning the fear prayer: “The Imam should lead one group in prayer, and they should perform one prostration, and there should be another group between them and the enemy (guarding them). Then those who did the prostration with their leader should move away, and take the place of those who have not yet prayed. Then those who have not yet prayed should come forward and perform one prostration with their leader. Then their leader should move away, and his prayer will be complete. Then each group should perform one prostration by itself. If the fear is too great, then (they should pray) on foot or riding.’” He said: What is meant by prostration here is a Rak’ah. It was narrated from Sahl bin Abu Hathmah that he said concerning the fear prayer: “The Imam should stand facing the Qiblah, and a group of them should stand with him, and another group should stand in the direction of the enemy, facing towards the row (of worshippers). He should lead them in one Rak’ah, then they should bow and do two prostrations by themselves where they are. Then they should go and take the place of the others, and the others should come and pray one Rak’ah, bowing and prostrating with the leader. Then he will have prayed two Rak’ah and they will have prayed one; then they should perform another Rak’ah, bowing and performing two prostrations.” It was narrated from Jabir bin ‘Abdullah that the Prophet (ﷺ) led his Companions in the fear prayer. He led them all in bowing, then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and the row nearest him prostrated, and the others stood up, then when he stood up, they prostrated twice by themselves. Then the front row moved back and took their place, and they moved forward until they formed the front row. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) led them all in bowing, then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and the row nearest to him prostrated, and when they raised their heads, the others prostrated twice. So all of them bowed with the Prophet (ﷺ) and some of them prostrated by themselves, and the enemy was in the direction of the Qiblah. It was narrated that Abu Mas’ud said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The sun and the moon do not become eclipsed for the death of anyone among mankind. If you see that, then stand and perform prayer.” It was narrated that Nu’man bin Bashir said: “The sun was eclipsed at the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he came out alarmed, dragging his lower garment, until he reached the mosque. He continued to perform prayer until the eclipse was over, then he said: ‘Some people claim that the sun and moon only become eclipsed because of the death of a great leader. That is not so. The sun and the moon do not become eclipsed for the death or birth of anyone. When Allah manifests Himself to anything in His creation, it humbles itself before Him.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The sun was eclipsed during the life of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out to the mosque and stood and said the Takbir, and the people formed rows behind him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited for a long time, then he said the Takbir and bowed for a long time. Then he raised his head and said: ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabban was lakal-hamd.’ Then he stood and recited for a long time, but shorter than the first recitation. Then he said the Takbir and bowed for a long time, but less than the first bowing. Then he said: ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.’ Then he did the same in the next Rak’ah, and he completed four Rak’ah and four sets of prostration, and the eclipse ended before he finished. Then he stood and addressed the people. He praised Allah as He deserves to be praised, then he said: ‘The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah. They do not become eclipsed for the death or birth of anyone. If you see that then seek help in prayer.’” It was narrated that Samurah bin Jundab said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in the eclipse prayer, and we did not hear his voice.” It was narrated that Asma’ bint Abu Bakr said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performed the eclipse prayer. He stood for a long time, then he bowed for a long time, then he stood up for a long time, then he bowed for a long time, then he stood up, then he prostrated for a long time, then he sat up, then he prostrated for a long time. He stood for a long time, then he bowed for a long time, then he stood up for a long time, then he bowed for a long time, then he stood up, then he prostrated for a long time, then he sat up, then he prostrated for a long time. Then he finished and said: ‘Paradise was brought close to me, so that if I had dared, I could have brought you some of its fruits. And Hell was brought near to me, until I said: “O Lord, am I one of them?” Nafi’ said: “I think that he said: ‘And I saw a woman being scratched by a cat that belonged to her. I said: “What is wrong with this woman?” They said: “She detained it until it died of hunger; she did not feed it and she did not let it loose to eat of the vermin of the earth.” It was narrated from Hisham bin Ishaq bin ‘Abdullah bin Kinanah that his father said: “One of the chiefs* sent me to Ibn ‘Abbas to ask him about the prayer for rain. Ibn ‘Abbas said: ‘What kept him from asking me?’ He said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out humbly, walking with a humble and moderate gait, imploring, and he performed two Rak’ah as he used to pray for ‘Eid, but he did not give a sermon like this sermon of yours.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Abu Bakr said: “I heard ‘Abbad bin Tamim narrating to my father that his paternal uncle had seen the Prophet (ﷺ) going out to the prayer place to pray for rain. He faced the Qiblah and turned his cloak around, and prayed two Rak’ah.” (One of the narrators) Muhammad bin Sabbah said: “Sufyan told us something similar, narrating from Yahya bin Sa`eed, from Abu Bakr bin Muhammad bin `Amr bin Hazm. from `Abbad bin Tamim, from his paternal uncle, from the Prophet (ﷺ).” Sufyan narrated that Al-Mas`udi said: “I asked Abu Bakr bin Muhammad bin `Amr: 'Did he turn it upside down or right to left?' He said: 'No, it was right to left.'” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out one day to pray for rain. He led us in praying two Rak’ah without any Adhan or Iqamah, then he addressed us and supplicated to Allah. He turned to face the Qiblah, raising his hands, then he turned his cloak around, putting its right on the left and its left on the right.” It was narrated from Shurahbil bin Simt that he said to Ka’b: “O Ka’b bin Murrah, narrate to us a Hadith from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), but be careful.” He said: “A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, ask Allah for rain!’ So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raised his hands and said: ‘O Allah! Send wholesome, productive rain upon all of us, sooner rather than later, beneficial and not harmful.’ No sooner had they finished performing Friday (prayer) but they were revived. Then they came to him and complained to him about the rain, saying: ‘O Allah, around us and not upon us.’ Then the clouds began to disperse right and left.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “A Bedouin came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have come to you from people who have no place to graze their flocks and even their male camels have become weak. He mounted the pulpit and praised Allah, then he said: ‘O Allah, send upon us all abundant, wholesome rain, productive and plentiful, sooner rather than later.’ Then the rain came down, and no one came to him from any direction but they said: ‘We have been revived.’” Mu’tamir narrated from his father, from Barakah, from Bashir bin Nahik, from Abu Hurairah: “The Prophet (ﷺ) supplicated for rain (raising his hands) until I saw or one could see the whiteness of his armpits.” Salim narrated that his father said: “Sometimes I remember the words of the poet when I was looking at the face of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on the pulpit. He did not come down until all the waterspouts in Al-Madinah were filled with rain. And I remember what the poet said: ‘He has a white complexion and rain is sought by virtue of his countenance, He cares for the orphans, and protects the widows, These are the words of Abu Talib.” It was narrated that ‘Ata’ said: “I heard Ibn ‘Abbas say: ‘I bear witness that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed before the sermon, then he delivered the sermon. And he thought that the women had not heard, so he went over to them and reminded them (of Allah) and preached to them and enjoined them to give in charity, and Bilal was spreading his hands like this, and the women started giving their earrings, rings and things.’” