The Aqeedah and Manhaj of AhlusSunnah wal Jamah

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Month: September 2014

Excellence of Standing in Prayer at Night

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Chapter 212
Excellence of Standing in Prayer at Night

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And in some parts of the night (also) perform the Salat (prayer) with it (i.e., recite the Qur’an in the prayer) as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer – Nawafil) for you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)). It may be that your Rubb will raise you to Maqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory, i.e., the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection).” (17:79)

“Their sides forsake their beds…” (32:16)

“They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Rubb (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope].” (51:17)

1160. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) kept standing (in prayer) so long that the skin of his feet would crack. I asked him: “Why do you do this, while you have been forgiven of your former and latter sins?” He said, “Should I not be a grateful slave of Allah?”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1161. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited me and Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with her)  one night and said, “Do you not observe prayer (at night)?”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1162.  Salim bin `Abdullah bin `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) reported, on the authority of his father, that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “What an excellent man `Abdullah is! If only he could perform optional prayers at night.” Salim said that after this, (his father) `Abdullah slept very little at night.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1163.  `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Do not be like so-and-so O `Abdullah! He used to pray during the night, then stopped the practice.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1164.  `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Mention was made before the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) of a man who slept throughout the night till morning. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) remarked, “He is a man in whose ears Satan urinated.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].n

1165. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When any one of you sleeps, Satan ties three knots at the back of his neck. He recites this incantation at every knot: `You have a long night, so sleep.’ If he awakes and remembers Allah, one knot is loosened. If he performs Wudu’, the (second) knot is loosened; and if he performs prayer, (all) knots are loosened. He begins his morning in a happy and refreshed mood; otherwise, he gets up in bad spirits and sluggish state.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1166.  `Abdullah bin Salam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O people, promote the greetings, feed (the poor and needy) and perform Salat when others are asleep so that you will enter Jannah safely.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1167.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best month for observing Saum (fasting) after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night.”
[Muslim].

1168.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Salat during the night should consist of pairs of but if you fear that morning is near, then pray one Rak`ah as Witr.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1169.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performed the night prayer in pairs (i.e., Rak`ah) and made it odd number by observing one Rak`ah (as Witr).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1170.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to leave off observing Saum (fasting) during a month until we thought that he would not observe Saum at all during it; and (sometimes) he would observe Saum till we began to think that he would not omit any day of that month. If one wished to see him performing Salat during the night, he could do that; and if one wished to see him sleeping at night, he could do that.
[Al-Bukhari].

1171.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform eleven Rak`ah (of Tahajjud) prayers at night. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would prostrate so long as one of you might recite fifty Ayat (of the Qur’an). Thereafter, he would perform two Rak`ah before Fajr prayers and would lie down on his right side till the Mu’adhdhin would come and inform him about the time of (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1172.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not observe more than eleven Rak`ah (of Tahajjud prayers), be in Ramadan or any other month. First of all he would perform four Rak`ah. Ask not about their excellence and their length. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then perform four more Rak`ah; and do not ask about their excellence and their length. Then he would perform three Rak`ah (Witr prayer). (`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) added) I submitted: “O Messenger of Allah! Do you sleep before performing the Witr prayer?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O `Aishah! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1173.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would sleep during the early part of night and stand in Salat during the latter part.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1174.  Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One night I joined the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in his (optional) Salat. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prolonged the Qiyam (standing) so much that I made up my mind to commit an act of wrong. He was questioned: “What did you intend to do?‘‘ He replied: “I intended to sit down and stop following him (in Salat).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1175.  Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I performed Salat with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) one night, and he started reciting Surat Al-Baqarah. I thought that he would go in Ruku` (bowing posture in Salat) at the end of one hundred Ayat, but he continued (reciting); and I thought that he would perhaps recite (this Surah) in the whole Rak`ah (prayer), but he continued the recitation; I thought he would perhaps bow on completing (this Surah). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then started reciting Surat An-Nisa’ which he followed with Surat Al-Imran. He recited leisurely. When he recited an Ayah which mentioned the tasbeeh, he would say Subhan Allah and when he recited the Ayah which tells how the Rubb is to be asked, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then ask from Him; and when he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited an Ayah asking one to seek Protection Allah, he would seek Protection of Allah. Then he bowed and said, “Subhana Rabbiyal-Azim (My Rubb the Great is free from imperfection)”; his bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing, (and then on returning to the standing posture after Ruku`) he would say, “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal-hamd (Allah listens to him who praises Him. Praise be to You, Our Rubb!),” and he would then stand about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He would then prostrate himself and say, “Subhana Rabbiyal-A`la (My Rubb the Supreme is free from imperfection),” and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing (Qiyam).
[Muslim].

