Narrated ‘Amr: “We asked Ibn ‘Umar (ra), ‘What do you say concerning a man who has sexual intercourse with his wife in ‘Umrah before doing the rite of brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah?’” He replied, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺcame to perform ‘Umrah and performed the seven rounds of Tawaaf, thereafter, he performed two units of prayer behind the standing-place (Maqaam) of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him), and then he performed “Tawaaf” (i.e., Sa’ee) between al-Safaa and al-Marwah.” Thereafter, he (ra) said, “(Verily, you have an excellent example to follow in the Messenger of Allah).” ‘Amr says, “I asked Jaabir bin ‘Abdullah (ra) about this, he answered, ‘He may not approach his wife [for sexual intercourse] until he has completed “Tawaaf” (i.e., brisk walking) between al-Safaa and Marwah.’”
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Commentary : The Taabi’oon (the generation of Muslims who followed the Companions) used to inquire from the Companions (ras) about that which they did not understand from religion and acts of worship. They were the most eager among the people to know and learn the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee ‘Amr bin Deenaar reports that some people asked 'Abdullah bin Umar (ra) whether it is permissible for a man to have intercourse with his wife while performing ‘Umrah, before performing the rite of brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah? The basic principle states that sexual intercourse not only is among the prohibited actions during the state of Ihraam, but also among the severest of them. Only after completing all the rites of ‘Umrah and existing Ihraam, one can have intercourse with wife and enjoy all that was prohibited during Ihraam. Ibn ‘Umar (ra) mentioned that the Prophet ﷺcame to Makkah and performed the seven rounds of Tawaaf, then he ﷺoffered two units of prayer behind the Maqaam of Ibraheem, then he proceeded to perform the rite of brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah, and he further commented, “Verily, there is an excellent example for you in the Messenger of Allah,” [Al-Ahzaab: 21] - he meant thereby to inform that the Prophet ﷺnever did any of what the inquired asked about before completing the brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah.
The rationale of interpreting this hadeeth is that the Prophet ﷺmade the ‘Umrah a one act of worship that consists of different parts, namely the Tawaaf, praying behind the Maqaam and the brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah. These are the parts of ‘Umrah. With that said, it is not allowed for a man to have sexual intercourse with his wife during any of these parts.
‘Amr ibn Deenaar asked Jaabir bin ‘Abdullah (ra) concerning this and to which he replied: “A man should not approach his wife [for sexual intimacy] until he performs the brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah and completes his ‘Umrah, including all its rites and shaves his head or cuts from his hair. Thereafter it is permissible for him to exit from Ihraam and do whatever is permissible for him.
From the benefits that we can conclude from this hadeeth is learning the permissibility of using the word ‘Tawaaf’ [in Arabic] to denote the rite of brisk walking between the al-Safaa and al-Marwah..

1626

Narrated Umm Salamah (raa), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ: The Messenger of Allah ﷺtold her, while he was in Makkah and intended to exit, whereas Umm Salamah had not performed the Tawaaf of the House yet and she also intended to exit. The Messenger of Allah told her, “When the morning prayer is established, then you perform Tawaaf on your camel whilst people are praying.” She did that and she did not pray until she left..

Commentary : Islam is the religion of tolerance and alleviation from hardships, and the concessions given to the sick and those with excuses in the acts of Hajj and ‘Umrah are just a part of it.
In this hadeeth, Umm Salamah (raa) reports that she could not perform the farewell Tawaaf (Tawaaf al-Wadaa’) because she was ill, as the narration of al-Bukhaaree clarifies. When the Prophet ﷺintended to depart Makkah, she mentioned to him that she is ill and because of which she had not performed the Tawaaf yet. The Prophet ﷺcommanded her, once the Fajr prayer starts, to perform the Tawaaf on her camel behind the people who are offering the prayer. Hence, she did that.
Umm Salamah (raa) performed the two units’ prayer of Tawaaf only after she exited the Sacred Mosque or Makkah. However, offering the two units’ prayer behind the Maqaam of Ibraaheem is better.
From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is the permissibility of performing Tawaaf while mounting a ride if the person is unable to walk due to illness.
The hadeeth shows that women should perform Tawaaf behind the men so as they do not intermingle with them, as that is more concealing (private) for them.
It also shows that one who performs Tawaaf during the congregational prayers due to a valid excuse, then he should only perform Tawaaf behind the people so as to avoiding disturbing them..

1628

Narrated ‘Aaishah (raa): A group of people performed Tawaaf after the Fajr prayer, thereafter, they sat towards a preacher, until when the sun rose, they stood up for prayers. ‘Aaishah (raa) added: “They sat down until it was the time during which it is undesired to offer prayer, they stood up for prayers.”
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Commentary : The companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, may Allah be pleased with him would orient those who came after them to adopt the correct religion and the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, ‘Aaishah (raa) reports that a group of people performed Tawaaf after the morning prayers, thereafter, they sat towards the preacher, listening to his sermon and reminders. She meant thereby the place of sermon, which could have been the Hijr of Ismaa’eel or the Black Stone. She explained that they remained there until the sunrise time in which prayers are prohibited. Thereafter, they stood up to perform the Sunnah of the Tawaaf at the prohibited time for prayers.
‘Aaishah (raa) condemned their behaviour and found it strange that they delayed the prayer until the time was up for the prayers to be prohibited at the sunrise and before its ascent! It seems as if the mentioned people were intending that time, hence, they postponed the prayers until that time intentionally. For this reason, ‘Aaishah (raa) criticised them in the case where she perceived that the two units’ prayer of Tawaaf are not disliked at the prohibited times. There is a possibility that she understood the prohibition to pray at such time is applicable to all cases.
This hadeeth shows that we are not permitted to offer prayers at the time right after the sunrise..

1629

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (ra): “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) prohibit the prayers at the sunrise and sunset.”
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺwas eager in protecting the creed of the Muslims, hence, he ﷺprohibited prayers at specific times; to refrain from emulating the polytheists who prostrate to the sun.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (ra) reports that the Prophet ﷺprohibited from pursuing the prayers at the time of sunrise and sunset, especially the voluntary prayers. With that said, a person should not offer prayers at the time of sunrise until the sun rises to the length of a spear which is nearly equivalent to a quarter or one third of the full hour. Also, one should not perform prayers at the time of sunset until the sun is fully set, that is, ten minutes before maghrib until the time of the Maghrib prayers enters.
In general terms, the prohibition is at the sunrise and sunset and the times that are closer to them, because that is the time in which sun-worshippers prayed and because it is the time in which the Satan gets closer to the sun and thus it becomes between his two horns. This prohibition, however, is specific to the voluntary and supererogatory prayers and not the obligatory ones, such as one who delays his ‘Asr to that time. In that respect, he can pray at the time of prohibition. It is said that the prohibition of offering prayers at these specific times refers to postponing the obligatory prayers for no excuse, to the extent that it is prayed closer to the sunrise or sunset.
From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning about the forbidden prayer times..

1630

Narrated ‘Abdul ‘Azeez bin Rufay’: “I saw ‘Abdullah bin al-Zubayr (ra) performing Tawaaf after Fajr and offering a two-units-prayer.” ‘Abdul ‘Azeez mentions, “I saw ‘Abdullah bin al-Zubayr offering a two-units-prayer after ‘Asr.” He related that ‘Aaishah (raa) informed that that the Prophet (ﷺ) never entered her house but he offered them (the two units-prayer.) .

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺclarified the times during which praying is permissible and the times during which praying is prohibited.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee ‘Abdul ‘Azees bin Rufay’ reports that he saw ‘Abdullah bin al-Zubayr bin al-’Awwaam (ras) offering a two-units-prayer after he completed the Tawaaf after the Fajr prayer.
‘Abdul ‘Azees then reports that he again saw ‘Abdullah bin al-Zubair (ra) offering a two-units-prayer after the ‘Asr prayer. This is the time wherein it is disliked to offer prayers. However, ‘Abdullah used to inform the people that ‘Aaishah (raa) told him that whenever the Prophet ﷺentered her house, he used to offer a two-units prayer. It has been stated that the Prophet ﷺprayed it to make up for the two Sunnah prayers of Thuhr when he missed them, thereafter he remained persistent in this act. This is because whenever he ﷺdid an act, he would continue doing it and that it is a part of his unique characteristics, and they are not among the Sunnah prayers affixed to the daily obligatory prayers. ‘Aaishah (raa) narrated how the Prophet ﷺprayed it. It is reported on the authority of ‘Aaishah (raa) that the Prophet ﷺused to offer them and did not offer them in the mosque, fearing that he does not overburden his nation [thereby].” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree].
There are many other narrations wherein the Prophet ﷺprohibited offering [voluntary] prayers after ‘Asr. It is reported on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺprohibited offering prayers after ‘Asr until Maghrib.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim]. It is said that it only proves the prohibition being associated with being “after” and it does not prove its generality. Hence, the meaning is at the time of Maghrib and the time closer to it. It is said: The prohibition from praying at this time denotes the forbiddance of postponing the obligatory prayers without any excuse until it falls into the proximity of sunset. .

1634

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (ra): ‘Al-’Abbaas bin 'Abdul Muttalib asked permission from the Prophet (ﷺ) to stay at Makkah during the nights of Mina in order to provide drinking water (from Zamzam) to the pilgrims, and the Prophet (ﷺ) allowed him.’.

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺexplained to us the rulings pertaining to the Hajj and ‘Umrah and clarified what is allowed to do and what is not allowed.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (ra) reports that al-‘Abbaas bin ‘Abdul Muttalib (ra) sought permission from the Prophet ﷺto reside at night in Makkah during the nights of Mina, namely the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth nights of Dhu al-Hijjah. This is because the Sunnah is for the pilgrims to spend those nights in Mina, which is a valley surrounded by the mountains, situated towards the east of Makkah on the route between Makkah and the Mount of ‘Arafaat, and it is approximately six kilometers away from the Sacred Mosque, and it is the location of where the rite of throwing pebbles.
The reason for al-‘Abbaas staying at Makkah at night was to provide water for the pilgrims, because they would ask for water of Zamzam at night. They (the service providers) would draw the water out of the well and would pour it into the reservoir from which the pilgrims would drink it. The Prophet ﷺallowed him to stay. Al-‘Abbaas (ra) was responsible for providing water to pilgrims during the time of pre-Islam, and the Prophet ﷺaffirmed that for him. Hence, this service remains for the family of al-‘Abbaas forever.
It can be understood from this hadeeth that staying at night at Mina is forfeited for those providing water for the pilgrims and those who fall under the same rule among those having excuses. This exemption demonstrates the easement of the Islamic law. .

