| Hadiths

Bukhari Hadiths 1356
Muslim Hadiths 558

Hadith

1623

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

1626

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

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

1628

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

1629

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

1630

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

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

1634

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

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

1635

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

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

1636

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

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

1637

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

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

1639

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

1640

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

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

1641

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

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

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

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

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1648

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

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

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

1649

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

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺconcluded the treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah with Quraysh in the 6th year of Hijrah. One of the agreed-on conditions was that the Muslims would go back this year without entering Makkah, but next year they would be allowed to enter Makkah and spend three days to perform ‘Umrah.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas (ra) reports that when the Prophet ﷺarrived at Makkah in the 7th year of Hijrah to perform ‘Umrah, he ﷺordered his Companions (ras) to perform the Tawaaf round the Ka’bah and between al-Safaa and al-Marwah with high pace to display the strength of Muslims to the disbelievers and show them that they can fight them. The order of the Prophet ﷺwas to perform Tawaaf with high pace in the first three rounds of Tawaaf round the Ka’bah, except between the two Corners, where he ﷺordered them to walk with a normal pace so they can rest. As for the last 4 rounds of Tawaaf, he ordered them to walk with a normal pace. Likewise, he ﷺordered them to perform brisk walking between al-Safaa and al-Marwah in the marked passage in the valley. All this happened while the disbelievers were watching from far.
From the other benefits we conclude from this hadeeth is that Muslims should display their strength and power with arms and weaponry in order to instill awe and fear in the hearts of disbelievers, and that is not included in the unpraiseworthy showing off.
It shows that indirect messages are not limited to words, but also include actions. Sometimes, sending indirect messages through actions is more effective and appropriate.
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715

Jābir reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade that a man should come to his wife by night doubting her fidelity or trying to find her lapses. [In another version]: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have disliked that a man should come to his wife by night; however, he did not mention doubting her fidelity or trying to find her lapses..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) set the most remarkable example of good manners and kind treatment between a man and his wife. He taught husbands how to treat their wives and build their marital relationship upon mutual trust and avoidance of lethal jealousy or mistrust that ruins their life.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade that a man returning from a journey should come to his wife by night. He then clarified the reason for the prohibition, saying: "doubting her fidelity or trying to find her lapses," i.e., thinking she is unfaithful or exposing her secret as to whether she has committed infidelity or not. So, it is disliked for a man who has been on a long journey to unexpectedly return to his wife by night. Yet, if he is on a short journey and his wife expects his return by night, there is nothing wrong with that.
In [the Two Sahīh Collections]: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would not come to his family by night. He used to come to them in the early morning or in the evening. He would not come to his family if he returned from travel by night. Rather, he would come to them in the early morning, which extends from the Fajr prayer to the sunrise, or in the evening, which extends from noon - the time of the Zhuhr prayer - to sunset. This is because when a man comes to his wife by night, he takes her by surprise and she may not be ready to receive her husband, who has been away from her for a period of time. So, it is appropriate for him not to come to her unexpectedly at night.
In the Hadīth: Forbidding that a man should spy on his wife or come to her unexpectedly by night after return from travel
And in it: Urging pursuit of the means that bring cordiality and love between the two spouses
And in it: Exhorting the avoidance of such things that entail mistrust of the Muslim.

717

‘Abdullāh ibn Shaqīq reported: I said to ‘Ā'ishah: "Did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) use to perform the Duha (forenoon) prayer?" She said: "No, unless he came back from his absence.".

Commentary : Prayer is a tawqīfi (determined) act of worship that must be taken from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He taught the Ummah the obligatory prayers as well as the regular and non-regular supererogatory prayers. He also taught the Ummah various kinds of prayers at certain times. One of these is the Duha (forenoon) prayer.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i ‘Abdullāh ibn Shaqīq says that he asked the Mother of the Believers, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her): Was it a habit of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to perform the Duha prayer? The Duha prayer, also called the Duha Subha, is to be performed after the sun rises and goes as high as the length of a spear - that is nearly 15 minutes after sunshine - and its time ends shortly before noon. In reply, she said that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not use to offer the Duha prayer, except when he came from his absence, i.e., from travel. This is because he forbade that a man should come to his wife by night after returning from travel. So, he would come in the early morning and go first to the mosque, where he would pray at the time of Duha (forenoon).
In a version by Muslim, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer the Duha prayer as four Rak‘ahs and add as many Rak‘ahs as he willed. The negation is probably intended as the negation of her knowledge of the matter, and the affirmation is made for a reason, namely the return from travel. So, there is no contradiction between the two Hadīths.
The minimum of the Duha prayer is two Rak‘ahs. In the Two Sahīh Collections, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: "My close friend (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) advised me to do three things: fast three days of every month, perform the two Rak‘ahs of Duha (forenoon), and perform the Witr prayer before I go to sleep." And he would add as many Rak‘ahs as he willed, as mentioned above..

