| 2 Hadiths


Hadith
711
It was narrated that Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah said: Mu‘adh would pray with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), then he would go to his people and lead them in prayer..

Commentary : The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were highly motivated in worship and in fulfilling their duties towards people and striving to benefit them. Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated in this hadith that Mu‘adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) used to pray with the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). The prayer that he prayed with him was ‘Isha’, as is mentioned in other reports, and his people used to wait for him until he came and led them in praying ‘Isha’. The scholars differed with regard to how we may understand the fact that Mu‘adh prayed ‘Isha’ twice, because in principle the obligatory prayer cannot be done twice except for a reason. This is because of the hadith narrated by Abu Dawud from Sulayman ibn Yasar, that he heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “… Do not pray any prayer twice in one day.” It was said that it may be that that was what Mu‘adh (may Allah be pleased with him)  did at the beginning of Islam, when those who had knowledge of  Qur’an were few, and the people had no one to lead them in prayer except  Mu‘adh, so he would pray the obligatory prayer with the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), then he would go to his people and lead them in prayer, with the prayer being supererogatory in his case, as it says in a report narrated by al-Tahhawi in Sharh Ma‘ani al-Athar, from Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him), in which it says: Mu‘adh used to pray ‘Isha’ with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), then he would go to his people and lead them in ‘Isha’ prayer, and it would be a voluntary prayer for him and an obligatory prayer for them.
And it was said that it may be that this was done at a time when it was permissible to offer an obligatory prayer twice; that may have been done at the beginning of Islam, until the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) forbade it, and it is well-known that forbidding a thing usually comes after it has been permissible.
This hadith indicates that it is permissible for one who is praying an obligatory prayer to pray behind one who is offering a supererogatory prayer..

713
It was narrated that ‘A’ishah said: When the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) became very sick, Bilal came to tell him that it was time to pray, and he said: “Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.” I said: O Messenger of Allah, Abu Bakr is a tenderhearted man, and when he stands in your place he will not be able to make the people hear him. Why don’t you instruct ‘Umar [to lead the prayer instead]? He said: “Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.” I said to Hafsah: Tell him that Abu Bakr is a tenderhearted man, and when he stands in your place he will not be able to make the people hear him; why don’t you tell ‘Umar [to lead the prayer instead]? He said: “Indeed you are like the women around Yusuf! Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.” When he began the prayer, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) felt a little better, so he stood up, supported by two men, with his feet dragging along the ground, and entered the mosque. When Abu Bakr heard him, he wanted to step back, but the Messenger of Allah (listings and peace of Allah be upon him) gestured to him [to stay where he was]. Then the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came and sat on the left of Abu Bakr, so Abu Bakr prayed standing, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed sitting. Abu Bakr followed the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and the people followed the prayer of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him)..

Commentary : Praying in congregation is very important, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) paid a great deal of attention to it, as did the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them all). The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) never stayed away from prayer in congregation and never omitted it; when his sickness grew worse, he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) appointed someone to lead the people in prayer in his stead. ‘A’ishah the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that when the Prophet’s sickness grew worse, he could not go out to pray in congregation. Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) came to tell him that the time for prayer had begun, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructed them to tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was afraid that the people would regard Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) as a bad omen for taking the place of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and she wanted to protect him from that, so she said to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): Abu Bakr is a man who weeps a great deal and feels emotional when praying, so if he stands up to lead the people in prayer, the people will not be able to hear him because he weeps so much. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was indeed as she said. But the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) paid no attention to her words, and he repeated his instruction: “Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.” So ‘A’ishah said to Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with them both): Tell the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that Abu Bakr is a tenderhearted man, and when he takes your place he will not be able to make the people hear him; why don’t you tell ‘Umar to lead the people instead? When the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said that, he said: Indeed you are like the women around Yusuf! meaning that they were like the women around Yusuf in that they showed something opposite to what they had in their hearts, and because of their persistence in pursuing what they wanted and were inclined towards. Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) repeated his instructions to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to lead the people in prayer. When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) came and began the prayer, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) felt a little better, so he stood up and walked, supported by two men, namely al-‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib and ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah have mercy on them both), with his feet dragging and making a line along the ground, because he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was so sick. When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) realized that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was there, he wanted to step back, but the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) gestured to him that he should stay where he was. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sat to the left of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed standing, following the prayer of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) who was sitting, and the people followed the prayer of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), who was standing. Thus the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was the imam, and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was following his prayer, repeating the takbir in a loud voice so that the people could hear, because the Prophet’s voice was so weak at this time. And the people were following the voice of Abu Bakr, who was conveying the takbirs from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him); he was not acting as an imam for the people. Therefore Abu Bakr and the people were all following the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) as he was leading the prayer. Abu Bakr was conveying the takbirs from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) so that the people could follow the Prophet’s prayer. It was also said that in fact the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was an imam for Abu Bakr, and Abu Bakr was an imam for the people behind him, so that prayer had two imams.
This hadith indicates that it is permissible to follow the more difficult option, even if there is a concession [allowing an easier option].
It indicates that it is prescribed to pray sitting, for one who does not have the strength to stand.
It highlights the importance of praying in congregation.
It indicates that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was the best of the people after the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and was the most deserving of them to be his successor (caliph); it also indicates that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab was next to him in virtue.
It indicates that it is permissible for one who is of lower status to discuss instructions given to him by one who is higher in status.
It highlights the etiquette that is to be observed when dealing with one who is older or of higher status, as Abu Bakr wanted to move back, because of the status of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)..