1635

Narrated ibn ‘Abbaas (ra): Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to the drinking place and asked for water. Al-Abbaas (ra) said, "O Fadl! Go to your mother and bring water from her for Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Give me [from this] water to drink." Al-Abbaas (ra) said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! The people put their hands in it." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) again said, 'Give me water to drink. So, he drank from that water and then went to the Zamzam (well) and there the people were offering water to the others and working at it (drawing water from the well). The Prophet (ﷺ) then said to them, "Carry on! You are doing a good deed." Then he said, "Were I not afraid that other people would compete with you (in drawing water from Zamzam), I would certainly take the rope and put it over this (i.e., his shoulder) (to draw water)." On saying that the Prophet (ﷺ) pointed to his shoulder..

Commentary : The Messenger of Allah ﷺwas a great example in humbleness and engaging with people. He ﷺlived like them and refrained from distinguishing himself with anything that Allah has not distinguished him with.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbaas (ra) reports that in the Farewell Hajj, which was in the 10th year of Hijrah, and after having performed the Tawaaf of Ifaadah, the Messenger of Allah ﷺwent to the place where water is provided for pilgrims. This place serves pilgrims during the Hajj season and others throughout the year, and it is located close to the well of Zamzam. When he ﷺarrived there, he asked for water from his uncle, al-‘Abbaas(ra). However, as it was the habit of people to put their hands into the ponds of water provision, al-‘Abbaas asked his son, al-Fadl to go to his mother, Umm al-Fadl, whose full name is Lubaabah bint al-Haarith al-Hilaaliyyah, to bring clean water for the Messenger of Allah ﷺfrom her. The Prophet ﷺrepeated his request to drink from the present place of water from where people drink. Thus, he gave him the water and he drank it.
Thereafter, the Prophet ﷺproceeded to the well of Zamzam where the water was drawn from the well and then poured into the ponds so pilgrims and people can drink from it. The Messenger of Allah ﷺremarked to the people who were working in the site, “Carry on! You are doing a good deed,” – that is providing the pilgrim with water. To show the virtue of their work, he ﷺexplained that he would have participated in the work but if he did so then a great number of people will show up in drawing water with the intention to follow the Prophet ﷺ.
From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is one may refuse receiving better service and generosity when there is a higher interest that opposes it. just as what the Prophet ﷺdid due to the interest of humbleness that appeared on him.
It also encourages us to provide water to people, especially, the Zamzam water..

1636

Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (ra) from Aboo Tharr (ra): Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The roof of my house was made open while I was at Makkah and Jibreel descended. He opened up my chest and washed it with the water of Zamzam. Then, he brought the golden tray full of wisdom and Imaan and poured it in my chest and then closed it. Then he took hold of my hand and ascended to the nearest heaven. Jibreel told the gatekeeper of the nearest heaven to open the gate. The gatekeeper asked, "Who is it?" Jibreel replied, "I am Jibreel.".

Commentary : Allah, Exalted be He, protected His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, purified him, and looked after him since he was born.
In this hadeeth, Aboo Tharr (ra) reports that Prophet ﷺrelated an incident that occurred to him before his emigration from Makkah. He ﷺ mentioned that while he was at his house, angel Jibreel descended from the sky and entered from the roof of his house after it split open. Then, Jibreel descended upon the Prophet ﷺand opened his noble chest. Thereafter, he washed it with the Zamzam water to comfort him due to the virtue of the water of Zamzam. It is said that the wisdom behind washing his noble heart with Zamzam water was to enable his heart to witness the dominions of heavens and earth, Paradise and Hellfire, because from the characteristics of the Zamzam water is that it fortifies the heart and calms the panic.
Then, angel Jibreel brought a tray of gold, a wide tray containing wisdom and Imaan, then he poured the contents into his noble chest and closed it as it was before. After that, he took hold of the Prophet’s hand and ascended with him to the lowest heaven during the trip of Mi’raaj. Upon reaching the lowest heaven, Jibreel requested the gatekeeper and the guard of the lowest heaven to open for him. However, the guard, before opening the gate, he asked who he was, so he informed him that he is Jibreel (peace be upon him) and so he opened
From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning about the virtue of the water of Zamzam.
It also shows one of the events that are from the unseen that the Prophet ﷺrelated, and that is among the signs of his Prophethood..

1637

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (ra): I gave Zamzam water to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and he drank it while standing. `Aasim (a sub-narrator) said that `Ikrimah took the oath that on that day the Prophet (ﷺ) had not been standing but riding a camel..

Commentary : The Companions (ras) transmitted all what they saw of the actions and statements of the Prophet # during the Farewell Hajj.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbaas (ra) reports that he gave the Messenger of Allah Zamzam water, and that he ﷺdrank from that water standing.
‘Aasim, a sub-narrator of the hadeeth, mentions that ‘Ikrimah, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Abbaas, swore that the Prophet ﷺwas actually riding his camel when he drank the Zamzam water. It is said that the oath of ‘Ikrimah was based on what he learnt about the prohibition of the Prophet ﷺ of drinking water standing. The statement of ‘Ikrimah has also another dimension that aligns with the wording of the hadeeth i.e., the Arabs use the word standing to describe the one riding on a camel when he halts at a point, meaning, that he is riding on it and the camel is standing. On that ground, the hadeeth does not indicate that he ﷺdrank water standing on his feet, rather, it is possible that he was sitting on his camel.
However, it is reported that ‘Alee (ra) drank the Zamzam water standing and said, “I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺdoing as what you saw me doing.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree] This is an explicit statement concerning the drinking of the Prophet ﷺstanding on his feet. It is possible though that this was to clarify the permissibility.
The hadeeth benefits the permissibility of drinking whilst standing..

1639

Narrated Naafi’: `Abdullah the son of Ibn `Umar (ra) entered the house of his father where he saw his camel being prepared for travelling. He said, "I fear that this year, a battle might take place between the people, and you might be prevented from going to the Ka`bah. I suggest that you should stay here." Ibn `Umar said, "Once Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) set out for the pilgrimage, and the pagans of Quraysh intervened between him and the Ka`bah. So, if the people intervened between me and the Ka`bah, I would do the same as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had done . {Verily, in Allah's Messenger you have a good example.} [Quran 33:21]. Then he added, "I make you a witness that I have intended to perform Hajj along with `Umrah." After arriving at Makkah, Ibn `Umar (ra) performed one Tawaaf only.
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Commentary : Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is an act of worship reserved for those who have the means and capacity to perform it. All its rites and actions are learned from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, Naafi’, the freed slave of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (ra), reports that ‘Abdullah, the son of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar, entered upon his father, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (ra). He noticed that he had his camel which he rides in his travelling prepared. It was because Ibn ‘Umar (ra) intended to perform Hajj and prepared his camel to ride on it and set out to Makkah. However, ‘Abdullah, the son, was worried about the safety of his father and feared upon him lest a fight breaks out that year between the Muslims, that they may prevent him from visiting the Ka’bah. This event occurred in the year seventy-two of the Hijrah when al-Hajjaaj bin Yusuf al-Thaqafee came on the orders of ‘Abd al-Maalik ibn al-Marwaan to fight ‘Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr in Makkah. So, Ibn ‘Umar (ra) answered his son saying that the Messenger of Allah ﷺdid once set out, and the disbelievers of Quraysh prevented him from reaching the Ka’bah. This happened in the sixth year of the Hijrah when he ﷺreturned from his ‘Umrah and he made the treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah. He ﷺexited his Ihraam by slaughtering the animal and shaving the head accompanied by making intention therein.
For this reason, Ibn ‘Umar (ra) informed his son that if he was denied access to Makkah, and it was impossible for him to reach it, then he will do exactly as what the Messenger of Allah ﷺdid when he ﷺwas prevented from reaching the Ka’bah i.e., he will exit his Ihraam at the place where the Prophet ﷺwas prevented. Then, he (ra) recited the ayah: {Certainly, there is an excellent example for you in the Messenger of Allah.} [Quran 33:21]. Then, he (ra) made them witnesses that he intended to perform Hajj along with ‘Umrah. He did not suffice doing this by just making intention, instead, he intended to announce for those who would like to follow him.
‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar continued to say that his father (Ibn ‘Umar) performed one set of Tawaaf for both the Hajj and ‘Umrah after standing at ‘Arafah. It is said that it the Tawaaf mentioned here refers to both the rites of Tawaaf and the brisk walking between al-Safaa and Marwah, which is known as the Tawaaf of Hajj al-Qiraan that only requires doing them for one time. The one who performs Hajj al-Qiraan confines to the rites of Hajj, as the acts and rites of ‘Umrah are incorporated into the rites of Hajj. As such, the one doing Hajj al-Qiraan can only exit from the Ihraam on the day of sacrifice, the tenth day of Thoo al-Hijjah.
From the benefits we learn from the hadeeth is the importance of leaving to perform the rites of Hajj despite suspecting fear on the way if one hopes to find safety.
The hadeeth shows the keen interest of Ibn ‘Umar (ra) to follow the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺand his attempt to follow his example in all his actions. .