719

Mu‘ādhah reported: that she asked ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her): "How many Rak‘ahs did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) use to perform in the Duha prayer?" She said: "Four Rak‘ahs, and he would add as many Rak‘ahs as he willed. [In a version]: He would add as many Rak‘ahs as Allah willed..

Commentary : Prayer is a tawqīfi (determined) act of worship that must be taken from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). He taught the Ummah the obligatory prayers as well as the regular and non-regular supererogatory prayers. He also taught the Ummah various kinds of prayers at certain times. One of these is the Duha prayer.
In this Hadīth, Mu‘ādhah bint ‘Abdullāh al-‘Adawiyyah relates that she asked the Mother of the Believers, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her): "How many Rak‘ahs did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) use to perform in the Duha prayer?" The Duha prayer, also called the Duha Subha, is one of the supererogatory prayers to be performed during daytime, and it is to be prayed after the sun rises and goes as high as the length of a spear - that is nearly 15 minutes after sunshine - and its time ends shortly before the noon. Answering her question, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform the Duha prayer as four Rak‘ahs, i.e., he was persistent in offering it as four Rak‘ahs: in two Rak‘ahs, as it is well known with regard to the supererogatory prayers. "And he would add as many Rak‘ahs as Allah willed," i.e., without limit.
In another version by Muslim in his Sahīh Collection, ‘Ā’ishah reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not use to perform the Duha prayer, unless he came back from his absence, i.e., from travel. The negation is probably intended as the negation of her knowledge of the matter, and the affirmation is made for a reason, namely the return from travel. So, there is no contradiction between the two Hadīths.
The minimum of the Duha prayer is two Rak‘ahs. In the Two Sahīh Collections, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "My close friend (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) advised me to do three things: to fast three days each month, perform the two Rak‘ahs of Duha, and perform the Witr prayer before I sleep.".

720

Abu Dharr reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Every morning charity is due for every joint bone in the body of every one of you. Every Tasbīh (glorification of Allah) is an act of charity; every Tahmīd (praise of Allah) is an act of charity; every Tahlīl (proclamation of Allah's oneness) is an act of charity; and every Takbīr is an act of charity; and enjoining Ma‘rūf (what is good) is an act of charity and forbidding Munkar (what is evil) is an act of charity; and two Rak‘ahs which one offers in the forenoon will suffice for all that.".