1176.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “Which Salat is the best?” He replied, ” The best Salat is that in which Qiyam (the duration of standing) is longer.”
[Muslim].

1177.  `Abdullah bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Salat which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud; and As-Saum (the fasting) which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, get up to perform Salat for one-third of it, then sleep through the remaining one-sixth of it; and he used to observe Saum on alternative days.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1178.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Every night there is a special time during which whatever a Muslim asks Allah of any good relating to this life or the Hereafter, it will be granted to him; and this moment comes every night.”
[Muslim].

1179.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you gets up at night to perform (Tahajjud) prayer, let him start Salat with two short Rak`ah.”
[Muslim].

1180.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) stood for Salat at night, he would start his prayer with two brief Rak`ah.
[Muslim].

1181.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) missed his night (Tahajjud) Salat because of indisposition or the like, he would perform twelve Rak`ah during the day.

[Muslim].

1182.  `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “If anyone falls asleep and therefore fails to observe his Hizb (share) or part of it, if he observes it between the Fajr and the Zuhr prayers, it will be recorded for him as though he had observed it during the night.”
[Muslim].

1183.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May Allah show mercy to a man who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens his wife to pray and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face (to make her get up). May Allah show mercy to a woman who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens her husband for the same purpose; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.”
[Abu Dawud].

1184.  Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a man awakens his wife during the night and they both perform two Rak`ah Salat together, they are recorded among the men and women who celebrate remembrance of Allah.”
[Abu Dawud].

1185.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you dozes off while performing Salat, he should lie down till his drowsiness has gone away from him. When one of you performs Salat while dozing, he may abuse himself instead of seeking pardon (as a result of drowsiness).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1186. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you stands up for Salat at night and finds it difficult to recite the Qur’an accurately and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should go back to sleep.”
[Muslim].

The Desirability of Prostrating out of Gratitude

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Chapter 211
The Desirability of Prostrating out of Gratitude

1159. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We left Makkah with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) for Al-Madinah, and when we were near `Azwara,’ he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) alighted (from his riding-camel) raised his hands in supplication to Allah for a while and prostrated himself. He remained for a long time in prostration. Then he stood up and raised his hands for a while, after which he prostrated himself (again), and remained for a long time in prostration. Then he stood up and raised his hands for a while, after which he prostrated himself for the third time. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I supplicated my Rubb and made intercession for my Ummah, and He granted me one-third of them. So I again prostrated myself in gratitude to my Rubb. Then I raised my head and supplicated my Rubb for my Ummah, and He granted me another third of them. Again I raised my head and supplicated my Rubb for my Ummah and He granted me the last third of them. So I fell into prostration out of gratitude before my Rubb.”
[Abu Dawud].

The Excellence of Friday Prayer

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Chapter 210
The Excellence of Friday Prayer

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Then when the (Jumu`ah) Salat is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah (by working), and remember Allah much: that you may be successful.” (62:10)

1147. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best day on which the sun has  risen is Friday. On that day Adam was created, he was admitted to Jannah, and he was expelled therefrom.”
[Muslim].

1148. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone performs Wudu’ properly, then comes to the Friday prayer, listens to the Khutbah (religious talk) attentively and keeps silent, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven, with the addition of three more days; but he who touches pebbles has caused an interruption. ”
[Muslim].

1149. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The five daily (prescribed) Salat, and Friday (prayer) to the next Friday (prayer), and the fasting of Ramadan to the next Ramadan, is expiation of the sins committed in between them, so long as major sins are avoided.”
[Muslim].

