| 2 Hadiths


Hadith
1730
Narrated Mu’aawiyyah (may Allah be pleased with him): I cut short the hair of Allah's Messenger ﷺ with a sharp-edged arrow..

Commentary : The Messenger of Allah ﷺhas clarified the rituals of Hajj and ‘Umrah with his sayings and doings, and thereafter, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted them in full detail, to the point that people are clearly aware of their worship.
In this hadeeth, Mu’aawiyah ibn Aboo Sufyaan (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that he shortened the hair of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.Perhaps, that may be during his exiting the Ihraam of the ‘Umrah of al-Ji’irraanah, which the Messenger of Allah ﷺperformed it when he conquered Makkah. It was called with that name because the Prophet ﷺentered Makkah at night and he performed the rites of ‘Umrah. Then, he left it at night and spent the night at al-Ji’irraanah, until he witnessed the morning there and until the sun of the next day inclined. Then, he ﷺheaded to Al-Madeenah. This happened in the eighth year of the Hijrah. He shortened his hair using Mishqas (sharp-edged arrow), which is the long and tall part of an arrow. This shows us that it is permissible to suffice with shortening the hair, even when shaving the head is better, which is applicable to both the Hajji and the ‘Umrah. Except that it is better for the one performing the Tamattu’-kind of Hajj to shorten the hair for the ‘Umrah and to shave it completely for the Hajj, so that shaving the head happens in the most perfect act of both acts of worship. 
Shaving the head is prescribed only for men while women are ordered to cut from their hair, so they exit their Ihraam. The acts of shaving and cutting the hair are from the rites of Hajj with which the pilgrim exits his Ihraam. It takes place after throwing the Jamrah of ‘Aqabah, after slaughtering his Hady, if he had it, and before the Tawaaf of Ifaadah. It takes place in ‘Umrah after completing the ritual walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah.
This hadeeth highlights the legality of shortening the hair when exiting from the rites of Hajj and ‘Umrah..

1731
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): When the Prophet ﷺ came to Makkah, he ordered his Companions to perform Tawaaf around the Ka’bah and between Al-Safaa and Al-Marwah, to finish their Ihraam and get their hair shaved off or cut short.
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Commentary : The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺexplained its rituals with his words and actions, and the honourable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted them to us.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him)reports that when the Prophet ﷺarrived at Makkah with the intention to perform the Farewell Hajj in the tenth year of the Hijrah, he commanded his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) who did not bring the sacrificial animals with them to Makkah from outside the boundaries (Meeqaat) or from their own hometowns – just as what the Messenger of Allah ﷺdid – to perform the rites of ‘Umrah. He ﷺordered them to perform seven rounds of Tawaaf aaround the Ka’bah, do the ritual walking between the Safaa and Marwah, and then either get their heads shaved or shorten their hair. Thereby, they can exit from their Ihraam and wait until it is the time of Hajj [known as the Tamattu’-form of Hajj]. So, on the Day of Tarwiyah, they should assume the Ihraam for Hajj from their respective places and perform the rites of Hajj. The best option for one performing Tamattu’ is to shorten his hair to exit the Ihraam for ‘Umrah and to shave his head to exit his Ihraam for Hajj, in order to allow shaving the head to happen in the most complete act of the two acts of worship.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺdid not perform this kind of Hajj, rather he performed the Qiraan-kind of Hajj by inserting the ‘Umrah into the Hajj. This was by performing the Tawaaf of the House on his first arrival and performing the ritual walking between the Safaa and Marwah. He remained in his Ihraam until he slaughtered the sacrificial animals after completing his Hajj. That is because he took the sacrificial animals along with him from Thoo al-Hulayfah.
This hadeeth shows that pilgrims who do not bring along with them Hady are prescribed to perform Hajj al-Tamattu’..

1732
Narrated Nafi' that Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) performed only one Tawaaf. He would take an afternoon nap and then return to Mina. That was on the day of Nahr (slaughtering)..