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed on the day of ‘Eid with no Adhan and no Iqamah. It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: “Marwan brought the pulpit out one ‘Eid day and started to deliver the sermon before the prayer. A man stood up and said: ‘O Commander of the Believers, you have gone against the Sunnah. You have brought the pulpit out on the day of ‘Eid and it was not brought out before, and you started with the sermon before the prayer, when this was not done before.’ Abu Sa’eed said: ‘As for this man, he has done his duty. I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, and he is able to change it with his hand, then change it with his hand (by taking action); if he cannot, (do so) with his tongue then with his tongue (by speaking out); and if he cannot then with his heart (by hating it and feeling that it is wrong), and that is the weakest of faith.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Prophet (ﷺ), then Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar, used to pray the ‘Eid prayer before delivering the sermon.” ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’d bin ‘Ammar bin Sa’d, the Mu’adhdhin of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), narrated from his father, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the Takbir in the ‘Eid prayer, seven times in the first (Rak’ah) before reciting Qur’an, and five times in the second before reciting Qur’an. It was narrated from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (ﷺ) said the Takbir seven times and five times in the ‘Eid prayer. Kathir bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin ‘Awf narrated, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Takbir in the ‘Eid prayers, seven times in the first Rak’ah and five times in the second. It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Takbir seven and five times in (the prayer for ‘Eid) Fitr and Adha, apart from the Takbir for Ruku’ (bowing). It was narrated from Nu’man bin Bashir that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite “Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High,” [Al-A’la (87)] and “Has there come to you the narration of the overwhelming?” [Al-Ghashiyah (88)] in the ‘Eid prayer. It was narrated that ‘Ubaidullah bin ‘Abdullah said: “Umar went out on the day of ‘Eid and sent word to Abu Waqid Al-Laithi asking what the Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite on this day. He said: ‘Qaf [Qaf (50)] and ‘Iqtarabat’.” [Al-Qamar (54)] It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite in the ‘Eid prayer “Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High.” [Al-A’la (87)] and “Has there come to you the narration of the overwhelming?” [Al-Ghashiyah (88)] It was narrated that Isma’il bin Abu Khalid said: “I saw Abu Kahil, and he was a Companions, and my brother narrated to me that he said: ‘I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) delivering the sermon atop his she-camel, and an Ethiopian was holding onto its reins.’” It was narrated that Qais bin ‘Aidh, who was Abu Kahil, said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) delivering the sermon atop a beautiful she-camel, and an Ethiopian was holding onto its reins.” It was narrated from Salamah bin Nubait that his father performed Hajj and said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) delivering the sermon atop his camel.” It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’d bin ‘Ammar bin Sa’d, the Mu’adhdhin, that his father narrated, from his father, that his grandfather said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say the Takbir between the two sermons and he used to say the Takbir a great deal in the sermon of ‘Eid.” Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to go out on the day of ‘Eid and lead the people in praying two Rak’ah, then he would say the Salam and stand on his two feet facing the people while they were sitting down. He would say: ‘Give in charity. Give in charity.’ Those who gave most in charity were the women, (they would give) earrings and rings and things. If he wanted to send out an expedition he would mention it, otherwise he would leave.” It was narrated that Jabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out on the Day of Al-Fitr or Al-Adha, and delivered a sermon standing up. Then he sat down briefly, then stood up again.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Sa’ib said: “I attended the ‘Eid prayer with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He led us in offering the ‘Eid prayer, then he said: ‘I have finished the prayer. Whoever wants to sit (and listen to) the sermon, then let him sit, and whoever wants to leave, then let him leave.’” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out and led them in the ‘Eid prayer, and he did not pray before it or after it. It was narrated from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not pray before or after the ‘Eid prayer. It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not pray before the ‘Eid prayer, but when he went back to his house he would pray two Rak’ah.” ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’d bin ‘Ammar bin Sa’d said: “My father told me, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to go out to the ‘Eid prayers walking, and he would come back walking.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to go out to the ‘Eid prayers walking, and come back walking.” It was narrated that ‘Ali said: “It is part of the Sunnah to walk to ‘Eid (prayers).” It was narrated from Muhammad bin ‘Ubaidullah bin Abu Rafi’, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to come to ‘Eid prayers walking. ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’d bin ‘Ammar bin Sa’d said: “My father told me, from his father, from his grandfather, that when the Prophet (ﷺ) went out on the two ‘Eid, he would pass by the house of Sa’eed bin Abul-‘As, then by the people of the tent, then he would leave by a different route, via Banu Zuraiq, then he would go out by the house of ‘Ammar bin Yasir and the house of Abu Hurairah to Balat.” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that he used to go out to the ‘Eid prayers via one route, and return via another, and he said that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to do that. It was narrated from Muhammad bin ‘Ubaidullah bin Abu Rafi’, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to come to ‘Eid prayers walking, and that he would go back via a different route than the one he began with. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) went out to ‘Eid (prayers), he would return via another route than the first one he took. It was narrated that ‘Amir said: “Iyad Al-Ash’ari was in Anbar at the time of ‘Eid, and he said: ‘Why is it that I do not see you engaged in Taqlis as was done in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)?’” It was narrated from ‘Amir that Qais bin Sa’d said: “There is nothing that happened during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) except that I have seen it, except for one thing, which is that Taqlis was performed for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on the Day of Fitr. (Three other chains of narration) with similar wording. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to set out for the praying place in the morning of the day of ‘Eid, and a small spear would be carried before him. When he reached the praying place, it would be set up in front of him, then he would pray facing it, and that was because the praying place was an open space in which there was nothing that could serve as a Sutrah. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “When the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed on the day of ‘Eid or on another occasion, a small spear was set up in front of him, and he prayed facing it, and the people were behind him.” Nafi` said: It is from here that the leaders have taken this practice. It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed ‘Eid at the prayer place, using a small spear as a Sutrah. It was narrated that Umm ‘Atiyyah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded us to bring them (the women) out on the day of Fitr and the day of Nahr.” Umm ‘Atiyyah said: “We said: ‘What if one of them does not have an outer covering?’ He said: ‘Let her sister share her own outer covering with her.’” It was narrated that Umm ‘Atiyyah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Bring out the women who have attained puberty and those who are in seclusion so that they may attend the ‘Eid prayer and (join in) the supplication of the Muslims. But let the women who are menstruating avoid the prayer place.” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to bring his daughters and his wives out on the two ‘Eid. It was narrated that Iyas bin Abi Ramlah Ash-Shami said: “I heard a man asking Zaid bin Arqam: ‘Were you present with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when there were two ‘Eid on one day?’ He said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘What did he do?’ He said: ‘He prayed the ‘Eid prayer, then he granted a concession not to pray the Friday, then he said: “Whoever wants to pray (Friday), let him do so.”’” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Two ‘Eid have come together on this day of yours. So whoever wants, that (the ‘Eid prayer) will suffice him, and he will not have to pray Friday, but we will pray Friday if Allah wills.” Another chain with similar wording. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “Two ‘Eid came together at the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), so he led the people in prayer, then he said: ‘Whoever wishes to come to Friday (prayer), let him come, and whoever wishes to stay behind, let him stay behind.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “Rain fell on the day of ‘Eid at the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), so he led them in prayer in the mosque. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade wearing weapons in the Muslim lands on the two ‘Eid, except if the enemy was present. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to have a bath on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha.” It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Uqbah bin Fakih bin Sa’d, from his grandfather Fakih bin Sa’d, who was a Companion of the Prophet (ﷺ) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to take a bath on the Day of Fitr, the Day of Nahr, and the day of ‘Arafah, and Fakih used to tell his family to have a bath on these days. Yazid bin Khumair narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Busr went out with the people on the Day of Fitr or Adha, and he objected to the Imam’s delay. He said: “We would have finished by this time.” And that was the time of Tasbih. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to offer the night prayers two by two.” It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The night prayer is (to be offered) two by two.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked about the night prayer. He said: ‘Pray two by two, and if you fear that dawn is coming, then perform Witr with one Rak’ah.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray the night prayer two Rak’ah by two Rak’ah.” Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Prayers at night and during the day are to be offered two by two.” It was narrated from Umm Hani’ bint Abu Talib that on the day of the Conquest (of Makkah) the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed voluntary Duha with eight Rak’ah, saying the Salam after each two Rak’ah. It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “After each two Rak’ah there should be the Taslim.” It was narrated that Muttalib that is, Ibn Abu Wada’ah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The night prayers are (to be offered) two by two. Say the Tashah-hud after each two Rak`ah, and raise your hands in all humility like one who is poor and needy and say: ‘Allāhummaghfir lī (O Allah, forgive me).’ And whoever does not do that, it is imperfect.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadan and spends its nights in prayer, out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.’” It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: “We fasted Ramadan with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he did not lead us in praying Qiyam (prayers at night) during any part of it, until there were seven nights left. He led us in praying Qiyam on the seventh night until approximately one third of the night had passed. Then on the sixth night which followed it he did not lead us in prayer. Then he led us in praying Qiyam on the fifth night which followed it until almost half the night had passed. I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, would that we had offered voluntary prayers throughout the whole night.’ He said: ‘Whoever stands with the Imam until he finishes, it is equivalent to spending the whole night in prayer.’ Then on the fourth night which followed it, he did not lead us in prayer, until the third night that followed it, when he gathered his wives and family, and the people gathered, and he led us in prayer until we feared that we would miss the Falah.” It was asked: “What is the Falah?” He said: “Suhur.” He said: “Then he did not lead us in prayer at night for the rest of the month.” It was narrated that Nadr bin Shaiban said: “I met Abu Salamah bin ‘Abdur-Rahman and said: ‘Tell me a Hadith that you heard from your father, in which mention is made of the month of Ramadan.’ He said: ‘Yes, my father narrated to me that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) mentioned the month of Ramadan and said: “A month which Allah has enjoined upon you to fast, and in which I have established Qiyam (prayers at night) as Sunnah for you. So whoever fasts it and spends its nights in prayer out of faith and in hope of reward; he will emerge from his sins as on the day his mother bore him.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘At night Satan ties a rope in which there are three knots to the nape of the neck of anyone of you. If he wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is untied. If he performs ablution, another knot is untied, and if he gets up to pray, all the knots are untied, so he wakes up energetic and cheerful, he has already earned something good. But if he does not do that, he wakes up bad-tempered, having earned nothing good.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “Mention was made to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) of a man who slept until morning came. He said: ‘That is because Satan urinated in his ears.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Do not be like so-and-so, who used to pray voluntary night prayers then stopped praying voluntary night prayers.” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The mother of Sulaiman bin Dawud said to Sulaiman: “O my son, do not sleep too much at night, for sleeping too much at night will leave a man poor on the Day of Resurrection.” It was narrated that Jabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever prays a great deal at night, his face will be handsome during the day.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Salam said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to Al-Madinah, the people rushed towards him and it was said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) has come!’ I came along with the people to see him, and when I looked at the face of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), I realized that his face was not the face of a liar. The first thing he said was: “O people, spread (the greeting of) Salam, offer food to people and pray at night when people are sleeping, you will enter Paradise in peace.” It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed and Abu Hurairah said that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘When a man wakes up at night and wakes his wife, and they pray two Rak’ah, they will be recorded among the men and women who remember Allah much.