Commentary : Allah rendered all the types of goodness a person does to himself as an act of worship and to others of kindness - as part of the charities of the body and its good health and well-being.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says: "Every morning charity is due for every joint bone" i.e., for all the organs and joints of the body. Sulāma, in Arabic, originally refers to the bones of fingers, hands, and legs, and then it was later used to refer to all the body parts. So, every morning, a person is required to give charity for every organ of his body, in gratitude to Allah Almighty for His great favors. Indeed, the structure of bones and their joints is one of the great favors Allah has bestowed upon His servants. Hence, each bone requires a charity to be given by the person for it, as gratitude for this blessing. Charity here is intended as something recommended and encouraged, not obligatory or binding, for it is sufficient as gratitude for these favors to perform the obligations and shun the prohibitions. Then, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) guides to some acts of piety which a person may perform as charity for his joints. "Every Tasbīh" (glorification of Allah) - saying: Subhān Allah (glory be to Allah) - "is an act of charity"; "every Tahmīd" (praise of Allah) - saying: Al-Hamdulillāh (praise be to Allah) - "is an act of charity"; "every Tahlīl" (proclamation of Allah's oneness) - saying: Lā Ilāha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah) - "is an act of charity"; "and every Takbīr" - saying: Allāhu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) - "is an act of charity"; "and enjoining Ma‘rūf (what is good) is an act of charity and forbidding Munkar (what is evil) is an act of charity." Likewise, all other forms of Dhikr and worship are charities for oneself. Ma‘rūf: It is a term that comprises all what is known to be a form of obedience to Allah Almighty and benevolence to people. Munkar: It refers to all offensive deeds and words that lead to disobedience to Allah Almighty; and it is a term that comprises all forms of evil. So, if anyone performs the mentioned acts of goodness and the like, it should be equal in number to the 360 joints.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that "two Rak‘ahs which one offers in the forenoon" are sufficient in place of all that, for prayer is an act that is done by all the body parts and it includes all the mentioned charities and others. This demonstrates the great merit of the Duha prayer. The time of the Duha prayer starts 15 minutes after sunrise and extends to also 15 minutes before soon. The minimum in the Duha prayer is two Rak‘ahs, and the maximum is eight Rak‘ahs, as related in a Hadīth in the Two Sahīh Collections, in which ’Umm Hāni’ (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) took a bath in her house on the day of the Conquest of Makkah and prayed eight Rak‘ahs." It is said: There is no limit to its maximum, as indicated by a Hadīth by Muslim, in which ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer the Duha prayer as four Rak‘ahs and pray as much more as he wished.".

724

‘Ā’ishah reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would not observe any of the supererogatory prayers more regularly than the two Rak‘ahs before Fajr..

Commentary : Islam encouraged and urged the performance of supererogatory prayers and made them greatly rewardable. One of these supererogatory prayers, whose performance was urged by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), is the two-Rak‘ah Sunnah of the Fajr prayer.
In this Hadīth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) says that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was not more persistent in observing any supererogatory prayer than he was in performing two Rak‘ahs before Fajr. In other words, he was not persistent and keen to perform any of the supererogatory prayers and regular Sunnah prayers as he was in offering two Rak‘ahs before the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr, which is the Sunnah before the Fajr prayer. They are counted among the regular supererogatory prayers associated with the obligatory prayers. The Prophet's keenness on them indicates the significance of their status and reward..

725

‘Ā’ishah reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The two Rak‘ahs of Fajr are better than the world and what is in it.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach his Ummah the virtuous deeds and demonstrate their rewards to encourage the people to perform them.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says: "The two Rak‘ahs of Fajr" - which refer to the Sunnah of Fajr, the two Rak‘ahs to be performed between the Adhan and the iqāmah - "are better than the world and what is in it," i.e., the reward to be obtained because of this prayer in the Hereafter is greater and better than all the blessings in this world. They are counted among the regular supererogatory prayers associated with the obligatory prayers, and the Prophet's keenness on them indicates the significance of their status and reward and urges Muslims to be keen on observing them.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform these two Rak‘ahs in a brief manner. In the Two Sahīh Collections, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would perform the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr and make them brief to the extent that I would say: "Did he recite the Mother of the Qur'an in them?" In a Hadīth by Muslim, Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) recited Surat al-Kāfirūn and Surat al-Ikhlās in the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr.
In the Hadīth: The merit of the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr..

726

Abu Hurayrah reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) recited Surat al-Kāfirūn and Surat al-Ikhlās in the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr..

727

Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to recite in the first of the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr: {Say [O believers]: "We believe in Allah and what has been sent down to us"} [Surat al-Baqarah: 136] the verse that is in Surat al-Baqarah, and in the second Rak‘ah: {We believe in Allah; so bear witness that we are Muslims.} [Surat Āl ‘Imrān: 52].