Commentary : Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which the Messenger of Allah ﷺhas explained its rites by his statements and actions. His honourable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted them to us just as they learned them directly from the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth Naafi’, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Umar reports that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to perform Tawaaf once, that is, Tawaaf al-Ifaadah. It is also known as Tawaaf al-Ziyaarah (Tawaaf of Visit) because the pilgrim comes from Minaa to visit the Sacred House and he does not reside in Makkah. Instead, he returns to spend the night at Minaa – on the Day of Sacrifice (Day of Nahr), the tenth day of Thoo al-Hijjah, then he has a siesta in Makkah. The siesta here means to have some rest during the midday, even if is not accompanied by sleep. Then, he again returns to Minaa at the time of Thuhr, because the daylight hours were long. Minaa is a valley near the Sanctuary of Makkah wherein the pilgrims halt to spend the night there on the Day of Tarwiyah and the days of Tashreeq and perform the rite of throwing the pebbles.
It is reported on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺleft [for Makkah] on the Day of Sacrifice and then he returned and performed Thuhr at Minaa. [Saheeh Muslim]. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would wait through having a siesta for the time in which the Prophet ﷺreturned to Minaa. That was because ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was very keen to follow the Prophet ﷺin all his actions both on journeys and at home.
This hadeeth highlights the legality of performing Tawaaf al-Ifaadah on the Day of Sacrifice during the daytime..

1733
Narrated ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her): We performed Hajj with the Prophet ﷺ and performed Tawaaf-al-Ifaadah on the Day of Nahr (slaughtering). Safiyyah got her menses and the Prophet ﷺdesired from her what a husband desires from his wife. I said to him, "O Allah's Messenger! She is having her menses." He said, " Is she going to stop us [from travelling]?" We informed him that she had performed Tawaaf-al-Ifaadah on the Day of Nahr. He said, "(Then you can) depart."
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Commentary : Tawaaf al-Ifaadah is a pillar among the pillars of Islam and being pure is a precondition for the validity of Tawaaf.  When a woman menstruates before performing Tawaaf al-Ifaadah, then she should not leave until she has attained purity, thereafter, she should perform Tawaaf al-Ifaadah. This is different from Tawaaf al-Widaa’ (the Farewell Tawaaf), which drops from her, just as this hadeeth clarifies.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of Believers ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that when the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) performed the Farewell Hajj with the Prophet ﷺ, they performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah on the Day of Sacrifice, that is on the tenth day of Thoo al-Hijjah. Then, the Mother of the Believers, Safiyyah bint Huyayy (may Allah be pleased with her) menstruated after performing Tawaaf al-Ifaadah. The Prophet ﷺdesired from her what a husband desires from his wife. This is an allusion to the intention of performing sexual intercourse. This happened when his wives sought permission from him concerning the performance of Tawaaf al-Ifaadah and he ﷺhad given them the permission. He thought that she had already performed the Tawaaf with them and had exited the second time, which makes it permissible thereafter for a man to come to his wife. When he was told that she was menstruating, he thought that she might have started menstruating before that to the extent that he refused her to perform Tawaaf al-Ifaadah in that account. Hence, the Prophet ﷺinquired concerning that saying, “Is she going to stop us [from travelling]?” Meaning: Are we going to be forced to stay behind until she attains the purity and performs Tawaaf al-Ifaadah? He was told, “Safiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) has already performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah,” or that ‘Aaishah notified him that she had already performed the Tawaaf with them. When he came to know about that, the concern that he had of staying behind and waiting until she attains purity and performs Tawaaf al-Ifaadah ceased to exist. He ﷺthen permitted them to travel and allowed Safiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) to forgo Tawaaf al-Wadaa’..