717
It was narrated that al-Nu‘man ibn Bashir said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “You should certainly straighten your rows, or Allah will cause dissent to occur among you (lit. will distort your faces).”.

Commentary : Islam is a religion of order and sublime aspirations, and it urges the Muslims to be united, helping and supporting one another; there is always fear that they may find themselves in situations where dissent and disputes could arise in their gatherings. The best places for the Muslims to gather is attending prayers in congregation in the mosques.
In this hadith, al-Nu‘man ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) tells of the Prophet’s instruction to the people to straighten their rows, as he said: “You should certainly straighten your rows.” What is meant is that the people standing in the rows should all stand in one straight line. It also means filling any gaps in the row. “or Allah will cause dissent to occur among you” that is, if you do not straighten the rows, Allah will cause dissent to occur among you. Thus He made a connection between not straightening the rows and the occurrence of dissent and division. This is a warning to those who do not straighten their rows of a punishment that matches their sin, because they differed when they failed to stand in a straight line. What is meant by dissent is the occurrence of enmity, rancour and division among them, because failing to straighten their rows is a visible difference, and visible differences lead to differences in their hearts. Or what is meant is having different aims and goals, in which case the hadith means that Allah will make each of you have different goals. This is because having similar aims and goals in the heart will be reflected in visible harmony and straightening of the rows. But when the rows are not straight, it is indicative of the people having different aims in their hearts. So if the rows continue to be ragged and no attention is paid to that, Allah will soon cause differences to occur in their aims and goals.
It was also said that the meaning of the word translated here as dissent or division refers to distortion of the face in a literal sense, moving it to the back of the head. This is similar to the warning issued to the one who raises his head before the imam does, that Allah may turn his head into the head of a donkey.
One of the reasons for straightening the row is that it leads to a good appearance and good performance of prayer, for being straight and proper is something that is required both outwardly and inwardly. Another reason is so that the Shaytan will not come in between their rows and spoil their prayer with his whispers. Yet another reason is that straightening the rows gives them more space so that they can all pray together even if their number is great; if they consolidate their rows, their mosque will be able to accommodate all of them, but if they do not do that, it will feel too crowded..

722
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The imam has only been appointed to be followed, so do not differ from him. When he bows, then bow; when he says ‘Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him),’ then say ‘Rabbana laka al-hamd (our Lord, to You be praise)’; when he prostrates, then prostrate; and if he prays sitting, then pray sitting, all of you. Straighten the rows when praying, for straightening the rows is part of praying properly.”.

Commentary : There are rules and regulations for offering the prayer in congregation, that the Muslim should pay attention to and learn. One of the most important of these rules is following the imam properly.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explains that the imam is only appointed to be followed, so the one who is praying behind the imam should follow his actions in prayer. Therefore the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) forbade those who are praying behind an imam to differ from the imam, which means doing the actions of prayer before him, or being too slow in following him, because differing from the imam means that one is no longer regarded as following him. Then the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) began to explain in detail, after speaking in general terms, how one should follow the imam. Hence he said: “When he bows, then bow.” The word fa, translated here as “then”, indicates that these actions should be done straight after the imam does them, and that the one who is praying behind the imam should not do them before the imam; rather every action that the one who is praying behind the imam does should be done after the imam does it. When the imam says after bowing, Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), then say Rabbana laka al-hamd (our Lord, to You be praise); what is meant is: O our Lord, to You be all praise. This is one of the greatest expressions of supplication and gratitude to Allah (may He be glorified and exalted). Based on that, it is sufficient for the one who is praying behind an imam to say the tahmid (Rabbana laka al-hamd) and not the tasmi‘ (Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah) when rising from bowing. When the imam prostrates, then prostrate straight after he prostrates. And if he prays sitting, then pray sitting, all of you, for following the imam also means praying sitting if the imam prays sitting. Then the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) enjoined straightening the rows when praying, meaning that the people should stand in a straight line. This meaning also includes filling the gaps in the rows; the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) gave the reason for this command as being that making the rows straight is part of praying properly.
This hadith instructs the worshipper to follow the imam, and not do anything before he does it, or do something different to what he is doing. It also instructs the worshippers to straighten the rows when offering a congregational prayer..

723
It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik, that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Straighten your rows, for straightening the rows is part of establishing prayer.”.