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘May Allah have mercy on a man who gets up at night and prays, and wakes his wife, and she prays; and if she refuses he sprinkles water in her face. And May Allah have mercy on a woman who gets up at night and prays, and wakes her husband and he prays; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water in his face.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’ib said: “Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas came to us when he had become blind. I greeted him with Salam and he said: ‘Who are you?’ So I told him, and he said: ‘Welcome, O son of my brother. I have heard that you recite Qur’an in a beautiful voice. I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “This Qur’an was revealed with sorrow, so when you recite it, then weep. If you cannot weep then pretend to weep, and make your voice melodious in reciting it. Whoever does not make his voice melodious, he is not one of us.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “One night at the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) I was late returning from the ‘Isha’, then I came and he said: ‘Where were you?’ I said: ‘I was listening to the recitation of a man among your Companions, for I have never heard a recitation or a voice like his from anyone.’ He got up and I got up with him, to go and listen to him. Then he turned to me and said: ‘This is Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifah. Praise is to Allah Who has created such men among my Ummah.’” It was narrated that Jabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Among the people who recite the Qur’an with the most beautiful voices is the man who, when you hear him, you think that he fears Allah.’” It was narrated that Fadalah bin ‘Ubaid said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah listens more attentively to a man with a beautiful voice who recites Qur’an out loud than the master of a singing slave listens to his slave.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered the mosque and heard a man reciting Qur’an. He asked: ‘Who is this?’ It was said: ‘(He is) ‘Abdullah bin Qais.’ He said: ‘He has been given (sweet melodious voice) from the Mazamir of the family of Dawud.’” It was narrated from Bara’ (bin ‘Azib) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Beautify the Qur’an with your voices.” It was narrated that ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Abdin Al-Qari said: “I heard ‘Umar bin Khattab say: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever sleeps and misses his daily portion of Qur’an, or any part of it, let him read it between the Fajr prayer and the Zuhr prayer, and it will be recorded as if he had read it during the night.” It was narrated that Abu Darda’ conveyed that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever goes to bed intending to wake up and pray during the night, but is overwhelmed by sleep until morning comes, what he intended will be recorded for him, and his sleep is a charity given to him by his Lord.” It was narrated from ‘Uthman bin ‘Abdullah bin Aws that his grandfather Aws bin Hudhaifah said: “We came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in the delegation of Thaqif. The allies of Quraish stayed at the house of Mughirah bin Shu’bah, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) camped Bani Malik in a tent belonging to him. He used to come to us every night after the ‘Isha’ and speak to us standing on his two feet, until he started to shift his weight from one foot to the other. Most of what he told us was what he had suffered from his people, the Quraish. He said: ‘(The two sides) were not equal. We were weak and oppressed and humiliated, and when we went out to Al-Madinah, the outcome of the battles between us varied; sometimes we would defeat them and sometimes they would defeat us.’ One night he was later than he usually was, and I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, you have come to us late tonight.’ He said: ‘It occurred to me that I had not read my daily portion of Qur’an and I did not want to come out until I had completed it.’” Aws said: “I asked the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): ‘How did you used to divide up the Qur’an?’ They said: ‘A third, a fifth, a seventh, a ninth, an eleventh, a thirteenth, and Hizbul-Mufassal.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr said: “I memorized the Qur’an and recited it all in one night. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I am afraid that you may live a long life and that you may get bored. Recite it over the period of a month.’ I said: ‘Let me benefit from my strength in my youth.’ He said: ‘Recite it in ten days.’ I said: ‘Let me benefit from my strength and my youth.’ He said: ‘Recite it in seven days.’ I said: ‘Let me benefit from my strength and my youth,’ but he refused (to alter it any further).” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “No one properly understands who reads the Qur’an in less than three days.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “I did not know of the Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) reciting the entire Qur’an until morning.” It was narrated that Umm Hani’ bint Abi Talib said: “I used to hear the Prophet (ﷺ) reciting at night when I was on the roof of my house.” It was narrated that Jasrah bint Dijajah said: “I heard Abu Dharr say: ‘The Prophet (ﷺ) stood reciting a Verse and repeating it until morning came. That Verse was: “If you punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You, are the All- Mighty, the All-Wise.’”” [5:118] It was narrated from Hudhaifah that the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed, and when he recited a Verse which mentioned mercy, he would ask for mercy; when he recited a Verse that mentioned punishment he would pray for deliverance from it; and when he recited a Verse that mentioned the Tanzih of Allah, he would glorify Him. It was narrated that Abu Laila said: “I prayed beside the Prophet (ﷺ) when he was praying voluntary prayers at night. He recited a Verse which mentioned punishment and said: ‘I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire, woe to the people of the Fire.’” It was narrated that Qatadah said; “I asked Anas bin Malik about the recitation of the Prophet (ﷺ) and he said: ‘He used to elongate his voice.’” It was narrated that Ghudaif bin Harith said: “I came to ‘Aishah and asked: ‘Did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recite Qur’an loudly or softly?’ She said: ‘Sometimes he would recite loud and sometimes softly.’ I said, ‘Allahu Akbar! Praise is to Allah Who has made this matter one of broad scope.’” It was narrated that Ibn `Abbas said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed Tahajjud at night, he would say: “Allahumma lakal-hamd, Anta nurus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Wa lakal-hamd, Anta qayyamus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Wa lakal-hamd, Anta malikus- samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Wa lakal-hamd, Antal-haqq, wa wa`duka haqq, wa liqa’uka haqq, wa qawluka haqq, wal-jannatu haqq, wan-naru haqq, was-sa`atu haqq, wan-nabiyyuna haqq, wa Muhammadun haqq. Allahumma laka aslamtu, wa bika amantu, wa `alaika tawakkaltu wa ilaika anabtu, wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu, faghfirli ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a`lantu. Antal-muqaddimu wa Antal-muakhkhiru. La ilaha illa anta wa la ilaha ghairuka, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa bika (O Allah, to you is praise, You are the Light of the heavens and the earth, and everyone therein. To You is praise, You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth, and everyone therein. To You is praise, You are the Sovereign of the heavens and the earth, and everyone therein. To You is praise, You are the Truth; Your promise is true, the meeting with You is true, Your saying is true, Paradise is true, the Fire is true, the Hour is true, the Prophets are true, and Muhammad (ﷺ) is true. O Allah, to You have I submitted, in You I believe, in You have I put my trust, to You I turn in repentance, by Your help I argue, to You I refer my case, so forgive me for my past and future sins, what I have done in secret and what I have done openly. You are the One Who brings forward and puts back. None has the right to be worshipped but You, and there is none who has the right to be worshipped other than You. And there is no power and no strength except with You.” Another chain that Ibn `Abbas narrated: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood during the night for Tahajjud,” and he mentioned something similar. It was narrated that ‘Asim bin Humaid said: “I asked ‘Aishah: ‘With what did the Prophet (ﷺ) start voluntary prayers?’ She said: ‘You have asked me about something which no one has asked before. He used to say Allahu Akbar ten times, and Al-Hamdu Lillah ten times and Subhan Allah ten times, and he would say Allahumma aghfirli wahdini, warzuqni, wa ‘afini (O Allah, forgive me, guide me, grant me provision and give me good health),” and he would seek refuge from the difficulty of the standing on the Day of Resurrection.” It was narrated that Abu Salamah bin `Abdur-Rahman said: “I asked `Aishah: ‘With what did the Prophet (ﷺ) start his voluntary prayers?’ She said: ‘He would say: “Allahumma Rabba Jibra’il wa Mika’il wa Israfil, Fatiras-samawati wal-ard, `alimal-ghaybi wash- shahadah, Anta tahkumu baina `ibadika fima kanu fihi yakhtalifun, ihdini lima-khtulifa fihi minal-haqqi bi idhnika, innaka latahdi ila siratin mustaqim (O Allah, Lord of Jibra’il, Mika’il and Israfil, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You judge between Your slaves concerning that wherein they differ. Guide me to the disputed matters of truth by Your Leave, for You are the One Who guides to the straight Path).” (One of the narrators) `Abdur-Rahman bin `Umar said: “Bear in mind the word Jibra’il with a Hamzah - this is how it was narrated from the Prophet (ﷺ).” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said, and this is the Hadith of Abu Bakr. “During the period after he finished the ‘Isha’ prayer until the Fajr, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray eleven Rak’ah, saying the Salam after each two Rak’ah and praying Witr with one Rak’ah. He would prostrate for as long as it takes anyone of you to recite fifty Verses before he would raise his head. When the Mu’adh-dhin fell silent after the first Adhan for the Subh prayer, he would get up and pray two brief Rak’ah.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray thirteen Rak’ah at night.” It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray nine Rak’ah at night. It was narrated that ‘Amir Ash-Sha’bi said: “I asked ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas and ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar about the Prophet’s prayer at night. They said: ‘(He prayed) thirteen Rak’ah, including eight, and three for Witr, and two Rak’ah after the Fajr.’” It was narrated that Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani said: “I said, I must observe how the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prays tonight. So I lay down at his door. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) got up and prayed two brief Rak’ah, then two long ones, which were very, very long, then two Rak’ah which were shorter than the ones preceding them, then two Rak’ah which were shorter than the ones preceding them, then two Rak’ah which were shorter than the ones preceding them, then two Rak’ah, then Witr. That was thirteen Rak’ah.” It was narrated from Kuraib, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Abbas, that Ibn ‘Abbas told him that he slept at the house of Maimunah, the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ), who was his maternal aunt. He said: “I lay down across the pillow and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and his wife were laying along it. The Prophet (ﷺ) slept until midnight, or a little before, or a little after. The Prophet (ﷺ) woke up and began to rub the sleep from his face with his hand. Then he recited the last ten Verses of Surah Al ‘Imran. Then he got up and went to a water skin that was hanging up and performed ablution from it, and he performed ablution well, then he stood up and prayed.” ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas said: “I stood up and did what he had done, then I went and stood beside him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) put his right hand on my head, took hold of my right ear and tweaked it. Then he prayed two Rak’ah, then two Rak’ah, then two Rak’ah, then two Rak’ah, then two Rak’ah, then two Rak’ah, then he prayed Witr. Then he lay down until the Mu’adh-dhin came to him and he prayed two brief Rak’ah, then he went out to pray.” It was narrated that ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah said: “I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, who became a Muslim with you?’ He said: ‘A free man and a slave.’ I said: ‘Is there any hour of the night that is closer to Allah than another?’ He said: ‘Yes, the last half of the night.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to sleep during the first part of the night and stay awake during the latter part.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Our Lord, the Blessed and Exalted, descends when one third of the night remains, every night and He says: ‘Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’ until dawn comes.” Hence they used to prefer voluntary prayers at the end of the night rather than at the beginning. It was narrated that Rifa’ah Al-Juhani said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah provides respite until, when half or two thirds of the night had passed, He says: “My slave does not ask of anyone other than Me. Whoever calls upon Me, I will answer him; whoever asks of Me, I will give him; whoever asks My forgiveness, I will forgive him,” until dawn comes.’” It was narrated that Abu Mas`ud said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites the last two Verses of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, that will be sufficient for him.” In his narration (one of the narrators) Hafs said: “`Abdur-Rahman said: ‘I met Abu Mas`ud when he was performing Tawaf, and he narrated this to me.’” It was narrated from Abu Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites the last two Verses of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, that will be sufficient for him.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘If anyone of you becomes drowsy, let him sleep until he feels refreshed, for he does not know, if he prays when he feels drowsy, he may want to say words seeking forgiveness but (instead) he ends up cursing himself.’” It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered the mosque and saw a rope tied between two pillars. He said, “What is this rope?” They said: “It belongs to Zainab. She prays here and when she gets tired she holds on to it.” He said: “Untie it, untie it; let any one of you pray when he has energy, if he gets tired let him sit down.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you gets up to pray at night, and his tongue stumbles over the words of the Qur’an, and he does not know what he is saying, let him lie down.” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever prays twenty Rak’ah between Maghrib and ‘Isha’, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever prays six Rak’ah after the Maghrib and does not speak evil between them, they will be made equivalent to twelve years’ worship.’” It was narrated that ‘Asim bin ‘Amr said: “A group from the people of ‘Iraq came to ‘Umar and when they came to him, he said to them: ‘Where are you from?’ They said: ‘From the inhabitants of ‘Iraq.’ He said: ‘Have you come with permission?’ They said: ‘Yes.’ Then they asked him about a man’s prayer in his house. ‘Umar said: ‘I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he said: “As for a man’s prayer in his house, it is light, so illuminate your houses.’”” Another chain with similar wording. It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you has finished his prayer, let him give his house a share of that, for Allah will put something good in his house because of that prayer.” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Do not make your houses into graves.’” ‘Abdullah bin Sa’d said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): ‘Which is better prayer in my house or prayer in the mosque?’ He said: ‘Do you not see how close my house is to the mosque?’ But praying in my house is dearer to me than praying in the mosque, apart from the prescribed prayers.’