1737
Narrated ‘Issaa ibn Talhah: ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr in al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) informed him that he witnessed the Prophet ﷺ when he was delivering the sermon on the Day of Nahr. He (may Allah be pleased with him) added: A man stood up and said, "I thought that such and such was to be done before such and such. I got my hair shaved before slaughtering." (Another said), "I slaughtered the Hady before throwing the pebbles." The people asked about many similar things, and the Prophet ﷺ responded to them by saying, "Do it (now) and there is no harm in all these cases." Whenever the Prophet ﷺ was asked about anything on that day, he replied, "Do it and there is no burden upon you."
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Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) accompanied the Messenger of Allah ﷺin the Farewell Pilgrimage, and they learned the rituals of Hajj directly from him ﷺ, as prescribed by his words and actions. They ensured to ask him ﷺabout all that they did not know and request clarification on whatever they found problematic.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that he was with the Prophet ﷺand saw him on the Farewell Hajj in the tenth year of the Hijrah. He explained that the Prophet ﷺstood delivering the sermon on his she-camel at Jamrah in Minaa after the midday of the Day of Sacrifice. So, the pilgrims approached him asking him about the rulings of certain things that they needed to know regarding the actions and rites of Hajj. Some people asked him about the ruling of bringing forward some of the acts of Hajj on this day before others. One man asked him about his situation where he was unmindful and forgot, hence, ended up going against the chronological order of the rites. So, he shaved his head, before slaughtering. Another person inquired about his case as he slaughtered the sacrificial animal before throwing the pebbles at Jamarah al-‘Aqabah. The Prophet ﷺresponded to both of them by saying, “Do it and there is no burden upon you,” meaning: there is no sin or penalty upon you. On that day, he ﷺwas not asked about anything that was brought forward whereas it should have been delayed or anything that was delayed while it should have been brought forward among the rites of that day, but he replied to the inquirer saying:  Do it and it is sufficient what you have already done and there is no problem for you in bringing it forward or delaying it.
This hadeeth shows that one should ask a scholar in all his conditions, even if he is busy, riding, walking, or standing.
It highlights the easement of Islamic law concerning the order and arrangement of the acts of Hajj on the Day of Sacrifice.
It teaches us that a Muslim should learn the rulings of his religion by asking the people of knowledge, and he should not do an action unless he is aware of its ruling..

1746
Narrated Wabarah: I asked Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), "When should I throw the pebbles?" He replied, "When your leader does that." I asked him again the same question. He replied, "We used to wait till the sun declined and then we would do the rite of throwing pebbles.
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Commentary : Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which the Messenger of Allah ﷺhas explained its rites by his statements and actions. His honourable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted them to us just as they learned them directly from the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, Wabarah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Misally reports that he asked ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) concerning the time for the stoning of the pebbles during the days of Tashreeq, namely the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth of Thoo al-Hijjah. The pilgrim should start with the First Jamrah, the Second Jamrah, and then the Jamrah of al-‘Aqabah. His answer was that one should do it when the leader of Hajj starts throwing the pebbles. That was because he feared that people would oppose him and that would lead to a fitnah, although the matter is open and flexible. It is possible that he feared upon him that if he opposed the leader, then he would be subjected to harm from him. When he repeated the inquiry upon him, then it was not possible for him to conceal, he informed him of what they used to do in the night of the Prophet ﷺ. He informed him that they would lie in wait and wait for the midday and start stoning after the midday, that is, when the sun inclines from the zenith, which is the time for the Thuhr prayer.
This hadeeth emphasises the obedience of the leaders in those matters that do not contain the disobedience of Allah.
It teaches us to repeat the question to the scholar when he has not addressed the question, and that doing so is not considered being impolite..