1640

Narrated Naafi’: Ibn `Umar (ra) intended to perform Hajj in the year when Al-Hajjaaj attacked Ibn Al-Zubayr. Somebody said to Ibn `Umar (ra), "There is a danger of an impending war between them." Ibn `Umar recited, {Verily, in Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) you have a good example.} If it happened as you say, then I would do the same as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had done. I make you witness that I have decided to perform `Umrah." Then he set out and when he reached Al-Baydaa', he said, "The rites and ceremonies of both Hajj and `Umrah are similar. I make you witness that I have made Hajj compulsory for me along with `Umrah." He drove (to Makkah) a Hady which he had bought from (a place called) Qudayd and did not do more than that. He did not slaughter the Hady or finish his Ihraam, or shave or cut his hair till the day of slaughtering the sacrifices (10th Dhu al-Hijjah). Then he slaughtered his Hady and shaved his head and considered the first Tawaaf (between al-Safaa and al-Marwah) as sufficient for Hajj and `Umrah. Ibn `Umar said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) did the same.".

Commentary : Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is an act of worship reserved for those who have the means and capacity to perform it. All its rites and actions are learned from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, Naafi’, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Umar, reports that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (ra) wanted to perform Hajj in the year when al-Hajjaaj marched on Ibn al-Zubayr. This happened in the year seventy-two of the Hijrah, when al-Hajjaaj ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafee marched on the orders of ‘Abdul Malik ibn Marwaan in order to fight ‘Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr in Makkah. Ibn ‘Umar (ra) made a firm intention to perform Hajj in that year. It was feared on him that the fighters might prevent him and refuse him to visit the Sacred House. In response, he recited the ayah, {Certainly, there is an excellent example for you in the Messenger of Allah,} [Quran 33:21] and made clear that he would do exactly as the Messenger of Allah ﷺdid previously [during the treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah].
Then, he made them witnesses that he has imposed the rites of ‘Umrah upon himself initially, then he made Hajj and ‘Umrah obligatory upon himself at the outskirts of al-Baydaa’. Linguistically, al-Baydaa’ stands for a desert that is barren. However, here, it means a location above the two landmarks of Dhoo al-Hulayfah when it ascended from the valley. On the outskirts of al-Baydaa’ there is a water well, and the place is about 420 km away from Makkah. He drove with him a sacrificial animal which he bought on the way at Qudayd, a place close to al-Juhfah. It is a water area in al-Hijaaz, located between Makkah and al-Madeenah. It is a place outside the sanctuary of the Haram, though it is within the Meeqaat zone. It is 150 km away from Makkah in the north-eastern side of it.
Ibn ‘Umar (ra) did not slaughter his sacrificial animal [before its due time on the grounds of any emergency], nor did he undo part of his conditions of Ihraam, neither did he shave his head nor did he have a haircut until the day of sacrifice (Day of Nahr) approached, that is the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah. He then sacrificed the animal and shaved his head. He viewed that he had accomplished both the Tawaaf of Hajj and ‘Umrah with his initial single Tawaaf, as the person who performs Hajj al-Qiraan confines on the rites of Hajj and the rites of ‘Umrah are incorporated into the rites of Hajj. The pilgrim in this case continues in Ihraam and he only exits it on the Day of Sacrifice.
From the benefits that can be concluded in this hadeeth is the permissibility of heading towards the rites of Hajj despite anticipating fear when safety is assured.
This hadeeth highlights the staunch following of Ibn ‘Umar (ra) of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah and following his footsteps in all actions and deeds..

1641

Narrated Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Nawfal al-Qurashee: I asked `Urwah ibn al-Zubayr (regarding the Hajj of the Prophet (ﷺ). `Urwah replied, "Aaishah (raa) informed me, 'When the Prophet (ﷺ) reached Makkah, the first thing he started with was the ablution, then he performed Tawaaf round the Ka`bah and his intention was not `Umrah alone (but Hajj and `Umrah together).' " Later Abu Bakr performed the Hajj and the first thing he started with was Tawaaf round the Ka`bah and it was not `Umrah alone (but Hajj and `Umrah together). And then `Umar (ra) did the same. Then `Uthman (ra) performed the Hajj and the first thing he started with was Tawaaf round the Ka`bah and it was not `Umrah alone. And then Mu’aawiyah and `Abdullah ibn `Umar (ras) did the same. Then, I performed Hajj with my father al-Zubayr and the first thing he started with was Tawaaf round the Ka`bah and it was not `Umrah alone. Then I saw the Emigrants and Ansaar doing the same and it was not `Umrah alone. And the last person I saw doing the same was Ibn `Umar (ra), and he did not do another `Umrah after finishing the first. Now here is Ibn `Umar present amongst the people! They neither ask him nor anyone of the previous ones. And all these people, on entering Makkah, would not start with anything unless they had performed Tawaaf round the Ka`bah, and would not finish their Ihraam. And no doubt, I saw my mother and my aunt, on entering Makkah doing nothing before performing Tawaaf round the Ka`bah, and they would not finish their lhraam. .

Commentary : Hajj is an act of worship that cannot be sanctioned except on the basis of textual evidence from the Quran or the Sunnah to that effect. The Companions (ras) transmitted the details of this worship as they saw it and performed it with the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, a Taabi’ee by the name of ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr reports that his maternal aunt ‘Aaishah (raa), the Mother of the Believers, informed him that during the Farewell Hajj which the Prophet ﷺin the tenth year of the Hijrah, the first thing when he came to Makkah was that he performed ablution, then, he did circumambulate seven times around the Ka’bah as part of Tawaaf al-Qudoom (Tawaaf of Arrival). Thereafter, there was not a standalone ‘Umrah after the Tawaaf. That is because the Prophet ﷺdid not interrupt his Hajj by having an independent ‘Umrah beforehand due to his driving of the sacrificial animal with him. As for the Companions who did not drive with them the sacrificial animals, he ﷺcommanded them to interrupt their Hajj by performing a standalone ‘Umrah and to perform Hajj at-Tamattu’. As for the ones who had driven their animals for sacrifice, they incorporated the ‘Umrah into the Hajj rites and performed Hajj al-Qiraan.
Thereafter, ‘Urwah bin al-Zubayr mentioned that he had performed Hajj with Aboo Bakr, ‘Umar and, Uthmaan (ras). The first thing that they started with was the Tawaaf around the Ka’bah, known as Tawaaf al-Qudoom. Thereafter, there was no standalone ‘Umrah, neither did they perform brisk walking between the Safaa and al-Marwah, nor did they benefit from the ‘Umrah [by exiting the Ihraam] whilst waiting for the Hajj. ‘Urwah goes on to add that after this, the Caliph Mu’aawiyah bin Aboo Sufyaan and ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (ras) as well as his father did the same.
‘Urwah states further that he also saw the Emigrants as well as the Ansaar doing the same, that is, commencing with Tawaaf. After this, he relates that the last person he saw doing this was ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (ra). He explained that the first thing that the latter started with during arrival was performing Tawaaf al-Quddom around the Ka’bah. And he did not interrupt his Hajj by sufficing first with a completed ‘Umrah.
Then, ‘Urawah revealed his shock that despite Ibn ‘Umar (ra) being alive amidst the people, yet they have failed to ask him about this issue, neither have they bothered to ask the previous pious predecessors regarding it who would inform them that they only commenced Tawaaf al-Quddom upon their arrival. And they did never exit from their state of Ihraam, rather they remained in the state of Ihraam until completing all the rites of Hajj. Furthermore, ‘Urwah mentioned that his mother, Asmaa’ bin Aboo Bakr and his maternal aunt ‘Aaisha (may Allah be pleased with them), both did the same like the Emigrants and the Ansaar. They would initiate with performing the Tawaaf of the Ka’bah and they would not interrupt the Hajj by initially completing the whole ‘Umrah.
From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning about the importance of performing Tawaaf al-Quddom and the fact that the Companions implemented it after seeing the Prophet ﷺdoing it.
This hadeeth shows that the actions of the righteous caliphs and the pious predecessors can be used as evidence.
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1643

Narrated ‘Urwah: I asked `Aaishah (raa): "How do you interpret the statement of Allah: {Verily! (the mountains) Al-Safaa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah, and whoever performs the Hajj to the Ka`bah or performs `Umrah, it is not harmful for him to perform Tawaaf between them (Al-Safaa and al-Marwah.) (Quran 2:158). By Allah! (it is evident from this revelation) there is no harm if one does not perform Tawaaf between Al-Safaa and al-Marwah." `Aaisha said, "O, my nephew! Your interpretation is not true. Had this interpretation of yours been correct, the statement of Allah should have been, 'It is not harmful for him if he does not perform Tawaaf between them.' But in fact, this ayah was revealed concerning the Ansaar who used to assume lhraam for worshipping an idol called "Manaat" which they used to worship at a place called Al-Mushallal before they embraced Islam, and whoever assumed Ihraam (for the idol), would consider it not right to perform Tawaaf between al-Safaa and al-Marwah. When they embraced Islam, they asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) regarding it, saying, "O Allah's Messenger! We used to refrain from Tawaaf between al-Safaa and al-Marwah." So, Allah revealed: {Verily; (the mountains) As-Safa and Al-Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.} " ‘Aaishah (raa) added, "Surely, Allah's Messenger set the tradition of Tawaaf between al-Safaa and al-Marwah, so nobody is allowed to omit the Tawaaf between them."
I told Aboo Bakr ibn `Abd al-Rahmaan of `Aaishah's narration and he said, 'I have not heard of such knowledge, but I heard learned men saying that all the people, except those whom `Aaishah (raa) mentioned and who used to assume lhraam for the sake of Manaat, used to perform Tawaaf between al-Safaa and al-Marwah. When Allah referred to the Tawaaf of the Ka`bah and did not mention Al-Safaa and al-Marwah in the Quran, the people asked, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! We used to perform Tawaaf between Al-Safaa and al-Marwah and Allah has revealed (the ayaat concerning) Tawaaf of the Ka`bah and has not mentioned Al-Safaa and al-Marwah. Is there any harm if we perform Tawaaf between Al-Safaa and al-Marwah?' So, Allah revealed: {Verily As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.} Aboo Bakr said, "I heard that this ayah was revealed concerning the two groups, those who used to refrain from Tawaaf between Al-Safaa and al-Marwah in the Pre- Islamic Period and those who used to perform the Tawaaf then, and after embracing Islam, they refrained from the Tawaaf between them as Allah had enjoined Tawaaf of the Ka`bah and did not mention Tawaaf(of Al-Safaa and al-Marwah) till later, after mentioning the Tawaaf of the Ka`bah.'.