Commentary : Islam is a religion of order and sublime aspirations, and it urges the Muslims to be united, helping and supporting one another; there is always fear that they may find themselves in situations where dissent and disputes could arise in their gatherings. The best places for the Muslims to gather is attending prayers in congregation in the mosques.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructs the worshippers to make the rows straight, and he gives the reason for that: “for straightening the rows is part of establishing prayer.” In other words, it is part of perfecting the prayer and doing it properly. What is meant by straightening the rows is that the people standing in the row should form a straight line. In al-Sahihayn it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Straightening the rows is part of praying properly”; that is, straightening the rows is more helpful in protecting the prayer from any shortcoming in its obligatory and recommended parts. This will complete the reward for prayer, and that reward is for the one who is keen to complete the row and make it straight.
The scholars have mentioned several reasons regarding the wisdom behind straightening the rows, including the following: that it leads to a good appearance and good performance of prayer, for being straight and proper is something that is required both outwardly and inwardly. Another reason is so that the Shaytan will not come in between their rows and spoil their prayer with his whispers. Yet another reason is that straightening the rows gives them more space so that they can all pray together even if their number is great; if they consolidate their rows, their mosque will be able to accommodate all of them, but if they do not do that, it will feel too crowded. .

724
It was narrated from Bushayr ibn Yasar al-Ansari, from Anas ibn Malik, that he came to Madinah and it was said to him: What do you find different that has changed since the time of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)? He said: I do not find anything that has changed except that you do not straighten the rows..

Commentary : The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) and those who came after them, the Tabi‘in, were the keenest of people to follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and walk in his footsteps, and to adhere to that until death. The Tabi‘in used to ask the companions of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to teach them what they knew, and if they erred, the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) would correct them.
In this hadith, it is narrated that when Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) returned to Madinah from Basra, the people asked him: What do you find different that has changed since the time of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)? This question reflects their great keenness to follow the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him, and shows that they were very cautious in avoiding going against that. In this manner, they were striving to avoid going against the commands of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) replied that nothing had changed, except that they did not straighten their rows. This indicates that straightening the rows was something that was well-known at the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and that the people changed that after he was gone.
The scholars have mentioned several reasons regarding the wisdom behind straightening the rows, including the following: that it leads to a good appearance and good performance of prayer, for being straight and proper is something that is required both outwardly and inwardly. Another reason is so that the Shaytan will not come in between their rows and spoil their prayer with his whispers. Yet another reason is that straightening the rows gives them more space so that they can all pray together even if their number is great; if they consolidate their rows, their mosque will be able to accommodate all of them, but if they do not do that, it will feel too crowded..

725
It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik, that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Straighten your rows, for I can see you behind my back.” One of us would make his shoulder touch the shoulder of the person next to him, and make his foot touch his foot..

Commentary : The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) would hasten to comply with the instructions of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and they would strive hard to do things as the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) enjoined them, and to teach this to those who came after them, especially with regard to prayer, which is the foundation of faith.
In this hadith, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructed his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to straighten their rows, which means that the people standing in the row should make it a straight and even line, with no one standing out. It also means filling the gaps that may appear in the row. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained the reason for this instruction by telling them about one of his miracles, as he said: “for I can see you behind my back.” What is meant is: I only instruct you to do that because I am aware that you are falling short in this regard, because I can see you behind me. It may be that he said this to encourage the weak to straighten their rows, because they did not straighten their rows properly as they thought that he could not see them; that is because many of the weak pay more attention when they are watched than when they are not watched. It may be that some of the hypocrites did not pay attention to straightening the rows, so this was said to them in order to make them pay attention and not cause the rows to be ragged.
What is meant by seeing in the Prophet’s words “for I can see you behind my back” is to be understood as it appears to be, and that he was able to see them in the true sense of the word, which was something extraordinary that was unique to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him); this was one of his miracles.
Then Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) – the narrator of the hadith – explained how they complied with the instruction of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to straighten their rows: each of them would make his shoulder touch the shoulder of the person next to him – the word translated here as shoulder refers to where the top of the arm meets the torso. And each of them would make his foot touch the foot of the person next to him, so as to ensure that the row would be straight, in fulfilment of the command of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
In this hadith, we see the command to straighten the rows and make them look good whilst praying, and the command to the imam to make sure that the people do that; the people themselves should also make sure that they are doing that.
It indicates that it is permissible to speak between the iqamah and the prayer. .

728
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: One night I stood to pray on the left of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). He took hold of my hand – or my arm – and made me stand on his right, and gestured with his hand to tell me to pass behind him..

Commentary : The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were highly motivated and keen to do good. As they (may Allah be pleased with them) were so highly motivated, they were extremely keen to be close to the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and to do acts of worship, whether obligatory or supererogatory, as he did them. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) encouraged them to do that, and would correct any mistakes that they might make.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that one night he got up to pray with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and stood on his left. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) took hold of his hand or his arm – the word translated here as “arm” refers to the upper arm – and made him stand on his right. He (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) gestured to him that he should pass behind him, not in front of him. In this way, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) indicated that the right-hand side is nobler and better; hence if only one person is following an imam in prayer, he should stand on his right.
This hadith indicates that it is more appropriate for the one who is following an imam in prayer to stand on the right of the imam.
It also indicates that it is prohibited to pass directly in front of one who is praying. .

729
It was narrated that ‘A’ishah said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was praying one night in his small enclosure, the walls of which were low. The people could see the figure of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), so some of them started to follow him in his prayer, and the following morning they spoke about that. On the following night, he prayed qiyam [voluntary prayers at night] again, and some of the people followed him in his prayer again. They did this for two or three nights, then after that, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) stayed home, and did not come out. The following morning, the people spoke about that, and he said: “I was afraid that praying at night would be made obligatory for you.”.