1750
Narrated al-A’mash: I heard Al-Hajjaaj saying on the pulpit, "The Surah in which Al-Baqarah (the cow) is mentioned and the Surah in which the family of `Imran is mentioned and the Sura in which the women (An-Nisaa) is mentioned." I mentioned this to Ibraaheem, and he said, `Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Yazeed told me, 'I was with Ibn Mas`ood, when he did the throwing of Jamrah al-‘Aqabah. He went down the middle of the valley, and when he came near the tree (which was near the Jamrah) he stood opposite to it and threw seven small pebbles and said: 'Allahu-Akbar' on throwing every pebble.' Then he said, 'By Him, except Whom none has the right to be worshipped, here (at this place) stood the one on whom Sura al-Baqarah was revealed (i.e. Allah's Messenger ﷺ).'"
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Commentary : Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which the Messenger of Allah ﷺhas explained its rites by his statements and actions. His honourable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted them to us just as they learned them directly from the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, the Taab’iee al-A’mash, Sulaymaan ibn Mihraan reports that he heard al-Hajjaaj ibn Yoosuf al-Thaqafee, the governor of Iraq during the Umayyad period, saying on the pulpit, “The Surah wherein al-Baqarah [the Cow] is mentioned, the Surah wherein Aal ‘Imraan is mentioned and the Surah in which an-Nisaa’ [the women] are mentioned.” He did not say Surah al-Baqarah [the Surah of the Cow], Surah Aaal ‘Imraan and Surah al-Nisaa’ [the Surah of the Women]. In a narration recorded by al-Nasaaee, it reads, “I heard al-Hajjaaj say, ‘Do not say Surah al-Baqarah, say instead, the Surah wherein al-Baqarah is mentioned.”
Al-A’mash mentioned what he had heard from al-Hajjaaj to Ibraaheem an-Nakha’i to clarify the correct. Al-A’mash did not mean to narrate from al-Hajjaaj.  He was not meant to do that, but he wanted to tell the story instead and to clarify the mistake of al-Hajjaaj concerning it with what is established from the person who is referred to regarding it. Ibraaheem narrated to him that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Yazeed told him that he had performed Hajj with ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) and he was with him when he pelted Jamarah al-‘Aqabah on the Day of Sacrifice, which is on the tenth day of Thoo al-Hijjah. This is the biggest Jamarah and it is situated in the last part of Minaa in the direction of Makkah. It is not an integral part of Minaa, rather it is a borderline from the direction of Makkah. He said: “He went inside the valley” , i.e. he stood in the middle of it, until when he was beside the tree, and he faced it - and this tree does not exist now - he came to it from its width. He threw seven pebbles at the Jamrah, saying: “Allah is the Greatest” with every pebble he threw, and in the narration of Muslim: “I said: O Aboo ‘Abd al-Rahmaan, but the people are throwing it from above it?!” He replied, “From here” - and he pointed to the belly of the valley – “the one to whom Surah Al-Baqarah ﷺwas revealed stood here,” and Ibn Mas’ood swore to that by Allah, beside Whom there is no other god, confirming what he said and what he transmitted from the Prophet ﷺ.
The specification by ibn Mas’ood of Surah al-Baqarah in terms of mentioning it in his oath without mentioning the other Surahs was as it has been said: He was pointing to the fact that many rulings concerning the Hajj are mentioned therein. As if he was saying: This is the station wherein the rites of Hajj were revealed, notifying thereby that the actions of Hajj cannot be sanctioned except on the basis of textual evidence from the Quran and Sunnah to that effect. It was said:  He mentioned it [the Surah] because of its length and its merit and the abundant rulings it covers.
The reason Ibraaheem al-Nakh’ee mentioned this hadeeth was to highlight the explicit statement of Ibn Mas’ood concerning the use of: “Surah al-Baqarah,” and that he did not say, “The Surah in which al-Baqarah is mentioned” as al-Hajjaaj al-Thaqafee claimed. 
This hadeeth refutes the claim of al-Hajjaaj and debunks the statement of all those who said, “One should not say Surah al-Baqarah, instead, it should be said, “The Surah in which al-Baqarah is mentioned.”
This hadeeth shows that the pebbles are pelted from the belly of the valley and that Takbeer should be said with every pebble used [for pelting].
It highlights the legality of taking an oath in order to emphasise the statement.
It also shows that the people of knowledge should deny and refute the leaders in a way that is appropriate..

1751
Narrated Ibn `Umar that he used to do the al-Jamrah al-Dunya (the Jamra near to the Khayf Mosque) with seven small stones and used to recite Takbeer on throwing every pebble. He then would go ahead till he reached the level ground where he would stand facing the Qiblah for a long time to invoke (Allah) while raising his hands (while invoking). Then he would throw the Second Jamrah and then he would go to the left towards the middle ground, where he would stand facing the Qiblah. He would remain standing there for a long period to invoke (Allah) while raising his hands and would stand there for a long period. Then he would throw Jamrah al-‘Aqabah from the middle of the valley, but he would not stay by it, and then he would leave and say, "I saw the Prophet ﷺ doing like this."
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Commentary : Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which the Messenger of Allah ﷺhas explained its rites by his statements and actions. His honourable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted them to us just as they learned them directly from the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, Saalim ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar reports that his father (may Allah be pleased with him) used to pelt the closest pillars on the days of Tashreeq using seven pebbles. In Arabic, this Jamrah is known as al-Dunyaa (closest) because it happens to be the closest of all the Jamarat to Minaa and the farthest from Makkah, and it is also known as as-Sughraa (the smallest). It is the first one after Masjid al-Khayf at Minaa. He explained that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to pronounce Takbeer after pelting each pebble. After, he would go to a distance from it until he used to halt at the plain surface of the belly of the valley so as to be safe from the flying pebbles that are used to pelt, he would stand facing the Qiblah and his back facing the Jamrah. He would stand up for a long time supplicating to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, lifting his hands up in supplication. Then, he would pelt the middle Jamrah. Then, he would head towards its north and would descend to the plain surface of the belly of the valley, meaning: the middle of it as he did for the first Jamrah. He would stand for a long time, facing towards the Qiblah, at a place where pelting does not reach him, supplicating to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, lifting his hands up. After this, he would pelt Jamarah al-‘Aqabah away from the belly of the valley. It is also known as al-al-Jamarah al-Kubraa. It is situated at the last part of Minaa in the direction of Makkah. It is not inside [the boundaries of] Minaa. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would leave after pelting it and would not stand up to supplicate there unlike what he did at the two former Jamaraat. Then, he informed that he previously saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺdoing exactly what he did.
This hadeeth demonstrates the legality of pronouncing Takbeer during pelting the pebbles.
It also shows the permissibility of lifting the hands in prayer after pelting the two pillars, the small and the middle ones..