1150. Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying (while delivering Khutbah on his wooden pulpit), “Either some people (i.e., hypocrites) stop neglecting the Friday prayers, or Allah will seal their hearts and they will be among the heedless.”
[Muslim].

1151. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you intends to come for the Friday prayer, he should take a bath.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1152. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Taking a bath (before coming to Friday prayers) is obligatory on every adult.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1153. Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It suffices to perform Wudu’ properly for the Friday prayer; but it is better to take a bath.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1154. Salman (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If a man takes bath on Friday, (or) purifies himself as much as he can with Wudu’, oils his hair, applies whatever perfume available in his house, sets forth for the mosque, does not separate two people (to make a seat for himself), performs Salat what is prescribed for him, remains silent when the Imam speaks, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1155. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who takes a bath on Friday, like the bath for ceremonial purity, and then goes (to the mosque), he is like one who offers a camel as a sacrifice to seek the Pleasure of Allah; and he who comes at the second hour is like one who offers a cow to win the Pleasure of Allah; and he who comes at the third hour is like one who offers a ram with horns (in sacrifice); and he who comes at the fourth hour is like one who offers a hen; and he who comes at the fifth hour is like one who offers an egg. And when the Imam ascends the pulpit, the angels (who write the names of those who come to the mosque before the coming of the Imam) close (their record) in order to listen to the Khutbah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1156. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said while talking about the merits of Friday, “There is a time on Friday at which a Muslim, while he (or she) is performing Salat and is supplicating, will be granted whatever he (or she) is supplicating for.” And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) pointed with his hand to indicate that this period of time is very short.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1157. Abu Burdah bin Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said to me: “Did you hear your father narrating something from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) about the special moment during Friday?” I said: “Yes, I heard him report from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): `It occurs between the time when the Imam sits down (on the pulpit after the first Khutbah) and the time Salat is over.”’
[Muslim].

1158. Aus bin Aus (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Among the best of your days is Friday. On that day pray to Allah to exalt my mention frequently, for your such supplications are presented to me.”
[Abu Dawud].

The Excellence of Performing two Rak’ah of Voluntary Prayer afterAblution

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Chapter 209
The Excellence of Performing two Rak’ah of Voluntary Prayer after Ablution

1146. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him) “Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e., one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in Jannah.” Bilal said: “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make Wudu’ (or took a bath) in an hour of night or day, I would immediately perform Salat (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to perform.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Inducement to Perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Mosque)

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Chapter 208
Inducement to Perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Mosque)

1144. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you enters the mosque, he should perform two Rak`ah (of voluntary prayer) before sitting.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1145. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he was in the mosque, and he said to me, “Perform two Rak`ah prayer.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Time for the Duha (Forenoon Optional) Prayer

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Chapter 207
Time for the Duha (Forenoon Optional) Prayer

1143. Zaid bin Arqam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw some people performing Duha (prayers) in the early forenoon and warned them (saying): These people must know that performing Salat a little later is better. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Salat of the penitent is to be observed when the young ones of camels feel the heat of the sun (i.e., when it becomes very hot).”
[Muslim].

Merit of the (Optional) Duha (Forenoon) Prayer

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Merit of the (Optional) Duha (Forenoon) Prayer

1139. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My Khalil (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) directed me to fast three days of each month, and to observe two Rak`ah Duha (optional prayer) at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1140. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of everyone of you. Every utterance of Allah’s Glorification (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Praise (i.e., saying Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e., saying La ilaha illAllah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M`aruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two Rak`ah Duha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward).”
[Muslim].

1141. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah of Duha prayer (at the forenoon) and would add to them whatever Allah wished.
[Muslim].

1142. Umm Hani, daughter of Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I went to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) on the day of the conquest of Makkah. He was taking a bath at that time. When he finished the bath, he performed eight Rak`ah (of optional) prayers. This was during the Duha (forenoon).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Witr Prayer, its Time and Ruling

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Chapter 205
Witr Prayer, its Time and Ruling

1132. `Ali (bin Abu Talib) (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Witr prayer is not obligatory as the prescribed Salat (prayers), but the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) observed it as his regular practice (Sunnah). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah is Witr (single, odd) and loves what is Witr. So perform Witr prayer. O followers of Qur’an, observe Witr (prayer).”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

1133. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) observed Witr prayer in every part of night at the beginning, middle and at the last part. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), however, would finish his Witr prayer before dawn.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1134. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Make Witr prayer the last of your Salat at night.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1135. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Perform Witr prayer before dawn.”
[Muslim].