Commentary : The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was compassionate towards his ummah, and one of the signs of his compassion was that sometimes he would refrain from doing some non-obligatory actions, lest they be made obligatory. This was because his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) loved to follow his example, and they would hasten to do what he did.
In this hadith, the Mother of the Believers ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was praying one night in his small enclosure (hujrah), which was a space that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had taken in the mosque in which to pray. In another report narrated by al-Bukhari from ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), it says that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had a reed mat that he used to spread out by day and set up at night to make a small enclosure, and some people came and stood behind him [to follow his prayer]. This is what is meant by the word hujrah (translated here as small enclosure); it does not refer to the apartment (hujrah) of ‘A’ishah or the apartments of his other wives, in which he and his family lived. The apartments of the wives of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had walls that served as screens, so that whoever was outside could not see anyone who was inside.
The prayer that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was praying later came to be known as Tarawih prayer. The Mother of the Believers ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) stated in another report that that was in Ramadan, and she described the walls of the small enclosure in which he was praying as being low and being made of reeds. The people saw the figure of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), meaning that they saw his outline or form from afar as he was praying. That happened at night, so they could not see anything of him (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) except his form or outline in the dark, and they stood behind him (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), following him in his prayer. News of that spread among the Muslims, and the same thing happened on the following two or three nights, and the number of those praying behind him increased. When the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) saw how keen they were and that they were gathering behind him for the supererogatory prayer, he stopped doing it. The people mentioned that to him and asked him why he had stopped doing it, so he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained to them that the reason for that was that he was afraid that this prayer would be made obligatory upon them. That is because the ummah is enjoined to follow the example of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and as qiyam al-layl was obligatory for him but not for his ummah, he was worried that if he kept coming out to them and they kept praying behind him, Allah might enjoin it on them as He had enjoined it on him, because in principle the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and his ummah should be equal with regard to issues of worship. Or it may be that he feared that if they persisted in it, they might then grow weak and be unable to continue doing it, so they would give it up, and thus they would be regarded as having given up following the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
This hadith indicates that it is permissible to follow in prayer someone who did not intend to act as an imam and lead that prayer.
It indicates that it is permissible to offer supererogatory prayer in congregation.
It also highlights the compassion that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) showed to his ummah. .

731
It was narrated from Zayd ibn Thabit that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) set up a small enclosure – he said: I think he said that it was made of reeds – in Ramadan, and prayed in it for a few nights. Some of his companions followed his prayer, and when he became aware that they were there, he stopped doing that. Then he came out to them and said: “I realized what you were doing. O people, pray at home, for the best of prayer is a prayer that a man offers in his house, except for the obligatory prayer.”.

Commentary : The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were highly motivated in doing acts of worship and hastening to do good. As a result of their high motivation, they were extremely keen to be close to the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and to do acts of worship, whether obligatory or supererogatory, as he did them. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) encouraged them to do that and would direct them to that which is best.
In this hadith, Zayd ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) set up a small enclosure in his mosque, as a barrier to conceal him from the people; this small enclosure was made from a reed mat (hujrah) that surrounded and marked that spot. The word hujrah (translated here as small enclosure) does not refer to the apartment (hujrah) of ‘A’ishah or the apartments of his other wives (may Allah be pleased with them), in which he and his family lived. The apartments of the wives of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had walls that served as screens, so that whoever was outside could not see anyone who was inside. Rather what is meant is that during Ramadan, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) marked off a spot that was enclosed with a reed mat, to conceal him, making the mat like a small enclosure (hujrah) in which he could offer the voluntary prayers without anyone passing directly in front of him, so that he would be able to focus with humility and without distractions. This is something that is prescribed and permissible, if it will not inconvenience other worshippers and the like.
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed qiyam al-layl in this small enclosure during Ramadan; this is what later came to be known as Tarawih prayer. The people began to gather and follow his prayer, emulating him. When he saw them doing that, he stopped doing it and did not come out to them; he stopped praying qiyam in the mosque in this small enclosure. Then he said: I realize how keen you are to pray qiyam with me. According to a report narrated from ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) by al-Bukhari, he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained to them that the reason why he had stopped praying qiyam, even though he was aware of how keen they were to do it, was the fact that he feared that this prayer would be made obligatory for them. Then he said, “O people, pray at home, for the best of prayer is a prayer that a man offers in his house, except for the obligatory prayer.” This clearly indicates that the best with regard to supererogatory prayers is to pray them at home. This is general in meaning and applies to all supererogatory and Sunnah prayers, except those supererogatory prayers which are symbols of Islam, such as the Eid prayer, eclipse prayer, and prayer for rain (istisqa’), as well as those which are connected to the mosque, such as the two rak‘ahs to greet the mosque (tahiyyat al-masjid).
If someone were to say that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) offered supererogatory prayers in the mosque, which would imply that he was not doing that which is more appropriate, the response to this is that he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) offered those prayers in the mosque in order to teach people and to show that it is permissible to pray supererogatory  prayers in the mosque. If the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did something in order to teach the people, this was better in his case, even though in the case of others it is not the most appropriate option. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) urged the people to offer supererogatory prayers at home, because this is easier and further removed from showing off, and because it is a means of bringing blessing (barakah) to the house so that mercy will descend upon the house and the Shaytan will be scared away.
This hadith indicates that it is permissible to follow in prayer someone who did not intend to act as an imam and lead that prayer.
It indicates that it is permissible to offer supererogatory prayer in congregation.
It indicates that supererogatory prayer offered at home is better than that which is offered in the mosque.
It also highlights the compassion that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) showed to his ummah..