Commentary : The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to prolong the Qur'an's recitation in supererogatory prayers and would sometimes make it brief depending on circumstances and occasions.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would sometimes recite after Surat al-Fātihah in the first Rak‘ah of the regular two-Rak‘ah Sunnah of the Fajr prayer the verse that reads: {Say [O believers]: "We believe in Allah and what has been sent down to us; and what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the descendants [of Jacob]; and what was given to Moses and Jesus; and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted."} [Surat al-Baqarah: 136] The verse that occurs in Surat al-Baqarah, which means: Say, O the believers, to the advocates of this false call, the Jews and Christians: We believe in Allah and in the Qur'an that has been sent down to us, and we believe in what was sent down to Abraham (Ibrāhīm) and his children, and we believe in what was sent down to the prophets among the children of Jacob (Ya‘qūb), and we believe in the Torah that Allah gave to Moses (Mūsa) and the Gospel that Allah gave to Jesus (‘Īsa), and we believe in the scriptures that Allah gave to all the prophets; we make no distinction between any of them, by believing in some and denying others; rather, we believe in all of them, and we are submissive and obedient to Him alone.
And in the second Rak‘ah, after Surat al-Fātihah, the verse that reads: {When Jesus sensed disbelief from them, he said: "Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah?" The disciples said: "We are helpers of Allah. We believe in Allah; so, bear witness that we are Muslims."} [Surat Āl ‘Imrān: 52] And it means: When Jesus (peace be upon him) became aware of their persistence in disbelief, he addressed the Children of Israel, saying: Who will support me in the call to Allah? The best among his followers said: We are the supporters of the religion of Allah. We believe in Allah and follow you, and bear witness, O Jesus, that we submit to Allah by believing in His Oneness and obeying Him.
In light of the meanings in these two verses, it becomes clear that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to recite them for what they contain, of belief in Allah Almighty and submission to Him, and because they are two light verses that suited his brief performance of these two Rak‘ahs, as it was the Prophet's habit to lighten these two Rak‘ahs, as narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections.
In the Hadīth: The recitation in the Sunnah of the Fajr prayer after Surat al-Fātihah.

728

’Um Habībah reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Whoever prays twelve prostrations during a day on a voluntary basis, a house will be built for him in Paradise.".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach his Ummah the virtuous deeds and clarify their rewards to encourage the people to perform them.
In this Hadīth, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says: "Whoever prays twelve prostrations during a day on a voluntary basis," i.e., other than the obligatory prayers, or they are the regular supererogatory prayers, namely: four Rak‘ahs before the Zhuhr prayer and two Rak‘ahs after it, two Rak‘ahs after the Maghrib prayer, two Rak‘ahs after the ‘Ishā’ prayer, and two Rak‘ahs before the Fajr prayer, as related in Sunan At-Tirmidhi. Whoever does so persistently, his reward will be that Allah will build a house for him in Paradise.
In the Hadīth: Urging the performance of supererogatory prayers
And in it: Demonstrating the merit of the regular supererogatory prayers.

730

‘Abdullāh ibn Shaqīq reported: I asked ‘Ā’ishah about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), concerning his voluntary prayers, and she said: He used to offer four Rak‘ahs in my house before the Zhuhr prayer. Then, he would go out and lead the people in prayer. Then, he would come in and offer two Rak‘ahs. He would lead the people in the Maghrib prayer and then come in and offer two Rak‘ahs, and he would lead the people in the ‘Ishā’ prayer and enter my house and offer two Rak‘ahs. And he would offer nine Rak‘ahs during the night, including the Witr. And he would pray for a long night while standing and for a long night while sitting. When he recited while standing, he would bow and prostrate while standing, and when he recited while sitting, he would bow and prostrate while sitting. And when the dawn came, he would offer two Rak‘ahs..