Commentary : Hajj is an act of worship that cannot be sanctioned except on the basis of textual evidence from the Quran or the Sunnah to that effect. The Companions (ras) transmitted to us all the details of this worship as they saw it and performed it with the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr reports that he asked his maternal aunt, ‘Aaishah (raa), the Mother of the Believers, about the meaning of the ayah: {{Verily! (the mountains) Al-Safaa and Al-Marwah, are among the symbols of Allah, and whoever performs the Hajj to the Ka`bah or performs `Umrah, it is not harmful for him to perform Tawaaf between them (Al-Safaa and al-Marwah.) (Quran 2:158). He wanted to verify his interpretation of the ayah i.e., he understood it to mean that pilgrims are not obliged to perform the rite of brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah. She told him that he erred in his interpretation of the ayah and explained that it was revealed concerning the Ansaar because before entering Islam, they used to travel to worship an idol called "Manaat", located at Al-Mushallal, which is a mountain between Makkah and al-Madeenah and from which people would descend to Qudayd. They used to believe that brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah is a great sin because it contained two idols – Isaaf and Naa’ilah - that other people worshipped, and they despised those two idols. However, after embracing Islam, the Ansaar asked the Prophet ﷺabout it so Allah revealed the ayah to clarify that the brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah is not a sin as they used to think, because it is from the rites that Allah has dictated in Hajj and ‘Umrah.
Al-Zuhree said: I related the hadeeth of ‘Aaishah (raa) to Aboo Bakr ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan and he liked it. Then, he remarked that he was not aware of this knowledge before, but he heard some people of knowledge saying otherwise. He explained that they did not limit the cause of revelation to the Ansaar who used to refrain from performing the brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah, but that it was about those who used to assume lhraam for the sake of Manaat and would perform the brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah. However, as Allah, Exalted be He, mentioned the Tawaaf of the Ka`bah and did not mention Al-Safaa and al-Marwah in the Quran, the people went to the Prophet ﷺand mentioned that they used to perform the rite of walking between Al-Safaa and al-Marwah, but the ayah that Allah revealed only mentioned Tawaaf round the Ka`bah and did not mention the rite of brisk walking between Al-Safaa and al-Marwah. So, they were concerned if it is sinful to keep doing it. The reason they had such concern was because they presumed it was from the practices of people before Islam. Thereupon, Allah revealed: {Verily As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.}
Aboo Bakr then added that he heard that this ayah was about both groups, the Ansaar who used to refrain from doing it before Islam and the other group who used to practise it before Islam.
This hadeeth shows the importance of discussing and studying knowledge between scholars and their students to correct any misunderstanding.

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1648

Narrated ‘Aasim: I asked Anas bin Maalik (ra): "Did you use to dislike to perform Tawaaf between al-Safaa and al-Marwah?" He said, "Yes, as it was of the ceremonies of the days of the Pre-Islamic period of ignorance, till Allah revealed: {Verily! (The two mountains) As-Safa and Al-Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. It is therefore no sin for him who performs the pilgrimage to the Ka`bah, or performs `Umrah, to perform Tawaaf between them.} " (2.158).

Commentary : The Companions (ras) would teach the people the matters of their religion just like how they have learned it directly from the Prophet ﷺ. Hence, they would answer their questions and correct any misconception and misunderstanding.

In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee, ‘Aasim ibn Sulaymaan al-Ahwal reports that he asked Anas ibn Maalik (ra) whether the Companions used to dislike performing the rite of walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah? He answered that the Muslims disliked it at the beginning because it was one of the ritual ceremonies that disbelievers practiced before Islam to worship idols. However, after Allah revealed the ayah: {Verily! (The two mountains) As-Safa and Al-Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. It is therefore no sin for him who performs the pilgrimage to the Ka`bah, or performs `Umrah, to perform Tawaaf between them.} " (Quran 2:158), people stopped to dislike it as they came to know that it is not as they presumed, and that it is from the rites of Allah that He legislated to be part of the actions of Hajj and ‘Umrah. Not to mention, the Prophet ﷺlegislated that people perform it.
From the benefits of the hadeeth is learning about the importance of scholars and their students reviewing and studying knowledge. .

1649

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (ra): The Messenger of Allah ﷺperformed the Tawaaf round the Ka’bah and rite of walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah to display his strength to the disbelievers..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺconcluded the treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah with Quraysh in the 6th year of Hijrah. One of the agreed-on conditions was that the Muslims would go back this year without entering Makkah, but next year they would be allowed to enter Makkah and spend three days to perform ‘Umrah.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas (ra) reports that when the Prophet ﷺarrived at Makkah in the 7th year of Hijrah to perform ‘Umrah, he ﷺordered his Companions (ras) to perform the Tawaaf round the Ka’bah and between al-Safaa and al-Marwah with high pace to display the strength of Muslims to the disbelievers and show them that they can fight them. The order of the Prophet ﷺwas to perform Tawaaf with high pace in the first three rounds of Tawaaf round the Ka’bah, except between the two Corners, where he ﷺordered them to walk with a normal pace so they can rest. As for the last 4 rounds of Tawaaf, he ordered them to walk with a normal pace. Likewise, he ﷺordered them to perform brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah in the marked passage in the valley. All this happened while the disbelievers were watching from far.
From the other benefits we conclude from this hadeeth is that Muslims should display their strength and power with arms and weaponry in order to instill awe and fear in the hearts of disbelievers, and that is not included in the unpraiseworthy showing off.
It shows that indirect messages are not limited to words, but also include actions. Sometimes, sending indirect messages through actions is more effective and appropriate.
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656

‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Abi ‘Amrah reported: ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān entered the mosque after the Maghrib prayer and sat alone. I sat in front of him, and he said: "O son of my brother, I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: Whoever performs the ‘Ishā’ prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for half the night, and whoever performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for the whole night.'".

Commentary : Allah Almighty multiplied the reward for the congregation prayer until it surpassed the prayer offered individually by twenty-seven degrees, and its merit increases if it is offered during the night, given its closeness to sincerity to Allah Almighty. Indeed, it is one of the greatest acts aimed at getting close to Allah.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i (the generation after the Companions) ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Abi ‘Amrah relates that ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān (may Allah be pleased with him) entered the mosque after the Maghrib prayer and sat alone waiting for the time of ‘Ishā’ prayer to come so that he would offer it in congregation. ‘Abdur-Rahmān said: "I sat in front of him." It is as if he sat to learn from him and ask him about the reason for his sitting and waiting. So, ‘Uthmān (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "O son of my brother." He meant the brotherhood of Islam, not that of blood. "I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: Whoever performs the ‘Ishā’ prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for half the night." In other words, he will obtain a reward like one who engages in worship from the early part of the night to its middle and spends this time in prayer and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). "And whoever performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for the whole night." He will obtain a reward like one who engages in worship all night long and spends this time in prayer and dhikr. So, the reward for offering the Fajr prayer in congregation is double the reward for offering the ‘Ishā’ prayer in congregation, which indicates that getting up for the Fajr prayer is more meritorious than getting up for the ‘Ishā’ prayer. This is because the Fajr prayer is harder and more difficult for the performer and more tough for the devil. Indeed, he who goes to sleep and then gets up finds it harder than one who wants to sleep. Or it means that each of them equals half of the night, and together they amount to one night. So, whoever offers the ‘Ishā’ and Fajr prayers in congregation, it is as if he has prayed for all the night, as related in a version by Abu Dāwūd and At-Tirmidhi: "Whoever attends the ‘Ishā’ prayer in congregation obtains the reward of praying for half the night, and whoever offers the ‘Ishā’ and Fajr prayers in congregation obtains the reward of praying for one night." In any case, this urges and encourages the regular observance of the Fajr and ‘Ishā’ prayers in congregation. This particular merit afforded to them may be because of the hardship involved in attending the mosques to pray them, like the darkness and the fact that in those times people usually take rest, most likely sleep, or spend private time with their families.
The Hadīth indicates that some prayers are characterized by a certain merit not shared with other prayers..

657

Jundub ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever performs the Fajr prayer is under the protection of Allah; so, let Allah not call you to account regarding anything of His protection; and so, He will seize him and throw him upon his face in Hellfire.".

Commentary : One of the best signs of faith is the strict observance of the obligatory prayers. Allah Almighty affords great merit to those who persistently observe these prayers.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says that whoever performs the Fajr prayer in congregation - as reported in the version by Abu Nu‘aym in Al-Mustakhraj - "is under the protection of Allah," i.e., under His safety and guarantee. He singled out the Fajr prayer from all the other prayers due to the hardship involved in its performance and because only those with sincere faith can perform it persistently; they, therefore, deserve to be under the protection, safety, and guarantee of Allah Almighty.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "So let Allah not call you to account regarding anything of His protection, or else He will seize him and throw him upon his face in Hellfire." The prohibition here pertains to what entails accountability for violating Allah's guarantee and protection. The Prophet's words here have one of two possible meanings: First: Whoever performs the Fajr prayer obtains a guarantee from Allah. So, no one should harm or oppress him. Whoever oppresses or harms him, Allah will call him to account regarding His protection. Second: Do not abandon the Fajr prayer, lest the guarantee between you and your Lord will be violated, and so He will call you to account regarding it. Whoever does so, Allah will seize him and throw him upon his face in Hellfire.
In the Hadīth: Urging the performance of the Fajr prayer
And in it: Demonstrating the great bounty of Allah and His vast mercy towards this Ummah, as He prescribed an immense reward for the Fajr prayer
And in it: Clarifying Allah's revenge against those who harm His pious servants
And in it: Demonstrating that nothing on the earth or in heaven escapes the power of Allah, and if He wants to exact revenge upon anyone, he cannot escape Him.