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Harith said: “During the caliphate of ‘Uthman, when the people were present in large numbers, I asked about Duha prayer, and I could not find anyone who could tell me that he, meaning the Prophet (ﷺ), had prayed it, apart from Umm Hani’. She told me that he had prayed it with eight Rak’ah.” It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Whoever prays Duha with twelve Rak’ah, Allah will build for him a palace of gold in Paradise.’” Mu’adhah Al-‘Adawiyyah said: “I asked ‘Aishah: ‘Did the Prophet (ﷺ) pray Duha?’ She said: ‘Yes; four (Rak’ah) and he would add whatever Allah willed.’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever regularly prays two Rak’ah of Duha, his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.’” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us Istikharah, just as he used to teach us a Surah of the Qur’an. He said: ‘If anyone of you is deliberating about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two Rak’ah of non- obligatory prayer, then say: Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi ‘ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as’aluka min fadlikal-‘azim, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdir, wa ta’lamu wa la a’lam, wa Anta ‘allamul-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu hadhal-amra (then the matter should be mentioned by name) ma kan min shay’in khairan li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri, aw khairanli fi ‘ajili amri wa ajilihi, faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li wa barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta’lamu [O Allah, I seek Your guidance (in making a choice) by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (then it should be mentioned by name) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood and my affairs, or both in this world and in the Hereafter then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge]. Then saying similar to what he said the first time, except: Wa in kana sharran li fasrifhu ‘anni wasrifni ‘anhu waqdur li al-khair haithuma kana thumma raddini bihi (If it is bad for me then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it).’” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Abi Awfa Al-Aslami said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out to us and said: ‘Whoever has some need from Allah or from any of His creation, let him perform ablution and pray two Rak’ah, then let him say: La ilaha illallahul-Halimul- Karim. Subhan-Allahi Rabbil-‘arshil-‘azim. Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin. Allahumma inni as’aluka mujibat rahmatika, wa ‘aza’ima maghfiratika, wal-ghanimata min kulli birrin, was-salamata min kulli ithmnin. As’aluka alla tada’a li dhanban illa ghafartahu, wa la hamman illa farrajtahu, wa la hajah hiya laka ridan illa qadaitaha li (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Forbearing, the Most Generous. Glory is to Allah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. Praise is to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. O Allah, I ask You for the means of Your mercy and forgiveness, the benefit of every good deed and safety from all sins. I ask You not to leave any sin of mine but You forgive it, or any distress but You relieve it, or any need that is pleasing to You but You meet it). Then he should ask Allah for whatever he wants in this world and in the Hereafter, for it is decreed.” It was narrated from ‘Uthman bin Hunaif that a blind man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: “Pray to Allah to heal me.” He said: “If you wish to store your reward for the Hereafter, that is better, or if you wish, I will supplicate for you.” He said: “Supplicate.” So he told him to perform ablution and do it well, and to pray two Rak’ah, and to say this supplication: “Allahumma inni as’aluka wa atawajjahu ilaika bimuhammadin nabiyyir-rahmah. Ya Muhammadu inni qad tawajjahtu bika ila rabbi fi hajati hadhihi lituqda. Allahumma fashaffi’hu fiya (O Allah, I ask of You and I turn my face towards You by virtue of the intercession of Muhammad the Prophet of mercy. O Muhammad, I have turned to my Lord by virtue of your intercession concerning this need of mine so that it may be met. O Allah, accept his intercession concerning me)”. It was narrated that Abu Rafi’ said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to ‘Abbas: ‘O uncle, shall I not give you a gift, shall I not benefit you, shall I not uphold my ties of kinship with you?’ He said: ‘Of course, O Messenger of Allah.’ He said: ‘Pray four Rak’ah, and recite in each Rak’ah the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatihah) and a Surah. When you have finished reciting, say: Subhan-Allah wal-hamdu Lillah wa la ilaha illallah wa Allahu Akbar (Glory is to Allah, praise is to Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Allah is the Most Great) fifteen times before you bow in Ruku’. Then bow and say it ten times; then raise your head and say it ten times; then prostrate and say it ten times; then raise your head and say it ten times; then prostrate and say it ten times; then raise your head and say it ten times before you stand up. That wil be seventy-five times in each Rak’ah and three hundred times in the four Rak’ah, and even if your sins are like the grains of sand, Allah will forgive you for them.’ He said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what if someone cannot say it in one day?’ He said: ‘Then say it once in a week; if you cannot, then say it once in a month’ until he said: ‘Once in a year.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to ‘Abbas bin ‘Abdul-Muttalib: ‘O ‘Abbas, O my uncle, shall I not give you a gift, shall I not give you something, shall I not tell you of something which, if you do it, will expiate for ten types of sins? If you do them, Allah will forgive you your sins, the first and the last of them, the old and the new, the unintentional and the deliberate, the minor and the major, the secret and the open, ten types of sin. Pray four Rak’ah, and recite in each Rak’ah the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatihah) and a Surah. When you have finished reciting in the first Rak’ah, while you are standing, say: Subhan-Allah wal- hamdu Lillah wa la ilaha illallah wa Allahu Akbar (Glory if to Allah, praise is to Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Allah is the Most Great) fifteen times. Then bow and say it ten times while you are bowing. Then raise your head from Ruku’ and say it ten times. Then go into prostration and say it ten times while you are prostrating. Then raise your head from prostration and say it ten times. Then prostrate and say it ten times. Then raise your head from prostration and say it ten times. That will be seventy-five times in each Rak’ah. Do that in all four Rak’ah. If you can pray it once each day then do so. If you cannot, then once each week; if you cannot, then once each month. If you cannot, then once in your lifetime.’” It was narrated that ‘Ali bin Abu Talib said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When it is the night of the middle of Sha’ban, spend its night in prayer and observe a fast on that day. For Allah descends at sunset on that night to the lowest heaven and says: ‘Is there no one who will ask Me for forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is there no one who will ask Me for provision, that I may provide for him? Is there no one who is afflicted by trouble, that I may relieve him?’ And so on, until dawn comes.’” It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “I missed the Prophet (ﷺ) one night, so I went out looking for him. I found him at Al-Baqi’, raising his head towards the sky. He said: ‘O ‘Aishah, were you afraid that Allah and His Messenger would wrong you?’” She said: “I said: ‘No, it is not that, but I thought that you had gone to one of your other wives.’ He said: ‘Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the lowest heaven, and He forgives more than the numbers of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb.’” It was narrated from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Allah looks down on the night of the middle of Sha’ban and forgives all His creation, apart from the idolater and the Mushahin.” Another chain from Abu Musa, from the Prophet (ﷺ) with similar wording. It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abu Awfa that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed two Rak’ah on the day when he was given the glad tidings of the head (death) of Abu Jahl. It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (ﷺ) was given glad tidings that a need of his had been met, and he fell down prostrate. It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Ka’b bin Malik that his father said that when Allah accepted his repentance, he fell down prostrate. It was narrated from Abu Bakrah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) heard news that made him happy, or for which one should be happy, he would fall down prostrate in gratitude to Allah, the Blessed and Exalted. It was narrated that ‘Ali bin Abu Talib said: “If I heard a Hadith from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Allah benefitted me with it as much as He willed, and if I heard it from anyone else, I would ask him to swear me an oath, then if he swore an oath I would believe him. Abu Bakr told me and Abu Bakr spoke the truth that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There is no man who commits a sin then he performs ablution and does it well, then he prays two Rak’ah,’ (one of the narrators) Mis’ar said: ‘then performs prayer and seeks the forgiveness of Allah, but Allah will forgive him.’ It was narrated from ‘Asim bin Sufyan Thaqafi that they went on the campaign of Salasil, but no battle took place; they only took up their positions. Then they came back to Mu’awiyah, and Abu Ayyub and ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amir were with him. ‘Asim said: “O Abu Ayyub, we have missed out on Jihad this year, and we were told that whoever prays in the four mosques will be forgiven his sins.” He said: “O son of my brother, shall I not tell you of something easier than that? I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Whoever performs ablution as he has been commanded, and prays as he has been commanded, will be forgiven his previous (bad) deeds.’” He said: “(Did he not say it) like that, O ‘Uqbah?” He said: “Yes.” ‘Uthman said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Do you think that if there was a river in the courtyard of anyone of you, and he bathed in it five times each day, would there be any dirt left on him?’ They said: ‘(There would be) nothing.’ He said: ‘Prayer takes away sins like water takes away dirt.’” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that a man did something with a woman that was less than adultery; I do not know how far it went, but it was less than adultery. He went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and told him about that. Then Allah revealed the words: “And perform the prayer, at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful.” [11:114] He said: “O Messenger of Allah, is this only for me?” He said: “It is for everyone who acts upon it.” It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah enjoined fifty prayers upon my nation, and I came back with that until I came to Musa. Musa said: ‘What has your Lord enjoined upon your nation?’ I said: ‘He has enjoined fifty prayers on me.’ He said: ‘Go back to your Lord, for your nation will not be able to do that.’ So I went back to my Lord, and He reduced it by half. I went back to Musa and told him, and he said: ‘Go back to your Lord, for your nation will not be able to do that.’ So I went back to my Lord, and He said: ‘They are five and they are fifty; My Word does not change.’ So I went back to Musa and he said: ‘Go back to your Lord.’ I said: ‘I feel shy before my Lord.’” It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “Your Prophet (ﷺ) was enjoined to do fifty prayers but he returned to your Lord to make (i.e., reduce) them to five prayers.” It was narrated that ‘Ubadah bin Samit said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Five prayers that Allah has enjoined upon His slaves, so whoever does them, and does not omit anything out of negligence, on the Day of Resurrection Allah will make a covenant with him that He will admit him to Paradise. But whoever does them but omits something from them out of negligence, will not have such a covenant with Allah; if He wills He will punish him, and if He wills, He will forgive him.’” It was narrated from Sharik bin ‘Abdullah bin Abu Namir that he heard Anas bin Malik say: “While we were sitting in the mosque, a man entered riding a camel; he made it kneel in the mosque, then he hobbled it and said to them: ‘Which of you is Muhammad?’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was reclining among them, so they said: ‘This fair- skinned man who is reclining.’ The man said to him: ‘O son of ‘Abdul- Muttalib!’ The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘I am listening to you.’ The man said: O Muhammad! I am asking you and will be stern in asking, so do not bear any ill-feelings towards me.’ He said: ‘Ask whatever you think.’ The man said: ‘I adjure you by your Lord and the Lord of those who came before you, has Allah sent you to all of mankind?’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘By Allah, yes.; He said: ‘I adjure you by Allah, has Allah commanded you to pray the five prayers each day and night?’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘By Allah, yes.’ He said: ‘I adjure you by Allah, has Allah commanded you to fast this month of each year?’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘By Allah, yes.’ He said: ‘I adjure you by Allah, has Allah commanded you to take this charity from our rich and distribute it among our poor?’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘By Allah, yes.’ The man said: ‘I believe in what you have brought, and I am the envoy of my people who are behind me. I am Dimam bin Tha’labah, the brother of Banu Sa’d bin Bakr.’” Sa’eed bin Musayyab said that Abu Qatadah bin Rib’i told him that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Allah said: ‘I have enjoined on your nation five prayers, and I have made a covenant with Myself that whoever maintains them, I will admit them to Paradise, and whoever does not maintain them, has no such covenant with Me.’” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “One prayer in this mosque of mine is better than a thousand prayers anywhere else, except The Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram).” (Another chain) from Abu Hurairah from the Prophet (ﷺ) with similar wording. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “One prayer in this mosque of mine is better than one thousand prayers in any other mosque except the Sacred Mosque.” It was narrated from Jabir that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except the Sacred Mosque, and one prayer in the Sacred Mosque is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.” It was narrated that Maimunah the freed (female) slave of the Prophet (ﷺ) said: I said: “O Messenger of Allah, tell us about Baitil- Maqdis.” He said: “It is the land of the Resurrection and the Gathering. Go and pray there, for one prayer there is like one thousand prayers elsewhere.” I said: “What if I cannot travel and go there?” He said: “Then send a gift of oil to light its lamps, for whoever does that is like one who goes there.” It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When Sulaiman bin Dawud finished building Baitil-Maqdis, he asked Allah for three things: judgment that was in harmony with His judgment, a dominion that no one after him would have, and that no one should come to this mosque, intending only to pray there, but he would emerge free of sin as the day his mother bore him.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Two prayers were granted, and I hope that the third was also granted.