735
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to raise his hands level with his shoulders when he began to pray and when he said takbir before bowing. When he raised his head from bowing, he also raised his hands and said, “Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa laka al-hamd (Allah hears those who praise Him, our Lord to You be praise).” And he did not do that when he prostrated..

Commentary : The manner in which the prayer is to be done is limited to what is narrated in the religious texts, as the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained it to his ummah in word and deed.  The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to learn the precise details of the Prophet’s actions, in prayer and otherwise, and to transmit that to those who came after them.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the points at which the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to raise his hands when saying takbir in the prayer. He says: he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to raise his hands level with his shoulders – and according to a report narrated by Malik ibn al-Huwayrith in al-Sahihayn, when the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)  said takbir, he would raise his hands level with his ears. This report indicates that it is also permissible to raise the hands level with the ears.
The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to raise his hands at the beginning of the prayer, when saying the opening takbir (takbirat al-ihram), making them level with his shoulders, completely in line with them. And he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) also raised his hands when saying takbir before bowing, and he would raise his hands when he lifted his head from bowing and said, “Sami‘a Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa laka al-hamd (Allah hears those who praise Him, our Lord to You be praise).” But he did not do that when he prostrated; in other words, he did not raise his hands when beginning to prostrate, or when rising from prostration. Another of the points at which the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to raise his hands was when getting up after the first tashahhud, as is mentioned in the hadith of Abu Humayd al-Sa‘idi, which is narrated by Abu Dawud and others..

740
It was narrated from Abu Hazim, that Sahl ibn Sa‘d said: The people were instructed that a man should place his right hand on his left forearm when praying. Abu Hazim said: I do not think but that he attributed this to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). .

Commentary : The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were the keenest of people to learn about their religion from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and to transmit what they learned to the Muslims who came after them. Prayer was foremost among the things that they wanted to learn and transmit, and it was their top priority.
In this hadith, Sahl ibn Sa‘d al-Sa‘idi (may Allah be pleased with him) describes how the hands are to be placed when praying. He said: The people were instructed that a man should place his right hand on his left forearm when praying. What is meant by his saying that they were instructed is that the one who instructed them to do this was the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Hence the Tabi‘i  Abu Hazim Salamah ibn Dinar al-A‘raj said: I do not think but that Sahl ibn Sa‘d (may Allah be pleased with him) attributed this to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
This hadith does not explain precisely where the hand is to be placed on the forearm. But it was narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in many reports that he used to place the palm of his right hand on the back of his left hand, wrist and forearm when praying, as is mentioned in the hadith of Wa’il ibn Hujr (may Allah be pleased with him) that was narrated by Abu Dawud. The wrist is the joint between the forearm and the hand. This is what the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with the m) used to do.
This hadith explains where the hands are to be placed when reciting Qur’an whilst standing in prayer..

743
It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) used to begin their prayer with {Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbi l-‘Alamin ([All] praise is [due] to Allah , Lord of the worlds)} [al-Fatihah 1:2]..

Commentary : The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were the keenest of people to learn about their religion from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and to transmit what they learned to the Muslims who came after them. Prayer was foremost among the things that they wanted to learn and transmit, and it was their top priority.
In this hadith, Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) tells us that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), and ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) after him, used to begin their prayer with {Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbi l-‘Alamin} [al-Fatihah 1:2]. What is meant is that they did not recite the Basmalah (“Bismillah il-Rahman il-Rahim”) out loud. The first thing that could be heard of their recitation was the verse, {Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbi l-‘Alamin}. This does not mean that they did not recite the opening supplication (du‘a’ al-istiftah) or words seeking refuge with Allah (isti‘adhah) at the beginning of the prayer, or recite the Basmalah quietly. Rather what is meant is that the first thing that they recited out loud after the takbir was {Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbi l-‘Alamin}.
This hadith indicates that one should not recite the Basmalah at the beginning of Surat al-Fatihah out loud. .

744
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to pause between the takbir and recitation – I think he said: for a little while. I said: May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah. When you are quiet between the takbir and recitation, what do you say? He said: “I say: Allahumma ba‘id bayni wa bayna khatayaya kama ba‘adta bayn al-mashriqi wa’l-maghrib. Allahumma naqqini min al-khataya kama yunaqqa al-thawb al-abyad min al-danas. Allaahumma’ghsil khatayaya bi’l-ma’i wa’l-thalji wa’l-barad (O Allah, separate me (far) from my sins as You have separated (far) the east from the west. O Allah, cleanse me of sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow and hail).’”.