1136.`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform his voluntary prayer at night (i.e., Tahajjud prayer) while she was sleeping in front of him; and when the Witr prayer was yet to be observed, he would awaken her to perform her Witr prayer.
[Muslim].

1137. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Hasten to perform the Witr prayer before dawn.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1138. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who apprehends that he may not get up in the later part of the night, should observe the Witr prayer in the first part of it; and he who is certain to get up in the last part of it, he should observe Witr at the end of the night, because Salat at the end of the night is attended (by the angels), and that is better.”
[Muslim].

Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home

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Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home

1128. Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O people! perform your (voluntary) Salat (prayers) in your homes because the best Salat of a man is the one he performs at home, except the obligatory Salat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1129. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Observe part of the [Nawafil (voluntary)] Salat (prayers) in your homes. Do not turn your homes into graves.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1130. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When you have finished your (Fard) Salat (prayer) in the mosque, you should observe some of your (Sunnah and Nawafil) Salat at home; Allah will bless your homes because of your Salat (in your homes).”
[Muslim]

1131. `Umar bin `Ata reported that Nafi` bin Jubair sent him to Sa’ib bin Ukht Namir to ask him about something that Mu`awiyah had seen him doing in Salat (prayer). He said: “Yes, I performed the Friday prayer along with him in the enclosure (Maqsurah), and when the Imam concluded the Salat with Taslim, I stood up in my place and performed the Sunnah prayer. When Mu`awiyah went home, he sent for me (and when I came) he said: “Never do again what you have done. When you have observed the Friday prayer, you must not start another Sunnah prayer till you have spoken to some one or have shifted your place; because the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) ordered us not to follow up the congregational Salat with any other Salat until we have talked (to some one) or moved from the place.”
[Muslim].

Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

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Chapter 202
Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

[Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) has narrated that he performed two Rak`ah after the Fard prayer of `Isha’ with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). `Abdullah bin Maghaffal has narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has said, “There is a Salat between every Takbir and Adhan.”

This proves that apart from the four Rak`ah Fard, there are also two Rak`ah Sunnah of the `Isha’ prayer). See Ahadith No. 1098 and 1099.

 

Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

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Chapter 201
Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

[In the previous chapter, the practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has been reported by `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) that he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah Sunnah after the obligatory Maghrib prayer].

1122. `Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Perform two Rak`ah before Maghrib prayer.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) repeated it twice; when repeating it for the third time he added: “He who may so wish.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1123. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the principal Companions of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) rushing to the pillars (of the mosque) to perform two Rak`ah prayers behind them before the Maghrib prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1124. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: In the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), we used to perform two Rak`ah (optional prayer) after sunset before the Maghrib prayer. It was asked: “Did Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) perform them?” He replied: “He saw us performing it, but he neither ordered us to perform them nor did he forbid us from doing so.”
[Muslim].

1125. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we were in Al-Madinah, the moment the Mu’adhdhin finished the Adhan of the Maghrib prayer, the people hastened to the pillars of the mosque and performed two Rak`ah prayer behind them. A stranger coming into the mosque would think that the obligatory prayer had already been performed because of the number of people performing them.
[Muslim].

Sunnah of the ‘Asr Prayer

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Sunnah of the ‘Asr Prayer

1119. `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer, separating them with Taslim (i.e., offering blessings) on the favourite angels who are near Allah’s proximity and the Muslims and the believers who come after them.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1120. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May Allah have mercy on a man who performs four Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1121. `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah before the `Asr prayer.
[Abu Dawud].

Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer

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Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer

1113. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two Rak`ah before and two after Zuhr prayers.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1114. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never omitted four Rak`ah supererogatory prayer before Zuhr prayers.
[Al-Bukhari].