1754
Narrated ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her): 'I perfumed Allah's Messenger ﷺ with my own hands before finishing his Ihraam while yet he has not performed Tawaaf-al- Ifaadah.' She spread her hands (while saying so.)"
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺexplained the rulings pertaining to Hajj and ‘Umrah and their recommended acts and etiquettes both verbally and practically. And the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted all that they heard and witnessed from him ﷺconcerning this. The Messenger ﷺloved perfume and used it excessively at all times, as it was from the things that was made beloved to him of the worldly matters.
In this hadeeth, ‘Aaishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that she applied the fragrance with her hands on the Prophet ﷺwhen he assumed the Ihraam, meaning she applied fragrance on him before entering the state of Ihraam and after exiting from his Ihraam in Hajj before performing Tawaaf al-Ifaadah. This refers to the first exit from one’s Ihraam after pelting Jamarah al-‘Aqabah and shaving the hair or shortening the hair.
The narrator of the hadeeth says – describing the act of ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her), “She spread her hands,” as if she was relating what she did by practically demonstrating it. It was said: she did that to exaggerate the happening as a refutation against those who negated that because Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to criticise the application of perfume before the Ihraam.
This hadeeth teaches us that wearing perfume is among the prohibited things of Ihraam. However, it is permitted to use it before entering into the state of Ihraam even if its effects remain after the entrance into the state of Ihraam..

1756
Narrated Qataadah: The Prophet ﷺ offered the Thuhr, `Asr, Maghrib, and the `Isha' prayers and slept for a while at a place called Al-Muhassab and then rode his mount and headed to the Ka’bah and performed Tawaaf around it.
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Commentary : Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which the Messenger of Allah ﷺhas explained its rites by his statements and actions. His honourable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted them to us just as they learned them directly from the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reports a part of the guidance of the Messenger of Allah ﷺin the Farewell Hajj, which was in the tenth year of the Hijrah. He mentioned that the Prophet ﷺoffered the Thuhr and ‘Asr prayers and Maghrib and ‘Ishaa at al-Muhassab, which is an open and wide area between Makkah and Minaa and it is called Khayf Banee Kinaanah. It is now found in the outer boundaries of Makkah at a place as Qasr al-Saqqaaf.
After, the prophet ﷺslept for a short time after pelting the pebbles and moving out of Minaa. Then, he mounted his ride and headed from al-Muhassab towards the Ka’bah and performed the Farewell Tawaaf around it. This is the last Tawaaf that is performed by the pilgrim before his departure from Makkah.
There are different opinions conceding the halting of the Prophet ﷺat al-Muhassab. It was said: he halted there because it is an act connected to the rites of pilgrimage, and it is a Sunnah, which is the view of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). Aboo Dawood recorded a hadeeth– whose original source is found in the two Saheeh Books – that ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺonly alighted at al-Muhassab so that it might be easier for him to proceed (to Medina). It is not a Sunnah. Anyone who desires may alight there, and anyone who does not want may not alight.”.