Commentary : The manner in which the prayer is to be done is limited to what is narrated in the religious texts, as the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained to his ummah in word and deed.  The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to learn the precise details of the Prophet’s actions, in prayer and otherwise, and they transmitted that to us.
This hadith mentions the opening supplication that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to recite after the opening takbir, and he began his prayer with it. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to keep quiet for a little while, because he was saying the opening supplication at that time. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked him: May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah, what do you say during this period when you are quiet? The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told him about the opening supplication, and that he began the supplication by saying, “O Allah, separate me (far) from my sins as You have separated (far) the east from the west,” so if it is decreed that I should sin, make the distance between me and the sin as great as the distance that You have created between the east and the west. This applies if what is meant by sin is future sins. However, if what is meant by sin is past sins, then what is meant by separating is erasing and forgiving the sins. The analogy here is that just as the meeting of the east and west is impossible, he wants his approaching sin to be as impossible as the meeting of the east and the west.
Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “O Allah, cleanse me of my sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt.” What this means is: O Allah, purify me of my sins as a white garment is purified from dirt. He only gave this likeness because dirt is more visible on a white garment than a garment of any other colour, and by the same token, the effect of washing is more visible on a white garment than on one of any other colour.
Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow and hail,” meaning: O Allah, purify me of any sin I commit with all means of purification, such as water, snow and hail. This does not refer only to the things that are mentioned here; rather the point was to emphasize thorough cleansing and erasing of sins.
In this supplication, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed for forgiveness from his sins, even though his previous and future sins had been forgiven; he offered this supplication by way of gratitude to Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) and teaching his ummah.
There are other opening supplications that may be recited when beginning the prayer, including that which was narrated by Abu Dawud in al-Sunan from ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who said: When the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) began to pray, he said: “Subhanak Allahumma wa bi hamdika wa tabarak asmuka wa ta‘ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghayruk (Glory and praise be to You, O Allah, blessed be Your name and exalted be Your majesty. There is no god besides You).” Something similar was narrated from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) in Sahih Muslim.
Another supplication was mentioned in a report narrated by al-Bayhaqi from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Subhanak Allahumma wa bi hamdika wa tabarak asmuka wa ta‘ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghayruk.  Wajjahtu wajhiya lilladhi fatara al-samawati wa’l-arda hanifan wa ma ana min al-mushrikin. Inna salati wa nusuki wa mahyaya wa mamati Lillahi Rabb il-‘alamin  (Glory and praise be to You, O Allah, blessed be Your name and exalted be Your majesty. There is no god besides You. Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah. Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds).” And there are other supplications.
The best is to learn the opening supplications that have been soundly narrated from the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and to alternate between the ones that he recited in prayer, so that you will be doing all of the sunnahs in that regard, and reviving the Sunnah. Moreover, this helps the heart to focus more, because if a person persists only in one thing, it becomes a habit (and he may say the words without reflecting on the meaning).
This hadith indicates that the opening supplication should be recited quietly. .

748
It was narrated that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The sun was eclipsed at the time of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and they said: O Messenger of Allah, we saw you reaching out for something when you were standing, then we saw you retreating. He said: “I was shown Paradise, and I reached out to take a bunch (of grapes) from it. If I had taken it, you would have eaten from it for as long as this world remains.”.

Commentary : Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) created Paradise and Hell, with a certain nature that is known to Him (may He be glorified and exalted). Allah (may He be exalted) lifted the barrier for the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and caused him to see Paradise and Hell, and He shortened the distance between them so that he was able to see both of them.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the sun was eclipsed at the time of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). In another report, it is narrated that this occurred on the day when his son Ibrahim died. When the sun is eclipsed, its light disappears. In Arabic, a solar eclipse is usually referred to as kusuf and a lunar eclipse is usually referred to as khusuf, but the terms may be used interchangeably. This is what we see in this report (in which khusuf is used to refer to the sun). The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) stood and led the people in prayer; this prayer is described in other reports, such as that which was narrated by al-Bukhari from Asma’ bint Abi Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with her), in which it says that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) offered the eclipse prayer. He stood and made his standing lengthy, then he bowed and made his bowing lengthy, then he stood up and made his standing lengthy, then he bowed and made his bowing lengthy, then he rose from bowing, then he prostrated and made his prostration lengthy, then he rose from prostration, then he prostrated and made his prostration lengthy. Then he stood and made his standing lengthy, then he bowed and made his bowing lengthy, then he stood up and made his standing lengthy, then he bowed and made his bowing lengthy, then he rose from bowing, then he prostrated and made his prostration lengthy, then he rose from prostration, then he prostrated and made his prostration lengthy, then he finished his prayer. This was two rak‘ahs of non-obligatory prayer, which differed from all other prayers in that it had two bowings and two recitations [in each rak‘ah]. The Sunnah is to make the recitation lengthy in the eclipse prayer.
During this prayer, it happened that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) reached out, as if he wanted to take something, then he moved backwards. When he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) finished his prayer, his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked him about that, saying to him: We saw you reaching out to take something, then we saw you retreating; in other words, we saw you wanting to take something, then you moved backwards. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told them that he had seen Paradise, and Allah had showed him some of its delights; he wanted to take a bunch (of grapes) from it, but he stepped back and did not do that. And he told them that if he had got it for them, they would have eaten from it so long as this world remains. But he did not take it, because the food of Paradise lasts forever and is not subject to change, and it is not possible to eat in this world anything except that which is subject to change and vanish, because Allah created it to have an end, so there can be nothing in this world that is meant to be eternal.
This hadith indicates that it is prescribed to offer the eclipse prayer, and describes how it is to be done.
It also indicates that Paradise and Hell have already been created and exist at present, in a manner that is known only to Allah (may He be glorified and exalted)..