660

Anas reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) visited us, and there was no one other than me, my mother, and my maternal aunt ’Umm Harām. He said: "Stand up so that I will lead you in prayer." It was not a time of prayer, he proceeded to lead us in prayer. A man said to Thābit: "Where did he make Anas stand with him?" He said: "He made him stand to his right." Then, he supplicated for us, the members of the household, with all goodness in this world and the Hereafter. My mother said: "O Messenger of Allah, here is your little servant; supplicate Allah for him." He said: He supplicated for me with all goodness, and the last of his supplication for me was: "O Allah, increase his wealth and children and bless them for him.".

Commentary : One of the things urged and encouraged by Islam is to accept invitations, for this displays brotherliness and cordiality among the Muslims. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) built a good relationship with his Companions, and he used to visit them in their houses so as to teach them and supplicate for them.
In this Hadīth, Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) paid a visit to them in their house, and there was none but he and his mother - ’Umm Sulaym - and his maternal aunt ’Umm Harām. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "Stand up so that I will lead you in prayer." This was not a time for an obligatory prayer. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would like the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to pray for them in their houses, in pursuit of blessing. So, he led them in a two-Rak‘ah voluntary prayer. Thereupon, a man asked Thābit al-Bunāni, who narrated from Anas: Where did Anas stand while he was praying with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and on which side did he make him stand? He told him that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) made him stand on his right side, for when one person prays behind an Imām, he should stand to his right; whereas the women stand in a row behind both of them.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) supplicated for the family of Anas with all goodness in this world and the Hereafter. The mother of Anas said: "O Messenger of Allah, here is your little servant" i.e., your boy who serves you. She said "your little servant" by way of gentleness and appeasement, not belittlement. Hence, she said to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "supplicate Allah for him." She probably made this request so that his supplication for him would be compensation for him in return for his kindness to you by extending service for a long time. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) granted her request and supplicated for him with all goodness, and the last supplication he made was: "O Allah, increase his wealth and children and bless them for him." Anas found the blessing of the Prophet's supplication in his wealth and children. He was the wealthiest person among the Ansār, and he saw lots of children descending from him. In a Hadīth narrated by Al-Bukhāri, he said: "Indeed, I am one of the richest among the Ansār and my daughter ’Umaynah told me that when Al-Hajjāj came to Basra, more than 120 of my offspring had been buried." In a version by Muslim: "and my children and grandchildren are more than one hundred today."
The Hadīth contains supplication for the increase of wealth and children.
It comprises supplication for goodness in this world and the Hereafter, for all this lies in the Hand of Allah Almighty.
And it includes preferring one's child over oneself; and making requests in a gentle manner..

663

’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b reported: There was a man from the Ansār whose house was the farthest house in Madīnah, and he would not miss the prayer with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He said: We felt bad for him, and I said to him: "O so and so, if you buy a donkey, it will shield you from the heat of the scorching sand and shield you from the vermin of the earth." He said: "By Allah, I do not like that my house be close to the house of Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)." He said: I was troubled by that and came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and told him. He said: He sent for him, and he said the same to him and mentioned that he hoped for a reward for his steps. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "You will have what you hoped for.".

Commentary : The Companions of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) were the most keen among people on doing good, and they would constantly look for deeds that increased their rewards with Allah Almighty.
In this Hadīth, ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that there was a man from the Prophet's Companions from the Ansār - the people of Madīnah - and it is mentioned in Musnad that he was the cousin of ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with both of them), whose house was the farthest house from the Prophet's Mosque. Despite the remoteness of his house, he would not miss the prayer in the mosque with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) felt pity for him for the hardship and tiredness he would go through while coming and going back. So, they said to him: If you buy a donkey, it will shield you from the heat of the scorching sand; and it will shield you from the vermin of the earth. Vermin is a term that refers to creatures with lethal poison, like serpents, and it may also refer to creatures that are not to be killed, such as insects.
He swore by Allah to them that he would not like his house to be adjacent to the Prophet's house; rather, he liked that it be far away from it, so that his reward would increase with the increase of steps he would take from his house to the mosque. He did not intend to negate his love for being close to the house of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) out of hatred for him, but in the hope of a greater reward with the increase of those steps. ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) assumed by his statement that he meant hatred for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). So, ’Ubayy (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I was troubled by that" i.e., I found that to be grave and was distressed by it, given the repugnance and horridness of what he said and its evil connotation, namely that he hated the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). In a version by Ahmed, he said: "I have not heard a statement about him more hateful to me than it." ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) interpreted his statement wrongly and thought ill of it because Madīnah abounded with hypocrites at the time, and they were keen to live away from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Then, ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b came to the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and informed him about what this man said. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent for him, and he said the same to him as he said to ’Ubayy ibn Ka‘b, and he mentioned to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) that what made him say so was that he hoped for and pursued reward and recompense from Allah for his walking. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "You will have what you hoped for", i.e., Allah Almighty will give you the reward for your steps which you took for the sake of Allah, Exalted be He, and kept in store with Him. Hoping for reward means that one performs a deed for the sake of Allah and thereby seeks recompense and reward from Allah.
The Hadīth points out the merit of walking to the mosques..

664

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: Our houses were situated far away from the mosque. So, we wanted to sell our houses and move near the mosque. But the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) forbade us, saying: "With every step there is a degree for you.".

Commentary : Taking many steps to the mosque is one of the greatest means of reward. The more distant the mosque and the more steps are taken to it, the greater the reward.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that their houses were situated far from the mosque, as they lived on the outskirts of Madīnah. These are the dwellings of Banu Salamah, a group of the Ansār. They wanted to sell these dwellings, given their remoteness, and buy dwellings close to the mosque, seeking to be the neighbors of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). But, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade them from that and explained to them the reward of which they didn't know. He said to them: "With every step there is a degree for you." When your house is more distant from the mosque, every step you take brings a high rank in Paradise, and the more steps you take, the greater the reward. Thus, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urged them to stay in their houses and not leave them. As related in a Hadīth reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated by Al-Bukhāri: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) disliked that Madīnah be vacated", i.e., that parts of Madīnah become empty of people and houses. So, by staying in their places, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted the areas of Madīnah to be inhabited, so that the Muslims would seem large in number in the eyes of the hypocrites and polytheists, frightening them and showing toughness towards them. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not explicitly say it to them; he only mentioned to them the clear benefit, which would encourage them to agree and prompt them to stay at their houses.
The Hadīth shows the Prophet's concern about his Ummah and his keenness to direct them to what is good and to make the best use of it..

665

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: The area around the mosque became empty. So, Banu Salimah wanted to move near the mosque. News of this reached the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and he said to them: "I was told that you want to move near the mosque." They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah, we want to." Thereupon, he said: "O Banu Salimah, your houses, your footsteps are recorded; your houses, your footsteps are recorded.".

Commentary : Taking many steps to the mosque is one of the greatest means of reward. The more distant the mosque and the more steps are taken to it, the greater the reward.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that the area around the Prophet's Mosque became empty; "so, Banu Salimah wanted" [some of it]. Banu Salimah was a group of the Ansār, and their houses were far away from the Prophet's Mosque, located behind Mount Sal’, west of Madīnah. They wanted to move and stay close to the Prophet's Mosque, thus becoming neighbors to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was told about that. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "I was told." In other words, your news reached me "that you want" and desire "to move near the mosque." They replied: Yes, we desire to do that, O Messenger of Allah. "We want to." So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "O Banu Salimah, your houses." That is: Stay at your houses and remain therein and do not move from there. "Your footsteps are recorded." That is: Your steps to the mosque are recorded. You gain a reward for the steps you take to the mosque. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) repeated his statement once again: "Your houses, your footsteps are recorded." This was to urge and encourage them to obey his command and stay in their houses and not leave them. As related in another Hadīth reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated by Al-Bukhāri: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) disliked that Madīnah be vacated." In other words, parts of Madīnah become vacated. So, by staying in their places, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted the areas of Madīnah to be inhabited, so that the Muslims would seem large in number in the eyes of the hypocrites and polytheists, thus frightening them and showing toughness towards them. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not explicitly say it to them; he only mentioned to them the clear benefit, which would encourage them to agree and prompt them to stay at their houses.
The Hadīth highlights the merit of walking to the mosques..

671

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The places that are dearest to Allah are the mosques, and the places that are most hateful to Allah are the markets.".

Commentary : Places vary in terms of goodness and evilness. The mosques are places where Allah's mercy and grace descend. By contrast, markets are the places of the devil's acts of greed and heedlessness.
In this Hadīth, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mentions that the mosques are the dearest places to Allah Almighty, for they are houses of worship and dhikr and are founded on fear from Allah Almighty. In them, the Qur’an is recited, knowledge is disseminated, the believers get together, the rituals of the religion are displayed, and the angels attend. Also, Allah attributed them to Himself, by way of honor and extolment, saying: {The mosques are for Allah alone.} [Surat al-Jinn: 18]
He also said that the markets are the most hateful places to Allah Almighty, for they witness a lot of false swearing, cheating and deception, heedlessness from the remembrance of Allah Almighty, breaking promises, and impolite treatment, as well as other similar things. Love for the mosques means love for the pious acts that take place therein and hate for the markets means hate for the sins and misdeeds committed therein.
Love and hate are two of Allah's attributes that are established for Him by the Qur’an and the Sunnah in their apparent meanings and in the way that befits the majesty of Allah Almighty, as He established them for Himself without comparison or denial.
The Hadīth urges us to go to the mosques and frequent them in pursuit of Allah's love and pleasure, and to go to the markets less frequently and only when it is needed, so that we can keep away from Allah's dislike and avoid the means leading to His hatred and punishment..

672

Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If there are three persons, let one of them be their Imām, and the worthiest among them for being Imām is their best reciter.".