Commentary : Our Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the best among people in worshiping his Lord and standing before Him, Exalted be He. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to learn from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and take his Sunnah, act upon it, and convey it to those after them.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i ‘Abdullāh ibn Shaqīq relates that he asked the Mother of the Believers, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), about how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer supererogatory prayers. She informed him that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer four Rak‘ahs as Sunnah before the Zhuhr prayer in his house. Then, he would go out to the mosque and lead the people in the Zhuhr prayer. Then, he would enter his house after finishing the Zhuhr prayer and offer two Rak‘ahs. She did not mention the ‘Asr prayer, probably because she was demonstrating the confirmed Sunnahs of the obligatory prayers, whether before or after them.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to lead the people in the Maghrib prayer without offering a supererogatory prayer before it. Then, when he finished the Maghrib prayer, he would return to his house and offer two Rak‘ahs as Sunnah of the Maghrib prayer. And he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform the ‘Ishā’ prayer without offering a supererogatory prayer before it. Then, he would enter his house after finishing the ‘Ishā’ prayer and offer two Rak‘ahs as Sunnah of the ‘Ishā’ prayer.
He would offer Qiyām al-Layl (late-night voluntary prayer) with nine Rak‘ahs, including the Witr, which is the last prayer a Muslim performs after the voluntary prayer in the night prayer. It is authentically reported that he used to pray eleven Rak‘ahs, and it is also authentically reported that he used to pray thirteen Rak‘ahs.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would sometimes offer his late-night prayer while standing and sometimes sitting. Her words "for a long night" mean: for a long time during the night.
Another trait of the Prophet's prayer is that if he commenced his prayer at night with recitation while standing, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would bow and prostrate in the well-known manner: going down for rukū‘ and then returning to the standing position and going down for prostration and then returning to the standing position, and so on. And if he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) commenced his prayer at night with recitation while sitting, he would engage in rukū‘ and prostration without standing for them, neither before nor after observing them.
And when the time of the Fajr prayer came, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would offer two Rak‘ahs as Sunnah of Fajr. In the version by Abu Dāwūd: "Then, he would go out and lead the people in the Fajr prayer."
In the Hadīth: Offering supererogatory prayers while sitting without an excuse
And in it: Offering the supererogatory prayers at home.

732

‘Ā’ishah reported: that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not die until most of his prayers were performed while sitting..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the best among people in worshiping his Lord and standing before Him, Exalted be He. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to learn from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), take his Sunnah, act upon it, and convey it to those who came after them.
In this Hadīth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) informs that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not die until he performed many of his prayers while sitting. This refers to the supererogatory prayers, not the obligatory ones. That was one or two years before his death, as related in Sahīh Muslim Collection from Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her), given that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was too weak to stand for long. In a version by Muslim: "When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) put on weight and became heavy" i.e., his body weakened due to his old age, "he would mostly pray while sitting."
The Hadīth mentions the performance of supererogatory prayers while sitting..

732

‘Abdullāh ibn Shaqīq reported: I said to ‘Ā’ishah: "Did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) use to pray while sitting?" She said: "Yes, after the people wore him out.".

733

Hafsah reported: I did not see the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offer his Subhah (supererogatory prayer) in a sitting position till one year before his death, as he used to offer his Subhah while sitting, and he would recite a Surah in a way that is so measured that it became longer than longer Surahs. In a version: One or two years before his death..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was the best among people in worshiping his Lord and standing before Him, Exalted be He. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to learn from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), take his Sunnah, act upon it, and convey it to those who came after them.
In this Hadīth, the Mother of the Believers Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) informs that she did not see the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offer his Subhah - i.e., his supererogatory prayer - while sitting, as he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform supererogatory prayers while standing. Then, one year before his death - and in another version: one or two years - he would pray while sitting, that is because he put on weight and his body weakened due to old age, according to a Hadīth narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections and reported by ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her).
She informed that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to recite a Surah of the Qur'an during his prayer, and he would recite in a so measured and deliberate manner "that it became longer than longer Surahs" i.e., due to his measured way of reciting, the duration of reciting a Surah would become longer than the duration of reciting another bigger Surah in terms of the length and the number of verses.
The Hadīth mentions the recitation of the Qur'an in a measured and deliberate manner.
It also includes the performance of supererogatory prayers while sitting..

735

‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr reported: It was narrated to me that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The prayer of a man while sitting is half a prayer." He said: I came to him and found him praying while sitting. I placed my hand on his head. He said: "What is the matter with you, O ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr?" I said: "It was narrated to me - O Messenger of Allah - that you said: 'The prayer of a man while sitting is half a prayer'; and you pray while sitting." He said: "Yes, but I am not like any of you.".