1284
‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in the morning of ‘Arafah, and some of us were saying Takbīr and some of us were saying Ihlāl (Talbiyah). As for us, we were saying Takbīr. He said: I said: "By Allah, your affair is strange! How did you not say to him: What did you see the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) doing?!".

Commentary : Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam, and it is an act of worship for those who can find a way to it. Its pillars, Sunnahs, and etiquettes must be taken from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
In this Hadīth, the noble Companion ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that they were with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in the morning of the day of ‘Arafah during the Farewell Hajj, in the tenth Hijri year. ‘Arafah: a mountain lying on the way between Makkah and Tā’if and located nearly 22km from Makkah, 10km from Mina, and 6km from Muzdalifah. The most important ritual of Hajj is performed in ‘Arafah, which is standing at ‘Arafah on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. Some of the people with the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) were "saying Takbīr" i.e., saying: Allahu akbar (Allah is the Greatest), and some of them were "saying Ihlāl" i.e., proclaiming Talbiyah, as in another version by Muslim. Ihlāl is to raise one's voice with Talbiyah. This indicates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) approved their Dhikr, be it Takbīr or Talbiyah. And it is said: The intended meaning is that he would incorporate some Dhikr into Talbiyah, not that he abandoned Talbiyah altogether, as it is reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not cease Talbiyah till he threw Jamrat al-‘Aqabah.
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "As for us, we were saying Takbīr" i.e., he (may Allah be pleased with him) and those with him chose to say Takbīr in this Hajj of theirs.
Then, ‘Abdullāh ibn Abi Salamah - one of the Hadīth narrators - said to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar: "By Allah, your affair is strange! How did you not say to him" i.e., to Ibn ‘Umar as he was narrating this Hadīth which he cited as proof for Takbīr instead of Talbiyah; "What did you see the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) doing?!" I.e., which Dhikr among these Dhikrs you knew or saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) saying: is it Takbīr or Talbiyah? By this, 'Abdullāh ibn Abi Salamah wanted to know what is best, for the Hadīth includes Takbīr and Talbiyah. So, he sought to learn what the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was saying to know which of the two Dhikrs was better and abide by it.
The Hadīth mentions Tahlīl and Takbīr by Muhrims during the day of ‘Arafah.
It shows the keenness of the Tābi‘īs to know what is best among the Sunnahs and etiquettes..

1288
Sa‘īd ibn Jubayr reported: We returned along with Ibn ‘Umar until we reached Jam‘. He led us in the Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers with one Iqāmah. Then, he left as he said: "This is how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) led us in prayer in this place.".

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to follow the Prophet's example in everything, especially the acts of worship, including the obligation of Hajj.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Sa‘īd ibn Jubayr relates what was done by ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) during Hajj. He informs that they returned from ‘Arafāt along with Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) until they reached Jam‘, which is Muzdalifah. It is the third among the sacred Mashā‘ir by which the pilgrims pass and is located between Mina and ‘Arafāt. The pilgrims stay there after leaving ‘Arafāt at the end of the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, and then they perform therein the Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers, combined and shortened, and they collect from it the pebbles for throwing Jamarāt at Mina. The pilgrims stay there till the morning of the following day, the day of Eid al-Ad'ha, after which they head to Mina. It is called Jam‘ because people gather (Yajtami‘) therein. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) led them in the Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers with one Iqāmah and did not offer a supererogatory prayer between them. He then left. The manner of doing that: He pronounces Iqāmah for prayer and offers the Maghrib prayer as three Rak‘ahs and then makes Taslīm. Then, he offers the ‘Ishā’ prayer as two Rak‘ahs. Indeed, he did so because he saw the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) doing it. Then, he said: "This is how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) led us in prayer in this place," i.e., in Muzdalifah. This was explained by another version narrated by Muslim, in which Ibn ‘Umar said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) combined the Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers in Jam‘ - i.e., in Muzdalifah - offering the Maghrib as three and the ‘Ishā’ as two Rak‘ahs, with one Iqāmah. In a version by Al-Bukhāri, Ibn ‘Umar mentioned that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) offered the Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers with one Iqāmah for each of them.
The Hadīth mentions that the Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers are to be combined in Muzdalifah..