Commentary : Prayer is a Tawqīfi act of worship, which we must perform as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) taught it to us. He clarified to us its obligations, Sunnahs, and its etiquette, including the one who is more worthy of leading the prayer.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) tells us that if there are three or more people, they should choose one of them to lead the prayer. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined that so that no difference, conflict, or dispute should happen among them. Imām here refers to the leader in prayer, as demonstrated by the last part of the Hadīth, as he said: "and the most entitled among them to be the Imām is their best reciter" who is most among them in memorizing the Qur'an and the best in understanding it. In another version by Muslim: "The one who should lead the people in prayer is the best reciter of them in the Book of Allah." So, if there are a group of people qualified to lead the prayer, the best reciter of the Qur'an among them is the worthiest of being the Imām, by virtue of this merit in him. Hence, if they memorize the entire Qur'an, the one of them who recites it in the most perfect, accurate, and measured manner should be given precedence, for he is the best reciter compared to them. And it is preferred that he should be the best reciter of the Book of Allah among them and the most knowledgeable about the Sunnah and its rulings.
It may be understood from the apparent meaning of the Hadīth that the group concerning the prayer should not be less than three persons. But, what is indicated by the Sunnah is that the group can also consist of two persons, with one of them being the Imām for the other.
The Hadīth shows the merit of he who is the best in reciting the Qur'an, for he is the worthiest of leading the prayer..

673

Abu Mas‘ūd al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The one who should lead the people in prayer is the best reciter of the Book of Allah among them. If they are equal in terms of the recitation, then the one most knowledgeable about the Sunnah among them; if they are equal regarding the Sunnah, then the earliest one among them to have emigrated; if they are equal in terms of emigration, then the earliest one among them to have embraced Islam. No man should lead another man in prayer where the latter has authority or sit in his special place in his house without his permission.” [In another version] "age" is reported in place of "embracing Islam"..

Commentary : Congregational prayer in mosques occupies a high status and brings a great reward. The Shariah regulated this prayer and arranged the rows behind the Imām (prayer leader), so that the worshipers can be in orderliness and mental and physical discipline during the prayer.
In this Hadīth, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) directs the Muslims on how to choose a prayer leader if they are a group of people, stating that the one who should lead the people in prayer is the best reciter of the Book of Allah among them. There is a difference of opinion regarding the meaning intended by "the best reciter". It was said: It means the best of them in recitation and the most knowledgeable about its rulings, even if he is the least among them in terms of memorization. Another view says: It means the best memorizer of the Qur’an among them, for he regarded recitation as the basis for leading people in prayer and gave it precedence over all the other characteristics mentioned along with it. And another view says: It means the most knowledgeable, for if you consider the conditions of the Companions, you will find that the most knowledgeable among them is the best reciter among them. Thus, the Prophet's words, "the best reciter of the Book of Allah among them," mean: the most knowledgeable among them.
If they are equal in terms of the acceptable level of recitation, memorization, and mastery, then it's the most knowledgeable of the Sunnah among them; that is: the one who possesses the best understanding of it and the most knowledgeable about the rulings related to the prayer and the Prophet's Sunnah concerning it. If the Imām is ignorant of the prayer's rulings and what may arise during its performance, like forgetfulness and addition or omission, he will spoil it.
If they are equal in all the foregoing, the earliest one to have emigrated should be given precedence. Emigration means leaving the land of disbelief to the land of Islam. Thus, the one who moves from the land of disbelief to the land of Islam earlier is worthier in leading the prayer than the one who does so later. It was said: He is given precedence either because being earlier in emigration is an honor that entails precedence, or because he who emigrates earlier is usually more knowledgeable than the one who emigrates later. It was said: The emigration associated with the precedence in prayer leadership is not intended to particularly refer to the Hijrah during the Prophet's lifetime, but it is the emigration that does not cease until the Day of Judgment, which is mentioned in a Hadīth narrated by An-Nasā’i: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Hijrah will not cease so long as the disbelievers are being fought." That is, it is enduring until the Day of Judgment.
If they are equal in terms of emigration, then the earliest one among them to have embraced Islam takes precedence. In another version, "age" is reported in place of "accepting Islam". In other words, if they are equal in all the foregoing - in knowledge, recitation, and emigration - and one of them excels the others by virtue of embracing Islam earlier or being older in age, he is given precedence because this is a merit that affords precedence.
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No man should lead another man in prayer where the latter has authority." This is his place where he alone assumes authority, a place he owns, or a place where he gives judgment. So, the owner of a place is worthier. He can step forward, if he wills, or choose someone else to lead, if he wills. This is his dominion, and he can dispose as he wishes in it. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade that a man should sit in another man's house in his special place - which is reserved for him and intended to honor him, like a mat and so on - unless he is granted permission. This prohibition pertains to sitting in the special place of a man in his house. This is because the place where the head of a household sits is usually the location for certain things not liked to be seen by others, or that it overlooks his entire house or the parts he wants to see; thus, he can follow the conditions of the members of his household and tell them whatever he wants. So, if he gives permission to someone to sit in that place, this indicates that the place is free in terms of all these aspects.
The Hadīth demonstrates the order to be observed in stepping forward to lead people in prayer.
It also indicates that prayer leadership is one of the important things in the religion. Hence, the lawgiver enjoined that it should be undertaken by the most proficient person.
It also states that the head of a household is worthier than others in leading the prayer therein.
It also states that no one should sit in the place reserved for the head of the house without his permission.
It also highlights the superiority of immigrants over others..

679

Khufāf ibn Īmā’ reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) bowed in Rukū‘ and then raised his head and said: "May Allah forgive Ghifār; may Allah make Aslam peaceful; ‘Usayyah disobeyed Allah and His Messenger; O Allah, curse Banu Lihyān and curse Ri‘l and Dhakwān." Then, he fell prostrating. Khufāf said: Invoking a curse upon the disbelievers was permitted because of that..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to draw close to Allah by supplication under every condition. This includes the supplication of Qunūt which he would make during the prayer.
In this Hadīth, Khufāf ibn Īmā’ (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) bowed in Rukū‘ during his prayer, and when he raised his head from Rukū‘ in the last Rak‘ah - as related in the version by Ahmad - and before he went down for prostration, he stood for supplication. Part of what he said in his supplication was to supplicate for the tribe of Ghifār and the tribe of Aslam, two of the Arab tribes. He said about Ghifār: "may Allah forgive Ghifār". He supplicated so that Allah forgives Ghifār for their heinous acts during Jāhiliyyah. About Aslam, he said: "may Allah make Aslam peaceful". He supplicated so that Allah Almighty makes peace with Aslam and does not command war be waged against them. This may also be information that Allah Almighty forgave the tribe of Ghifār and made peace with Aslam and prevented war against them.
About the tribe of ‘Usayyah, he said that they "disobeyed Allah and His Messenger", as they entered a treaty with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). This gives the sense of complaining about them and it entails supplication against them to be disgraced for their disobedience, not supplication for them to disobey.
Then, he supplicated against some neighborhoods in the tribe of Banu Sulaym, saying: "O Allah, curse Banu Lihyān and curse Ri‘l and Dhakwān." This is because they disobeyed Allah Almighty and His Messenger (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and acted treacherously towards his noble Companions, killing the reciters whom the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent to them to teach them their religion. Then, when he finished his supplication, he fell prostrating.
Thereafter, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stopped supplicating against them when Allah Almighty revealed the verse that reads: {It is not for you [O Prophet] to decide} [Surat Āl ‘Imrān: 128] as related in the Two Sahīh Collections. This noble verse was a sign to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) that Allah Almighty might guide those people to Islam.
It was not the habit of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to supplicate against the polytheists in every situation. Rather, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was most merciful and compassionate towards them. But, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would sometimes supplicate against them when their violence and harm increased and grew and at other times he would supplicate for them when no trouble was feared from them and it was hoped they could win their hearts and embrace Islam.
Khufāf (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Invoking curse upon the disbelievers was permitted because of that," i.e., supplication against the disbelievers was adopted and became legitimate because of this act by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his invocation of a curse upon those disbelieving tribes. So, if they attack the Muslims, they should be supplicated against, in line with the Prophet's example.
The Hadīth demonstrates a merit and good characteristic for both Aslam and Ghifār..

680

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We stopped for rest along with the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and did not awake till the sun rose. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Each man should take hold of his mount's head, for this is a place where the devil has visited us." He said: We did accordingly. Then, he asked for water and performed ablution and then offered two prostrations - [In a version] Then, he prayed two prostrations - Then, the Iqāmah for prayer was pronounced and he performed the morning prayer..

Commentary : Prayer is the greatest among the practical pillars of Islam, and it enjoys particular significance in the Shariah. Allah Almighty appointed specific times for its performance, and whoever misses the appointed time should make up for the missed prayer and not leave it.
In this Hadīth, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that they were on a journey with the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and they stopped at a place in the latter part of the night for rest and sleep and did not wake up till the rise of the sun, whose heat awakened them; as in a Hadīth reported by ‘Imrān ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim. Consequently, they missed the Fajr prayer. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) woke up, he said to his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them): "Each man should take hold of his mount's head" i.e., hold the bridle of his mount and get out of this place; "for this is a place where the devil has visited us." And he caused them to be heedless of the time of prayer in this place, and it is as if he was still around them with this heedlessness. So, by their departure from this place, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to turn away from the devil. They complied with the Prophet's command and got out of their place, and then they proceeded on the way for a while. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked for water, performed ablution, "and then offered two prostrations". And in a version: "Then, he prayed two prostrations" i.e., he performed two Rak‘ahs, in return for the Sunnah of the Fajr prayer. Then, the Iqāmah was pronounced for the obligatory prayer. "and he performed the morning prayer", which is the Fajr prayer.
The Hadīth mentions making up for the regular supererogatory prayer.
It indicates that the Fajr prayer is also known as the morning prayer.
It also urges avoidance of the places where the devil is present..