Commentary : Prayer is the mainstay of religion, and its performance is obligatory for every Muslim. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) demonstrated the manner of performing prayer and taught it to the Ummah.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that it was narrated to him that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stated that the prayer of a man while sitting is "half a prayer" i.e., it brings half of the reward of someone who performs it while standing. So, this makes it valid and detracts from its reward. This Hadīth is taken to refer to performing a supererogatory prayer while sitting despite being able to stand. However, if a person performs a supererogatory prayer while sitting because he is unable to stand, his reward does not decrease; rather, his reward is like praying while standing. As for the obligatory prayer, it is invalid to perform it while sitting despite being able to stand. Yet, if a person is unable to stand, then his sitting is tantamount to his standing.
Then, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) informed that he came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) one day and found him praying while sitting. He placed his hand on the Prophet's head, wondering at his prayer while sitting and wanting the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to look towards him. This was after he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had finished the prayer, for it is not thought that ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) would put his hand before that. This behavior is not deemed impolite among some Arabs, as they tend to behave naturally. Moreover, this shows the Prophet's modesty and good character, and that he used to deal and associate with his close Companions like being one of them and not exalting himself above them. When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sensed the hand of ‘Abdullāh, he asked him: "What is the matter with you?" i.e., what is wrong with you?! So, he told him about the aforementioned Hadīth, by way of inquiry, not as an objection or disapproval. His words "and you pray while sitting" affirmed the point that was confusing and unclear to him, and how the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would be content with half a reward for himself. In response, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) confirmed the Hadīth he cited and then said: "but I am not like any of you" i.e., what you have mentioned that the prayer of a man while sitting is half of his prayer while standing is a ruling that applies to people other than me in this Ummah and it pertains to them; as for me, I am not subject to this ruling, and my Lord accepts from me my prayer while sitting for a reward like that of my prayer while standing. This is one of the peculiar merits of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), as his performance of a supererogatory prayer while sitting, though he was able to stand, was made equivalent to his performance of it while standing, as an honor for him.
The Hadīth urges the performance of prayer in its complete form for those who are able to. So, if a person is able to stand, he should pray while standing, in both obligatory and supererogatory prayers.
It points out how Allah Almighty favors His Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and distinguishes him from all the Ummah..

738

Abu Salamah reported: I asked ‘Ā’ishah about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and she said: "He used to offer thirteen Rak‘ahs; he would perform eight Rak‘ahs and then observe the Witr and then perform two Rak‘ahs while sitting; when he wanted to bow, he would stand up and bow. Then, he would offer two Rak‘ahs between the Adhān and iqāmah of the Fajr prayer..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray as much Qiyām al-Layl in his house as Allah willed him to pray. The Companions and the Tābi‘is after them were keen on knowing about his acts of worship in detail and ask about what they could not see of his worship at home.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān says that he asked the Mother of the Believers, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), about the Qiyām al-Layl of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the number of its Rak‘ahs and the manner of its performance. She informed him that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform thirteen Rak‘ahs; he would perform eight Rak‘ahs, two Rak‘ahs each, as narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections, and he would then pray the Witr, i.e., with the ninth Rak‘ah. As narrated in a version by Muslim: "Nine Rak‘ahs while standing and he would perform one of them as the Witr," i.e., he would make the last Rak‘ah among them the Witr of his prayer. In another version by Muslim: "He would observe five Rak‘ahs of which was the Witr, not sitting except at the last of them," i.e., he used to offer four Rak‘ahs, two Rak‘ahs each, and then perform the fifth Rak‘ah as the Witr, not sitting for tashahhud except in the last Rak‘ah. In another version by Muslim: "The prayer of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in the night consisted of ten Rak‘ahs, and then he would observe the Witr with one Rak‘ah and offer the two Rak‘ahs of Fajr; those are thirteen Rak‘ahs." This denotes the diversity of the Prophet's Qiyām al-Layl in terms of duration and the number of Rak‘ahs, depending on his condition and energy.
Also, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform two Rak‘ahs while sitting. Apparently, these two Rak‘ahs were after the Witr and before the time of Fajr. When he wanted to perform rukū‘ while in this state of sitting, he would stand up and then bow down in the well-known manner. Then, when the time of Fajr came, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would offer the two-Rak‘ah Sunnah of Fajr, after the Adhān and before the iqāmah of the Fajr prayer.
There are numerous other well-known Hadīths, in the Two Sahīh Collections and elsewhere, that enjoin making the last prayer in Qiyām al-Layl the Witr. An example is a Hadīth in which ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Make the last of your prayer at night the Witr." As for these two Rak‘ahs which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered after the Witr and before Fajr, this is to demonstrate the permissibility of praying after the Witr, and they were not performed on a persistent basis, for what the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did persistently was to conclude with the Witr, as mentioned above.
In the Hadīth: Praying at night while sitting.

Book of Hadith