1758
Narrated ‘Ikrimah: The people of Al-Madeenah asked Ibn `Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) about a woman who got her menses after performing Tawaaf al-Ifaadah. He said, "She could depart (from Makkah)." They said, "We will not act on your verdict and ignore the verdict of Zayd." Ibn `Abbaas said, "When you reach Al-Madeenah, inquire about it." So, when they reached Al-Madeenah, they asked (about that). One of those whom they asked was Umm Sulaym. She told them the narration of Safiyyah.
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Commentary : Allah Almighty states, {Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.} [Al-Baqarah: 185]. And Allah also states, {He laid upon you no hardship in religion.}  [Al-Hajj: 78]. This was explicitly demonstrated in the rites of Hajj in terms of making their actions and rites easier upon the people and uplifting hardship from them.
In this hadeeth, ‘Ikrimah, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Abbaas, reports that some of the people of All-Madeenah asked ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) about a woman who has performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah on the Day of Sacrifice, and then she menstruated after that. What should she do?   He replied to them, “She could depart,” meaning, she can depart Makkah and return to her country without performing the Farewell Tawaaf. They informed him that they will not follow his statement and forgo the statement of Zayd ibn Thaabit (may Allah be pleased with him) whose view was that she should not leave. Rather, she should wait until she is pure so that she can perform the Farewell Tawaaf.
Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) responded to them, “When you return to Al-Madeenah, ask its citizens concerning this issue.”  When they returned, they asked them. Umm Sulaym bint Milhaan – she is the mother of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) - was amongst those who were asked. She mentioned to them the hadeeth of Safiyyah, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, when she also menstruated. This hadeeth is recorded in Saheeh  al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim – and the wordings here are of Muslim - wherein ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “Safiyyah bint Huyayy menstruated after performing Tawaaf al-Ifaadah. I made a mention of her menses to Allah's Messenger ﷺ, whereupon Allah's Messenger ﷺ remarked: Well, then she will detain us. I said: O Messenger of Allah! She has performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah and circumambulated the House, and it was after this that she entered the period of menses. Thereupon Allah's Messenger ﷺ said: (If it is so), then proceed forth.” So, the Prophet ﷺpermitted her to depart without performing the farewell Tawaaf.
It is reported on the authority of Taawoos that he said: I was in the company of Ibn Abbaas when Zayd ibn Thaabit said: Do you give the verdict that the woman who is in menses is allowed to go without performing the last circumambulation of the House? Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: Ask so-and-so – who was a woman of the Ansaar - to see if Allah's Messenger ﷺ had commanded her to do it. Zayd ibn Thaabit (went to that woman and after getting this verdict attested by her) came back to Ibn Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) laughing and said: I did not find you but telling the truth.” Thereupon, Zayd ibn Thaabit (may Allah be pleased with him) retracted from his fatwa.
This hadeeth shows that some of the rulings may not be known to some of the scholars..

1760
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): “A menstruating woman was allowed to leave Makkah if she had done Tawaaf-al-Ifaadah.”
Tawoos (a sub-narrator) said, "I heard Ibn `Umar saying that she should not depart. Then later I heard him saying that the Prophet ﷺ had allowed them (menstruating women) to depart."
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Commentary : Allah Almighty states, {Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.}  [Al-Baqarah: 185].   And Allah also states, {He laid upon you no hardship in religion.}  [Al-Hajj: 78]. This was explicitly demonstrated in the rites of Hajj in terms of making their actions and rites easier upon the people and uplifting hardship from them.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that menstruating women who performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah to depart Makkah and return to their city without performing the Farewell Tawaaf. In a different version of the hadeeth, it reads: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺhas allowed…” [Sunan al-Nasaa’iee]
After relating this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee, Taawoos ibn Kaisaan related that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), in the beginning, opined that when a woman menstruates after she has performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah on the Day of Sacrifice, she is not allowed to return to her city until she attains the purity and then she performs the Farewell Tawaaf. However, afterwards, he retracted from that position after learning that the Prophet ﷺhad granted them the permission to travel without performing the Farewell Tawaaf. 
It is reported on the authority of Taawoos al-Yamaanee that he heard ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) while he was being asked about not allowing the women to perform Tawaaf if they menstruate after they have already performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah on the Day of Sacrifice. He answered: ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to mention the permission given by the Messenger of Allah ﷺfor the women. And this incident happened a year before the demise of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).” [Sunan al-Nasaa’iee al-Kubraa and others]. This narration clarifies the retraction of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) from his previous fatwa.
This hadeeth shows that sometimes some rulings may not be known to some scholars.
It highlights the keenness of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to follow the Sunnah and to return to the truth..