681

Abu Qatādah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) addressed us and said: "You will proceed with your journey in the evening and night. Then, you will come to a place of water, Allah Willing, tomorrow." So, the people proceeded without paying any heed to one another. Abu Qatādah said: "As the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) traveled until it was midnight, and I was by his side, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) dozed off and leaned (to one side) of his camel. I went to him and lent him support without waking him up until he sat upright on his riding mount. He went on traveling until a major part of the night was over and he leaned (to one side) of his camel. I supported him without waking him up until he sat upright on his mount. Then, he traveled until it was near dawn. Then, he leaned, but far more than the two earlier leanings, and he was about to fall. So, I went to him and supported him, and he lifted his head and said: 'Who is this?' I said: 'It is Abu Qātadah.' He said: 'How long have you been traveling along with me like this?' I said: 'I have been traveling in this very state since the night.' He said: 'May Allah guard you as you have guarded His Prophet.' Then, he said: 'Do you see that we are out of the sight of the people?' Then, he said: 'Do you see anyone?' I said: 'Here is a rider.' I again said: 'Here is another rider, until we gathered together, and we were seven riders.' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stepped aside off the road and placed his head and then said: 'Guard our prayers for us.' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the first to wake up, and the rays of the sun were falling on his back. We got up startled. He said: 'Ride on.' So, we rode on until the sun had risen. He then dismounted and called for a jug of water which I had with me. There was a little water in it. He performed ablution which was less thorough than his usual ablutions, and some water was left. Then, he said to Abu Qatādah: 'Keep for us your jug of water; it will have a word.' Thereafter, Bilāl made the Adhān (call for prayer), and then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) observed two Rak‘ahs and then observed the Fajr prayer as he did every day. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) rode on and we rode along with him, and some of us whispered to the others saying: 'What is the expiation for the negligence we committed in our prayers?' Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Is there not in me a role model for you? There is no negligence in sleeping. Negligence is not observing the prayer until the time of the next prayer comes. So, whoever does this should observe the prayer when he becomes aware of it, and on the next day, he should observe the prayer at its prescribed time.' Then, he said: 'What do you think the people would do (at this hour) when they would not find their Prophet with them in the morning. Abu Bakr and ‘Umar said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is behind you, and he does not leave you behind.’ Other people said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is ahead of you.’ So, if they obey Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, they will follow the right path.' We proceeded on until we came up to the people (from whom we had lagged behind), and the sun had considerably risen, and everything became hot, and they said: 'O Messenger of Allah, we are dying, we are thirsty.' Whereupon, he said: 'You will not die (of thirst).' And he then said: 'Bring that small cup of mine.' Then, he asked for the jug of water to be brought to him. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) poured water, and Abu Qatādah gave them water to drink. When the people saw that there was water in the jug, they gathered in crowds around it. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Behave well in your gathering; you will drink to your fill.' They complied. So, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would fill (the cup), and I would serve them until no one was left except me and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He then filled (the cup) with water and said to me: 'Drink it.' I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I will not drink until you drink.' He said: 'The server of the people is the last among them to drink.' So, I drank, and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) also drank, and the people came to the place of water quite happy and satiated." ‘Abdullāh ibn Rabāh said: "As I was narrating this Hadīth in the grand mosque, ‘Imrān ibn Husayn said: 'Consider, O young man, how you narrate, for I was one of the riders in that night.' I said: 'So, you must know this Hadīth well.' He said: 'Who are you?' I said: 'I am one of the Ansār.' Thereupon, he said: 'You narrate, for you know your Hadīths better.' I, therefore, narrated it to the people. Then, ‘Imrān said: 'I was also present that night, but I do not know anyone who memorized it the way I memorized it.'".

Commentary : Prayer is the greatest among the practical pillars of Islam, and it enjoys particular significance in Shariah. Allah Almighty appointed specific times for its performance, and whoever misses the appointed time should make up for the missed prayer and not leave it.
In this Hadīth, Abu Qatādah al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) addressed the army which he led, saying: "You will proceed with your journey in the evening." This extends from midday to sunset, the latter part of the daytime, (and night), which means: You will go out on the path of your journey in the evening and proceed with your journey throughout the night. "Then, you will come to a place of water, Allah Willing, tomorrow," i.e., they would reach the water in the morning. His words, Allah Willing, point to the Prophet's compliance with this command of Allah Almighty: {And never say about anything: "I will surely do this tomorrow," without adding: "if Allah wills."} [Surat al-Kahf: 23-24] So, he would say "Allah Willing" in any future matter. When the people heard his words, they proceeded fast with their travel without paying any heed to one another. In other words, they did not pay attention or turn toward one another. Rather, each person was walking alone and not paying heed to the company, caring for himself in pursuing and reaching the water. "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) traveled until it was midnight," i.e., it was the middle of the night and darkness accumulated; or a major part of the night did pass and one-third of it was remaining. Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) was by his side. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) started dozing off
- the beginning of sleep - as he moved. He began to lean and almost fell off his mount. Meanwhile, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) would support him to help him sit upright and not fall. He did all that without awakening the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did that a number of times, and this happened when a major part of the night was over. Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) kept supporting him so that he would not fall off his riding animal." The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went on traveling, and when it was near dawn, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) leaned so heavily that he almost fell. So, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) came to him and lent him support, like a bolster under him. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got up from his sleep, raised his head, and asked: Who is this one who is helping me? Abu Qatādah replied that it was him. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked him: Since when? Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) replied that he kept guarding and supporting him from the first time he slept during that night. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) supplicated that may Allah guard him as he guarded His Messenger. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked him: "Do you see that we are out of the sight of the people?" In other words, have we delayed and lagged behind them? This is because the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), due to his drowsiness, was not aware of how much he lagged behind the army. This also indicates that no one was with him except Abu Qatādah. It was the Prophet's habit to travel at the rear of the army to show leniency towards the army, carry the weak, and prod those who lag behind. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked him: "Do you see anyone?" Based on that, he wanted to determine whether to move faster with his mount or at the same pace. Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: Here is a rider, and here is another rider. This means that they were catching up with the army personnel, one after another. They gathered together until they became seven in number. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) turned away from the road - lest they may be harmed by any vermin moving therein - and headed, along with those with him, for sleep, and he placed his head. The version narrated by Al-Bukhāri pointed out that the Prophet's (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stepping aside was at the request of some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "I fear you may oversleep and fail to perform the prayer." Bilāl said: "I will wake you all up. So, lie down."
Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Guard our prayers for us," i.e., its time. This refers to the Fajr prayer. Do not fail to perform it due to sleep. They felt sleepy and lay down. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fell into a deep sleep, and they did not wake up for the Fajr prayer. "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the first to wake up, while the rays of the sun were falling on his back." This indirectly indicates that it was the heat of the sun that awakened him. Abu Qatādah said: "We got up startled." They were startled because they missed the Fajr prayer due to sleep. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered them to ride their mounts before making up for the Fajr prayer. He mentioned in a version narrated by Muslim and reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the reason behind their departure from the place before praying is that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "This is a place where the devil visited us." They proceeded until they went out of that place and kept moving until the sun had risen. In another version narrated by Muslim and reported by ‘Imrān ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him): "until the sun shone brightly", i.e., it went high, and its yellowness or redness disappeared. The intended meaning: The extent to which the sun goes high with which prayer after sunrise ceases to be disliked. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) dismounted and called for a jug of water, which was with Abu Qatādah and contained a little water. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used its water for performing ablution which was less thorough than his usual ablutions, i.e., a moderate ablution, given the shortage of water. He did not perform ablution thoroughly as usual. Or that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) adopted the one-time approach in its performance and did not pour a lot of water, for he wanted to keep some of it so that his blessing and his miraculous act would appear therein. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to Abu Qatādah: "Keep for us your jug of water" and the water it contains. "It will have a word." i.e., momentous news or a miracle in the future - the blessing that would come to the people.
Then, Bilāl (may Allah be pleased with him) made the Adhān for the missed prayer. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) first performed the two-Rak‘ah Sunnah of the Fajr prayer and then the obligatory Fajr prayer as a missed prayer. His prayer was the same as the prayers he would perform every day at their appointed times, with no difference between his performance of prayer at the appointed time and his performance of it as a missed prayer. After the prayer was over, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) rode his mount, and so did the people, and they went out traveling on their way. But they began to whisper to one another in a low voice, saying: "What is the expiation for our negligence towards our prayers?" They feared the sin and the penalty for that. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) heard their words, seeking to comfort them amid their grief over missing the Fajr prayer, he said: "Is there not in me a role model for you?" In other words, an example to imitate and follow. This seems to indicate that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted them to understand that their performance of the prayer as a missed prayer is an expiation for missing it. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There is no negligence in sleeping," and no neglect in missing the prayer because a sleeping person has no choice. Rather, neglect and sin are upon a wakeful person who fails to perform a prayer - intentionally and out of neglect and lethargy - until the time of the next prayer comes. "So, whoever does this" - i.e., he oversleeps and fails to perform a prayer until its time elapses - "should observe the prayer when he becomes aware of it" - i.e., after he wakes up - "and in the next day, he should observe the prayer at its prescribed time." In other words, he should not delay the prayer beyond its usual time. This does not mean that he should perform the missed prayer twice, one time at that moment and another time the next day.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked those present with him: "'What do you think the people have done?" He meant the front part of the army and those who went ahead of them. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was inquiring about their condition since the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) unusually lagged behind them. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) answered his question and informed those with him that Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) are saying to the people: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is behind you;" i.e., he is after you and lagging behind you and has not come yet, for he would not "leave you behind, i.e., he would not go ahead of you and leave you behind. They meant to ask the people to wait for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) until he could catch up with them. Some others said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went ahead of us. Thus, they were asking the people to proceed. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "So, if they obey Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, they will follow the right path" because they are right and correct, as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was in the state Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) talked about.
Thereafter, Abu Qatādah informed that they reached the front of the army in which Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) were, as "the sun had considerably risen" - i.e., the sun went high - "and everything became hot;" i.e., the heat became severe. Everyone was suffering from exhaustion and hardship, saying: "O Messenger of Allah, we are dying" - i.e., from the hot weather - "and thirsty" due to the lack of water. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) reassured them that they will not die. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Bring that small cup of mine," i.e., untie my luggage, take my small cup out of it, and bring it to me. And he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked for the jug of water which was with Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) began to pour water into the jug, while Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) was giving them water to drink. When the people saw that a lot of water was coming out of the jug, they gathered in crowds around it to drink and store water from it. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Behave well;" that is, be good in manners and dealing with one another as you drink. He gave them good news that they would all quench their thirst and drink from that water. So, do not act badly by jostling and pushing. They complied with the Prophet's command. So, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) continued to pour water and Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) was giving them the water to drink. This continued until none remained but Abu Qatādah and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) poured water and said to Abu Qatādah: 'Drink.' Out of politeness, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "O Messenger of Allah, I will not drink until you drink." So, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The one who serves water to people is the last of them to drink." So, Abu Qatādah drank, and the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the last to drink among the people. This is one of the etiquettes to be observed in drinking water. After that, the people reached the place of water which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) told them about when he addressed them on the first day - "quite happy", i.e., restful and in good condition, and "satiated", i.e., having drunk water to their fill.
The Tābi‘i ‘Abdullāh ibn Rabāh mentioned that he was narrating this Hadīth in the grand mosque, i.e. in Basra. So, ‘Imrān ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "Consider, O young man, how you narrate;" i.e., what Hadīth you are narrating; or about what condition you are narrating, "for I was one of the riders in that night." In other words, pay attention, O young man, and narrate in an accurate way, for I am one of those who witnessed this incident, and I will check what you narrate against what I witnessed. He replied to him: "So, you must know this Hadīth better," since you were one of the riders and witnessed this incident. ‘Imrān ibn Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "Who are you?" He replied: "I am one of the Ansār," the dwellers of Madīnah. Thereupon, ‘Imrān (may Allah be pleased with him) asked him to narrate, as he praised the Ansār, saying: "You know your Hadīths better." When ‘Abdullāh narrated the Hadīth and finished its narration and it was consistent with ‘Imrān's account, ‘Imrān (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "I was present that night, but I do not know anyone who has committed it to memory as good as I have done." Thus, he praised him for memorizing the Hadīth so accurately and was amazed at how well he memorized it, even though he did not witness the incident.
In the Hadīth: The one who serves water to people is the last among them to drink.
And in it: Whoever oversleeps and fails to perform a prayer has to make up for the missed prayer.
And in it: The Prophet's miracle in foretelling things of the Unseen, which Allah revealed to him, and in the blessing and increase of the little water.
And in it: Serving virtuous people, especially during travel.
And in it: Demonstrating some of the etiquettes related to taking rest during travel, namely, to avoid the road.
And in it: Supplicating for the one who offers good service, as a reward for his doing good.
And in it: Feeling sad and regretful over missed virtuous deeds, even if no negligence is involved.
And in it: Making up for the missed supererogatory prayer.
And in it: Urging the improvement of manners among people, particularly in situations involving crowdedness and annoyance..