1115. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) stayed in my house, he would perform four Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer) before Zuhr prayer. Then he would go out and lead Salat. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then come back and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer). He would lead the Maghrib prayer and come back and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer). When he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had led the `Isha’ prayer, he would enter the house and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer).
[Muslim]

1116. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever observes the practice of performing four Rak`ah before Zuhr prayer and four after the Zuhr prayer, Allah will shield him against the Fire (of Hell).
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1117. `Abdullah bin As-Sa’ib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah prayer after the declining of the sun before Zuhr prayer and would say, “This is an hour at which the gates of heaven are opened, and I like that my good deeds should rise to heaven at that time.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1118. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) could not perform four Rak`ah before Zuhr prayer, he would perform them after it (i.e., after the obligatory prayer).
[At-Tirmidhi].

Desirability of Lying down on one’s right side after the Sunnah of FajrPrayer

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Desirability of Lying down on one’s right side after the Sunnah of Fajr Prayer

1110.`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had performed two Rak`ah before the Fajr prayer, he would lie down on his right side.
[Al-Bukhari].

1111. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) finished the `Isha prayer, he would perform eleven Rak`ah before the Fajr prayer, concluding each two Rak`ah with Taslim (i.e., saying As-Salamu `Alaikum) and observing the Witr (odd) at the end. When the Mu’adhdhin finished proclaiming Adhan for the Fajr prayer and it was dawn, he would rise and perform two short Rak`ah, and then would lie down on his right side till the Mu’adhdhin came to (inform) him about Iqamah.
[Muslim].

1112. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you has performed two of Sunnah before the Fajr prayer, he should lie down on his right side.”

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

 

Briefness to be Adopted in Performing the two Rak’ah Sunnah before FajrPrayer, their time and the Surah to recite in them

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their time and the Surah to recite in them

1104. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah short prayer between the Adhan (call to prayer) and the Iqamah of the dawn (Fajr) prayers.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two supererogatory Rak`ah prayer of Fajr and make them so short in duration that I used to think whether he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had recited Surat Al-Fatihah (in it) or not.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In the narration of Muslim, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to hear the Adhan (of Fajr prayer) he would perform two supererogatory Rak`ah prayer and would make them short.

1105. Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two short Rak`ah prayer when it was dawn and the Mu’adhdhin had called Adhan (for the Fajr prayer).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1106. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform his optional night prayers at night, two Rak`ah followed by two Rak`ah, and at the end he would conclude with an odd Rak`ah (Witr). Then he would perform two Rak`ah prayer before the dawn (Fajr) prayer after hearing the Adhan, and he would make them so brief as if he could hear the Iqamah being called.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1107. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to recite during the two Rak`ah of Fajr prayer: “Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us...” (2:136) which is in Surat Al-Baqarah in the first Rak`ah and the Verse: “We believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e., we submit to Allah.” (3:52) in the second Rak`ah.

According to another narration, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited from Surat Al-`Imran the Verses: “Come to a word which is just between us and you…” (3:64).
[Muslim].

1108. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited in the two supererogatory Rak`ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak`ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak`ah].
[Muslim].

1109.Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I observed the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) for one month reciting in the two supererogatory Rak`ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak`ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak`ah].
[At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) along with theObligatory Prayers

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Prayers

1097. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) the Mother of the Believers reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak`ah of optional Salat other than the obligatory Salat in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allah).”
[Muslim].

1098. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two Rak`ah of optional prayers before Zuhr and two after the Zuhr (noon prayer), and two after the Friday prayer, and two after the Maghrib (evening) prayer, and two after the `Isha’ (night) prayer.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1099.`Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is a Salat (prayer) between every Adhan and Iqamah; there is a Salat between every Adhan and Iqamah.” (While saying the same for the) third time (he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) added), “It is for him who desires (to perform it).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Standing in the First Row (In Salat)

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The Excellence of Standing in the First Row (In Salat)

1082. Jabir bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came out to us (once) and said, “Why do you not stand in rows as the angels do before their Rubb?” We asked: “O Messenger of Allah! how do the angels stand in rows before their Rubb?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “They complete each row beginning with the first and filling all the gaps.”
[Muslim].