1762
Narrated ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her): We set out with the Prophet ﷺ with the intention of performing Hajj only. The Prophet ﷺ reached Makkah and performed Tawaaf around the Ka’bah and between Al-Safaa and Al-Marwah and did not exit his Ihraam, because he had the Hady with him. His Companions and his wives performed Tawaaf (around the Ka’bah and between Al-Safaa and Al-Marwah), while those who had no Hady with them finished their Ihraam. I had my menses and performed all the rites of Hajj. On the Night of Hasba (night of departure), I said, "O Allah's Messenger! All your Companions are returning with Hajj and `Umrah except me." He asked me, "Didn't you perform Tawaaf around the Ka’bah (‘Umrah) when you reached Makkah?" I said, "No." He said, "Go to Tan`eem with your brother `Abd al-Rahmaan and assume Ihraam for `Umrah and I will wait for you at such and such a place." So, I went with `Abd al-Rahmaan to the Tan`eem and assumed Ihraam for `Umrah from there. Then Safiyyah bint Huyay got her menses. The Prophet ﷺ said, " 'Aqra Halqa! You will detain us! Did not you perform Tawaaf-al-Ifaadah on the Day of Nahr?" She said, "Yes, I did." He said, "Then there is no harm, you can depart." So, I met the Prophet ﷺ when he was ascending the heights towards Makkah and I was descending, or vice-versa.
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Commentary : Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which the Messenger of Allah ﷺhas explained its rites by his statements and actions. His honourable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) transmitted them to us just as they learned them directly from the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) travelled with the Prophet ﷺto partake in the Farewell Hajj, which occurred in the tenth year of the Hijrah, and that they only intended to perform Hajj. The reason she did not mention the ‘Umrah is because of the common belief at that time that ‘Umrah may not be performed during the months of Hajj. When they reached Makkah, the Prophet ﷺ, his wives and Companions performed the Tawaaf of ‘Umrah and performed the ritual walking between the Safaa and Marwah. However, ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) did not perform the Tawaaf of ‘Umrah due to her menstruation. The Prophet ﷺordered those who had not brought the sacrificial animal from outside Makkah to exit their Ihraam after completing the rites of ‘Umrah and wait until the rites of Hajj start (i.e. Hajj al-Tamattu’). His wives had not driven the sacrificial animals with them; hence, they exited their Ihraam, and ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was among them. However, the fact that she menstruated on the night she entered Makkah prevented her from exiting the Ihraam. As she was in the state of Ihraam of the ‘Umrah, she added Hajj to it, thus, the type of Hajj she intended was Hajj al-Qiraan.
Her menstruation commenced at Sarif just before entering Makkah – Sarif is the name of a piece of land situated ten miles away from Makkah. As a result, she did not perform Tawaaf al-‘Umrah due to the impediment caused by the menstruation. As for Tawaaf al-Ifaadah, she had performed it on the Day of Sacrifice.  And they all performed the acts of Hajj completely.
The statement of ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her): “When it was the night of al-Hasbah” refers to the night when they halted at al-Muhassab, which is the place where they stopped at after departing from Minaa to the outside of Makkah. It is a wide area between Makkah and Al-Madeenah, between the two hills towards the cemetery.  It is known as al-Muhassab (plural of hasbah, which means pebble) due to the congregation of gravel caused by the floods that carry it there. It is also known as al-Abatah, and today, it is called al-Ja’fariyyah, which is part of the region of al-Jummayzah. She complained to the Prophet ﷺabout how people will return with an ‘Umrah completely independent from the Hajj, while she will return with a Hajj only without an ‘Umrah. This was because she was keen of doing it, to increase the good deeds like the rest of the mothers of the believers and the Companions who changed their Ihraam for Hajj to become for ‘Umrah and after completing the ‘Umrah exited their Ihraam on the Day of Tarwiyah. After, they assumed the Ihraam of Hajj on the Day of Tarwiyah from Makkah. They acquired thereby an independent Hajj as well as an independent ‘Umrah. As for ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her), she obtained an ‘Umrah inserted into Hajj , i.e. Hajj al-Qiraan, all the while, she desired to perform an independent ‘Umrah like the rest of people.
As a result, the Prophet ﷺ ordered ‘Aaishah to go with her brother ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Abee Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them) to al-Tan’eem in order to enter the Ihraam of ‘Umrah, to comfort her. The Tan’eem is a place that is three or four miles away from Makkah, the closest outer boundary to the House. It is known as al-Tan’eem because to its right lies the mount of Nu’aym and to its left, Mount Naa’im, and the valley is known as Na’maan. He ﷺmade their return to al-Muhassab as the agreed place to meet after completing her ‘Umrah.
The Mother of the Believers, ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her), relates that Safiyyah bint Huyyay (may Allah be pleased with her) menstruated and that was after performing Tawaaf al-Ifaadah. However, the Prophet ﷺthought that she menstruated before Tawaaf al-Ifaadah. Thereupon, he ﷺsaid, “’Aqra Halqa.” The literal meaning of which is: May God infest her with a wound and may she have pain in her throat. However, it is used as an idiom that Arabs use without intending its literal meaning or intending it as a supplication. It is just a phrase concerning which the Arabs have been accommodative and they use it whilst not intending its real meaning. This is like their other statement, “Taribat Yadaah,” [may his hands become soiled] and so on. Whence the Prophet ﷺquestioned saying, “is she going to hold us?” Meaning: Are we going to be forced to stay until she has purified and performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah? He was told, “Safiyyah has already performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah or ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) notified him that she had performed the Tawaaf with them. When he ﷺlearned about that, then what he was worried about concerning the stay until she purifies so as to perform Tawaaf al-Ifaadah was removed from him.  He permitted them to travel and granted permission to the mother of the believers, Safiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her), to forgo the Farewell Tawaaf. 
Then, ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) related that after she had completed the rites of ‘Umrah, the Prophet ﷺmet her at al-Muhassab while he had started walking from Makkah. At that point of time, she met him while she was descending to it or she was ascending, and he was descending to it.
This hadeeth shows that menstruating women are waived from the Farewell Tawaaf.
It shows the permissibility of performing ‘Umrah in the months of Hajj. 
It also infers to the precondition of being in the state of purity for the performance of Tawaaf. Hence, a menstruating woman is not permitted to perform the Tawaaf around the Ka’bah until she attains purity..