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “No one should prepare a mount (travel) to visit any mosque except three: the Sacred Mosque, this mosque of mine, and Aqsa Mosque.” It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed and ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin ‘As that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Do not prepare a mount (travel) to visit any mosque except three: the Sacred Mosque, Aqsa Mosque, and this mosque of mine.” Abul-Abrad, the freed slave of Banu Khatmah, said that he heard Usaid bin Zuhair Ansari who was one of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) narrating that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “One prayer in the Quba’ Mosque is like ‘Umrah.” (Sahl) bin Hunaif said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever purifies himself in his house, then comes to the Quba’ Mosque and offers one prayer therein, will have a reward like that for ‘Umrah.” It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘A man’s prayer in his house is equal (in reward) to one prayer; his prayer in the mosque of the tribes is equal to twenty-five prayers; his prayer in the mosque in which Friday prayer is offered is equal to five-hundred prayers; his prayer in Aqsa Mosque is equal to fifty thousand prayers; his prayer in my mosque is equal to fifty thousand prayers; and his prayer in the Sacred Mosque is equal to one hundred thousand prayers.” It was narrated from Tufail bin Ubayy bin Ka’b that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray facing the trunk of a date- palm tree when the mosque was still a hut, and he used to deliver the sermon leaning on that trunk. A man from among his Companions said: ‘Would you like us to make you something upon which you can stand on Fridays so that the people will be able to see you and hear your sermon?’ He said: ‘Yes.’ So he made three steps for him, as a pulpit. When they put the pulpit in place, they put it in the place where it stands now. When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) wanted to stand on the pulpit, he passed by the tree trunk from which he used to deliver the sermon, and when he went beyond the trunk, it moaned and split and cracked. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came down when he heard the voice of the trunk, and rubbed it with his hand until it fell silent. Then he went back to the pulpit and when he prayed, he prayed facing it. When the mosque was knocked down (for renovation) and (the pillars, etc.) were changed, Ubayy bin Ka’b took that trunk and kept it in his house until it became very old and the termites consumed it and it became grains of dust.” It was narrated from Anas that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to deliver the sermon leaning on a tree trunk. When he started to use the pulpit, he went to the pulpit, and the trunk made a sorrowful sound. So he came to it and embraced it, and it calmed down. He said: “If I had not embraced it, it would have continued to grieve until the Day of Resurrection.” It was narrated that Abu Hazim said: “The people differed concerning the pulpit of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and what it was made of. So they came to Sahl bin Sa’d and asked him. He said: ‘There is no one left who knows more about that than I. It is made of tamarisk (a type of tree) from Ghabah. It was made by so-and-so, the freed slave of so- and-so (a woman), (who was) a carpenter. He brought it and he (the Prophet (ﷺ)) stood on it when it was put in position. He faced the Qiblah and the people stood behind him. He recited Qur’an, then bowed and raised his head, then he moved backwards until he prostrated on the ground, then he went back to the pulpit and recited Qur’an, then bowed and raised his head, then he moved backwards until he prostrated on the ground.” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to stand by the root of a tree, or by a tree trunk, then he started to use a pulpit. The tree trunk made a grieving sound.” Jabir said: “So that the people in the mosque could hear it. Until the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to it and rubbed it, and it calmed down. Some of them said: ‘If he had not come to it, it would have grieved until the Day of Resurrection.’” It was narrated from Abu Wa’il that ‘Abdullah said: “I prayed one night with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he kept standing until I thought of doing something bad.” I said: “What was that?”He said: “I thought of sitting down and leaving him.” It was narrated from Ziyad bin ‘Ilaqah that he heard Mughirah say: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood (in prayer) until his feet became swollen. It was said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, Allah has forgiven you your past and future sins.’ He said: ‘Should I not be a thankful slave?’” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pray until his feet became swollen. It was said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, Allah has forgiven you your past and future sins.’ He said: ‘Should I not be a thankful slave?’” It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked: ‘Which prayer is best?’ He said: ‘That with the longer Qunut.’” It was narrated from Kathir bin Murrah that Abu Fatimah told him: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Tell me of a deed that I can adhere to and act upon.’ He said: “You should prostrate, for you will not prostrate to Allah but He will raise you in status one degree thereby and erase from you one sin.” Ma’dan bin Abu Talhah Al-Ya’muri said: “I met Thawban and said to him: ‘Tell me a Hadith that Allah may benefit me thereby.’ But he remained silent. Then I said the same and he remained silent. That happened three times. Then he said to me: ‘You should prostrate to Allah; for I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “No one prostrates to Allah but Allah will raise him one degree in status thereby and will erase one of his sins.” Ma’dan said: “Then I met Abu Darda’ and asked him the same question, and he gave a similar answer.” It was narrated from ‘Ubadah bin Samit that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “No one prostrates to Allah but Allah will record one Hasanah (good reward) for him, and will erase thereby one bad deed and raise him in status one degree. So prostrate a great deal.” It was narrated that Anas bin Hakim Dabbi said: “Abu Hurairah said to me: ‘When you go to your country, tell them that I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “The first thing for which the Muslim will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be the prescribed prayers. If they are complete, all well and good, otherwise it will be said: ‘Look and see whether he has any voluntary prayers.’ If he has any voluntary prayers, his prescribed prayers will be completed from his voluntary prayers. Then the same will be done with regard to all his obligatory deeds.” It was narrated from Tamim Dari that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayer. If it is complete, then the voluntary (prayers) will also be recorded for him (as an increase). If it is not complete then Allah will say to His angels: ‘Look and see whether you find any voluntary prayers for My slave, and take them to make up what is lacking from his obligatory prayers.’ Then all his deeds will be reckoned in like manner.” It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Is anyone of you incapable, when he prays, of stepping forwards or backwards, or to his right or left?” meaning in order to offer a voluntary prayer. It was narrated from Al-Mughirah bin Shu’bah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Imam should not pray in the place where he offered the obligatory prayer, until he moves aside.” Another chain from Mughirah, from the Prophet (ﷺ) with similar wording. It was narrated that ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Shibl said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade three things: Pecking like a crow, spreading (the forearms) like a beast of prey, and a man having a place in the mosque in which he usually offers the prayer, like a camel has a place to which it usually goes.” It was narrated from Yazid bin Abu ‘Ubaid that Salamah bin Al-Akwa’ used to offer the Duha prayer, and he would come to the pillar that was near the Mushaf. I said to him: “Why do you not pray over there?” And I pointed to some corner of the mosque. He said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) seeking out this place.” It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Sa’ib said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) praying on the Day of the Conquest, and he put his shoes on his left.” It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Keep your shoes on your feet. If you take them off then place them between your two feet; do not place them to your right, or to the right of your companions, or behind you, for they may annoy whoever is behind you.’”