1083. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If people came to know the blessing of calling Adhan and the standing in the first row, they could do nothing but would draw lots to secure these privileges.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1084.Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of the men’s rows (in Salat) is the first row and the worst is the last; but the best of the woman’s row is the last and the worst of their rows is the first.”
[Muslim].

1085. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) perceived a tendency among his Companions to stand in the back rows, he said to them, “Come forward and be close to me and let those who come after you, follow your lead. If people continue to fall behind (i.e., in acquiring virtues), Allah puts them behind.”
[Muslim].

1086. Abu Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to gently pat our shoulders when we were standing in rows at the time of Salat and say, “Keep (the rows) straight; do not differ from each other lest your hearts should suffer from discord. Let those of you who are mature and prudent be nearer to me, and then those who are next to them.”
[Muslim].

1087. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Keep your rows straight (during Salat in congregation), for keeping the rows straight is part of the perfection of Salat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1088. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Iqamah had been announced, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) turned his face towards us and said: “Make your rows straight and stand close together, for I can see you from behind my back.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1089. An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Straighten your rows; otherwise, Allah will create dissension among you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The narration in Muslim is: An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed us to keep our rows as straight as arrows. He continued stressing this until he realized that we had learnt it from him (recognized its significance). One day he came into the mosque and stood up. He was just about to say Takbir (Allah is  Greater) when he noticed a man whose chest was projected from the row, so he said, “O slaves of Allah, you must straighten your rows or Allah will certainly put your faces in opposite directions.”

1090. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to pass between the rows from one end to the other, touching our chest and shoulders (i.e., arranging the rows) in line and saying, “Do not be out of line; otherwise your hearts will be in disagreement”. He would add, “Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon the first rows.”
[Abu Dawud].

1091. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Arrange the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be accommodating to your brothers, and do not leave gaps for Satan. Whoever joins up a row, he will be joined to Allah (i.e., to the Mercy of Allah); and whoever cuts off a row, he will be cut off from Allah (i.e., from His Mercy).”
[Abu Dawud].

1092. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Stand close together in your rows, keep nearer to one another, and put your necks in line, for by Him in Whose Hands my soul is, I see the Satan entering through the opening in the row like Al-hadhaf (i.e., a type of small black sheep found in Yemen).”
[Abu Dawud].

1093. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Fill (complete) the first row, then the one next to it; and if there is any deficiency (incompleteness), it should be in the last row.”
[Abu Dawud].

1094.`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon those who are on the right side of the rows.”
[Abu Dawud].

1095. Al-Bara’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever we performed Salat behind the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), we liked to be on his right side so that his face might turn towards us (at the end of the Salat). One day, I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) supplicating, “O my Rubb! Shield me from Your Torment on the Day when You will gather (or said, `resurrect’) Your slaves.”
[Muslim].

1096. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Let the Imam stand in the middle (so that those praying behind him should be standing both on his right and his left) and close the gaps.”
[Abu Dawud].

Strict Orders for Observance of Obligatory Salat

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Strict Orders for Observance of Obligatory Salat

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Guard strictly (the five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e., the best prayer – `Asr).” (2:238)

“But if they repent and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat, then leave their way free.” (9:5)

1074. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Which act is the best?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “As-Salat at their fixed times.” I asked, “What next?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Being dutiful to parents.” I asked, “What next?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Striving (Jihad) in the way of Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1075. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Islam is based on five (pillars): testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that   Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger; performing of Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat); the payment of Zakat; performing Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House [of Allah (Ka`bah)]; and Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1076. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I have been commanded to fight against the people till they testify La ilaha illAllah (There is no true god except Allah) and that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger, and to establish As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and to pay Zakat; and if they do this, then their blood and property are secured except by the rights of Islam, and their accountability is left to Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1077. Mu`adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent me as a governor to Yemen and (at the time of departure) he instructed me thus: “You will go to people of the Scripture (i.e., the Jews and the Christians). First of all invite them to testify that La ilaha ill Allah (There is no true god except Allah) and that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger; and if they accept this, then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat (prayers) during the day and night; and if they accept it, then tell them that Allah has made the payment of Zakat obligatory upon them. It should be collected from their rich and distributed among their poor; and if they agree to it, don’t take (as a share of Zakat) the best of their properties. Beware of the supplications of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1078. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Between a man and disbelief and paganism is the abandonment of Salat (prayer).”
[Muslim].