1765
Narrated ‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her): It (i.e. Al-Abtah) was a place where the Prophet ﷺ used to camp so that it might be easier for him to depart.
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Commentary : The noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) have accompanied the Messenger of Allah ﷺin the journey to perform the Farewell Hajj back and forth, and they transmitted to us all his actions. They explained all that constituted as part of the rituals of Hajj and what did not constitute as thus.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her) reports the Prophet’s stay at al-Muhassab after his departure from Minaa on the thirteenth of Thoo al-Hijjah, the third day of the days of Tashreeq. Al-Muhassab or al-Abtah is a wide valley between Makkah and Minaa, between the two hills towards the cemeteries. It has been given that name due to the accumulation of gravel therein carried by the floodwater that flows towards it. In the current time, it is known as al-Ja’fariyyah, and it is part of the al-Jummayzah district. 
‘Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) mentioned that the stay at this valley was not part of the rites of Hajj. It was a halting-place where the Prophet ﷺstayed at because it would be easier for him to depart to Al-Madeenah, so that people can assemble therein and those who are of slow and moderate pace can be on the same level and spend the night there and wake up at early morning so they can all depart together to Al-Madeenah..

1766
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him): Staying at Al-Mahassab is not one of the rites of Hajj, but Al-Mahassab is a place where Allah's Messenger ﷺ camped.
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Commentary : The noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) have accompanied the Messenger of Allah ﷺin the journey to perform the Farewell Hajj back and forth, and they transmitted to us all his actions. They explained all that which constituted as part of the rituals of Hajj and what did not constitute as thus.
In this hadeeth, Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that staying at night at al-Muhassab is not part of the rites of Hajj at all. Al-Muhassab is also known as al-Abtah, which is a spacious valley between Makkah and Minaa, between the two hills towards the cemeteries. It has been given that name due to the accumulation of gravel therein carried by the floodwater that flows towards it. Now, it is known as al-Ja’fariyyah and it is part of the al-Jummaizah district. The Prophet ﷺstayed there on the last day of leaving Minaa – that is the third day of the days of Tashreeq – in order to allow people to assemble therein and those who are of slow and moderate pace can be on the same level and spend the night there and wake up at early morning so they can all depart together to Al-Madeenah..

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..