683

Abu Qatādah reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) alighted at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he alighted before dawn, he would erect his forearm and place his head on his palm..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to devote attention to the Prophet's guidance in his deeds, words, and approvals, to follow his example and learn from him. In this Hadīth, Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went on a journey, he would alight in the first part of the night for sleep and rest, sleep on his right side, and place his head on a pillow or the like, thus giving himself the due share of sleep. And when he wanted to sleep at the latter part of the night, shortly before dawn, he would erect his right 'forearm' and "place his head on his palm," fearing he might be overtaken by sleep and thus fail to perform the Fajr prayer at its earliest time. The right side is favored regarding sleep given the honor of tayāmun (using the right side or starting with it) and its general merit in everything. It was the Prophet's habit to favor the right side, except in repulsive things, in which he would use the left side.
This also indicates that a person should give himself the due share of rest and not forget the worship of his Lord. In the first part of the night, he can get sufficient sleep before dawn and then get up. Yet in the latter part of the night, he should sleep lightly, rather than deeply, lest he may miss the Fajr prayer.
In the Hadīth: Alighting for rest during travel in case of tiredness, while being cautious not to miss the prayer
And in it: Using alarms and the like to alert one to the times of prayers.

686

Ya‘la ibn Umayyah reported: I said to ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb: "{There is no blame on you to shorten the prayer, if you fear that the disbelievers may harm you} [Surat an-Nisā’: 101]. And people have become secure!" He said: "I wondered about the same thing you wondered about, and I asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about that, and he said: 'It is a charity that Allah has given you; so accept His charity.'".

Commentary : Travel is a piece of torment, and it is most likely to involve tiredness and hardship. Hence, Allah Almighty alleviates things for travelers and facilitates the Shar‘i rulings for them, especially those related to prayer and fasting.
In this Hadīth, Ya‘la ibn Umayyah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he asked ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) about the verse that reads: {When you are traveling through the land, there is no blame on you to shorten the prayer, if you fear that the disbelievers may harm you.} [Surat an-Nisā’: 101] It means: If you travel in the land, there is no sin on you in shortening the four-Rak‘ah prayers (the Zhuhr, ‘Asr, and ‘Ishā’ prayers) to two Rak‘ahs - if you fear harm from the disbelievers.
"And people have become secure" now, and their fear, which was the reason behind prescribing the shortening of prayer, is no longer there. So, why do they shorten the prayer? Or what is the objective of shortening if its reason is no longer there? In response, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) informed him that he had the same thought as Ya‘la ibn Umayyah and so he asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about shortening the prayer in the absence of its reason - namely the fear from the enemy - and the existence of security, and the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) told him that shortening the prayer is a favor from Allah Almighty which He bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah and honored them with; it is a charity Allah has given them, by way of facilitation and mercy. "So, accept His charity," i.e., whether there is fear or not; shortening the prayer is established in case of security as well. Allah's words: That the disbelievers may harm you} refers to what is most likely, for most of the journeys of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions were not fear-free, given the multitude of fighting enemies at the time.
This indicates that the shortening of prayer during travel was prescribed to make things lenient and easy for people, and it does not have the sense of order or obligation for the traveler. Indeed, the Ummah unanimously agreed that a person to whom charity is offered is not obligated to accept it.
In the Hadīth: Shortening the prayer during travel with or without fear
And in it: Demonstrating the mercy of Allah Almighty and His complete favor upon His servants, as He prescribed for Muslims to shorten the prayer during travel given the hardship they suffer..

687

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: "Allah has prescribed the prayer by the tongue of your Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as four Rak‘ahs when resident, two when traveling, and one in case of fear..

Commentary : Making things easy and light is one of the merits of the tolerant Islamic Shariah. Allah Almighty laid down dispensations for the Muslims therein so that they will not suffer hardship that causes them harm or burdens them with unbearable things. These dispensations include shortening the prayer during travel and at the time of war.
In this Hadīth, Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) says: "Allah has prescribed the prayer by the tongue of your Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)" by revelation from Allah Almighty. So, it is "four Rak‘ahs when resident," i.e., the four-Rak‘ah prayers: Zhuhr, ‘Asr, and ‘Ishā’- "two when traveling;" the four-Rak‘ah prayer is shortened to two Rak‘ahs only during travel. And He prescribed "one in case of fear." The prayer of fear is when the time for obligatory prayer becomes due while Muslims are fighting an enemy, guarding borders, and the like. The Hadīth apparently indicates that the prayer of fear consists of one Rak‘ah in case of severe fear and war. It was said: What is meant by one Rak‘ah is that he offers one Rak‘ah with the Imām and one Rak‘ah alone. This is because most reports about the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) state that the prayer of fear consists of two Rak‘ahs, to be performed in different ways depending on the condition of the enemy in terms of nearness and remoteness. There is no effect for the severe fear, but they should perform two Rak‘ahs, according to their ability, in whatever direction they turn to, while walking and riding, nodding with their heads..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (ra): “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) prohibit the prayers at the sunrise and sunset.”
.

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (ra): ‘Al-’Abbaas bin 'Abdul Muttalib asked permission from the Prophet (ﷺ) to stay at Makkah during the nights of Mina in order to provide drinking water (from Zamzam) to the pilgrims, and the Prophet (ﷺ) allowed him.’.

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (ra): I gave Zamzam water to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and he drank it while standing. `Aasim (a sub-narrator) said that `Ikrimah took the oath that on that day the Prophet (ﷺ) had not been standing but riding a camel..

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (ra): The Messenger of Allah ﷺperformed the Tawaaf round the Ka’bah and rite of walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah to display his strength to the disbelievers..

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: Our houses were situated far away from the mosque. So, we wanted to sell our houses and move near the mosque. But the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) forbade us, saying: "With every step there is a degree for you.".

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The places that are dearest to Allah are the mosques, and the places that are most hateful to Allah are the markets.".

Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If there are three persons, let one of them be their Imām, and the worthiest among them for being Imām is their best reciter.".

Abu Qatādah reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) alighted at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he alighted before dawn, he would erect his forearm and place his head on his palm..

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: "Allah has prescribed the prayer by the tongue of your Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as four Rak‘ahs when resident, two when traveling, and one in case of fear..

Book of Hadith

| Hadiths

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (ra): “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) prohibit the prayers at the sunrise and sunset.” .

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (ra): ‘Al-’Abbaas bin 'Abdul Muttalib asked permission from the Prophet (ﷺ) to stay at Makkah during the nights of Mina in order to provide drinking water (from Zamzam) to the pilgrims, and the Prophet (ﷺ) allowed him.’.

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (ra): I gave Zamzam water to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and he drank it while standing. `Aasim (a sub-narrator) said that `Ikrimah took the oath that on that day the Prophet (ﷺ) had not been standing but riding a camel..

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (ra): The Messenger of Allah ﷺperformed the Tawaaf round the Ka’bah and rite of walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah to display his strength to the disbelievers..

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: Our houses were situated far away from the mosque. So, we wanted to sell our houses and move near the mosque. But the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) forbade us, saying: "With every step there is a degree for you.".

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The places that are dearest to Allah are the mosques, and the places that are most hateful to Allah are the markets.".

Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If there are three persons, let one of them be their Imām, and the worthiest among them for being Imām is their best reciter.".

Abu Qatādah reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) alighted at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he alighted before dawn, he would erect his forearm and place his head on his palm..

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: "Allah has prescribed the prayer by the tongue of your Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) as four Rak‘ahs when resident, two when traveling, and one in case of fear..

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (ra): “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) prohibit the prayers at the sunrise and sunset.”
.