1079. Buraidah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “That which differentiates us from the disbelievers and hypocrites is our performance of Salat. He who abandons it, becomes a disbeliever.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1080. Shaqiq bin `Abdullah reported: The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not consider the abandonment of any action as disbelief except neglecting Salat.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1081. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The first of man’s deeds for which he will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be Salat. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful; but if it is incomplete, he will be unfortunate and a loser. If any shortcoming is found in the obligatory Salat, the Glorious and Exalted Rubb will command to see whether His slave has offered any voluntary Salat so that the obligatory Salat may be made up by it. Then the rest of his actions will be treated in the same manner.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

Urging to Observe ‘Isha’ and Fajr Prayers in Congregation

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1071. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “One who performs `Isha’ prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night. And one who performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat the whole night.”
[Muslim]

The narration of At-Tirmidhi says: `Uthman bin Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “He who attends `Isha’ in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night; and he who attends `Isha’ and Fajr prayers in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for the whole night.”

1072.Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If they knew the merits of Salat after nightfall (`Isha’) and the morning (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

1073. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No Salat is more burdensome to the hypocrites than the Fajr (dawn) prayer and the `Isha’ (night) prayer; and if they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

The Excellence of Performing Salat (Prayers) in Congregation

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The Excellence of Performing Salat (Prayers) in Congregation

1064. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Salat in congregation is twenty-seven times more meritorious than a Salat performed individually.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1065. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A man’s Salat in congregation is twenty-five times more rewarding than his Salat at home or in his shop, and that is because when he performs his Wudu’ properly and proceeds towards the mosque with the purpose of performing Salat in congregation, he does not take a step without being raised a degree (in rank) for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque. When he is performing Salat, the angels continue to invoke Blessings of Allah on him as long as he is in his place of worship in a state of Wudu’. They say: `O Allah! Have mercy on him! O Allah! Forgive him.’ He is deemed to be engaged in Salat as long as he waits for it.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1066. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A blind man came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I have no one to guide me to the mosque.” He, therefore, sought his permission to perform Salat (prayer) in his house. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) granted him permission. When the man turned away, he called him back, and said, “Do you hear the Adhan (call to prayer)?” He replied in the affirmative. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then directed him to respond to it.
[Muslim].

1067. `Abdullah bin Umm Maktum, the Mu’adhdhin (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I said to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “There are many poisonous insects and wild beasts in Al-Madinah, and I am blind. Please grant me permission to perform Salat at home.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) enquired whether he could hear the call: Hayya `alas-Salah; Hayya `alal-Falah (Come to the prayer, come to the salvation). When he replied in affirmative, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed him to come (to mosque) for prayer.”
[Abu Dawud].

1068. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my life is, I sometimes thought of giving orders for firewood to be collected, then for proclaiming the Adhan for Salat. Then I would appoint an Imam to lead Salat, and then go to the houses of those who do not come to perform Salat in congregation, and set fire to their houses on them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1069.Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: He who likes to meet Allah tomorrow (i.e., on the Day of  Requital) as a Muslim, should take care and observe the Salat when the Adhan is announced for them. Allah has expounded to your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) the ways of right guidance, and these (the prayers) are part of the right guidance. If you have to perform Salat in your houses, as this man who stays away (from the mosque) and performs Salat in his house, you will abandon the Sunnah (practice) of your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and the departure from the Sunnah of your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) will lead you astray. I have seen the time when no one stayed behind except a well-known hypocrite. I also saw that a man was brought swaying (on account of weakness) between two men till he was set up in a row (in the mosque).
[Muslim].

1070. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “If three men in a village or in the desert, make no arrangement for Salat in congregation, Satan must have certainly overcome them. So observe Salat in congregation, for the wolf eats up a solitary sheep that stays far from the flock.”
[Abu Dawud].

 

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