1292
’Umm Habībah reported: We used to do it during the lifetime of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): We would set forth during Ghalas (pre-dawn darkness) from Jam‘ to Mina. And in a version: We would set forth during Ghalas from Muzdalifah..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to follow the Prophet's example in everything, especially the acts of worship, including the obligation of Hajj, whose pillars, Sunnahs, and etiquettes must be taken from the Prophet's guidance, which clarifies in detail what the Qur'an mentions in brief terms.
In this Hadīth, ’Umm Habībah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet's wife, informs that, during the Prophet's lifetime, they used to set forth from Jam‘ - and in a version: Muzdalifah - to Mina at the time of Ghalas. Ghalas: the darkness of the latter part of the night mixed with the light of morning. The meaning: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would send the weak members of his family - the elderly, the women, and the children, as well as the sick - fearing crowdedness for them. So, weak people would stand at Al-Mash'ar al-Harām during the night, remembering Allah Almighty and supplicating Him with what came to their minds. Then, they would head to Mina before the Imām stood at Al-Mash'ar al-Harām and before he left for Mina. Some of them would reach Mina during the Fajr prayer so that they would throw Jamrat al-‘Aqabah. Some of them would reach Mina after that time, and they would throw Jamrat al-‘Aqabah, which is the largest Jamrah. This is intended to facilitate things for women and the weak during the rituals of Hajj, as they were allowed to hasten their departure from Muzdalifah to Mina before the rise of the sun.
Jam‘ (Muzdalifah): It is the third among the sacred Mashā‘ir by which the pilgrims pass and is located between Mina and ‘Arafāt. The pilgrims stay there after leaving ‘Arafāt at the end of the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, and then they perform therein the Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers, combined and shortened, and they collect therein the pebbles for throwing Jamarāt at Mina. The pilgrims stay there till the morning of the following day, the day of Eid al-Ad'ha, after which they head to Mina. Mina is a valley surrounded by mountains and located east of Makkah, between Makkah and Mount 'Arafah. It is situated nearly 6km away from the Sacred Mosque. Mina is the place where the rituals of Hajj are performed, and the pilgrims stay during the day of Tarwiyah, the day of Eid al-Ad'ha, and the days of Tashrīq. It is the site of throwing the Jamarāt, which happens between sunrise and sunset during these days of Hajj. The Hady are also slaughtered there..

1294
Ibn ‘Abbās reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent me from Jam‘a at the time of Sahar with the luggage of the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). I said: Were you informed that Ibn ‘Abbās said: He had sent me in the latter part of the night? He said: No, but only like that: at the time of Sahar. I said to him: Ibn ‘Abbās said: We threw the Jamrah before dawn, and where he performed the Fajr prayer? He said: No, but only like that..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to follow the Prophet's example in everything, especially the acts of worship, including the obligation of Hajj, whose pillars, Sunnahs, and etiquettes must be taken from the Prophet's guidance, which clarifies in detail what the Qur'an mentions in brief terms.
This Hadīth demonstrates the vast mercy of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) toward the weak members of his Ummah, even during the performance of worship, as he used to enjoin facilitation for people. ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent him from Muzdalifah to Mina at the time of Sahar. Sahar: the time shortly before dawn. It is said: It extends from the last third of the night to the rise of dawn. "with the luggage of the Prophet of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)." Luggage is the belongings of a traveler which are heavy to carry. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent Ibn ‘Abbās along with the weak members of his family, including the elderly, the women, and the children, as well as the sick, for fear that they might be hurt in the crowdedness. So, the weak people would stand at Al-Mash‘ar al-Harām during the night, remembering Allah Almighty and supplicating Him with whatever came to their minds. Then, they would head to Mina before the Imām stood at Al-Mash‘ar al-Harām and before he left for Mina. Some of them reached Mina at the time of the Fajr prayer, and so they threw Jamrat al-‘Aqabah, and some others arrived at Mina after that time, and they threw Jamrat al-‘Aqabah, which is the largest Jamrah.
Jam‘a is Muzdalifah, and it is the third among the sacred Mashā‘ir by which the pilgrims pass and is located between Mina and ‘Arafāt. The pilgrims stay there after leaving ‘Arafāt at the end of the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, and then they perform therein the Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers, combined and shortened, and they collect therein pebbles for throwing Jamarāt at Mina. The pilgrims stay there till the morning of the following day, the day of Eid al-Ad'ha, after which they head to Mina.
Ibn Jurayj asked his Shaykh ‘Atā’ ibn Abi Rabāh: Were you informed that Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "He had sent me in the latter part of the night"? He replied: No! Rather, he said: "at the time of Sahar" i.e., without specifying a certain hour. So, Ibn Jurayj asked him: Did Ibn ‘Abbās say: We threw the Jamrah before dawn, and where did he perform the Fajr prayer? He replied: No! He did not mention to me when he threw the Jamrah or where he prayed. He did not tell me anything beyond what I have mentioned to you.
The Hadīth shows how Islam facilitates things for the weak people during Hajj and allows them to throw the Jamrah before dawn before people come in crowds.
It demonstrates the integrity in transmitting the Sunnah and traditions from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them)..

1297
Jābir reported: I saw the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) throwing pebbles while riding his mount on the day of Nahr, and he was saying: "Learn your rituals, for I do not know whether I will be performing Hajj after this Hajj of mine.".

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to follow the Prophet's example in everything, especially the acts of worship, including the obligation of Hajj, whose pillars, Sunnahs, and etiquettes must be taken from the Prophet's guidance, which clarifies in detail what the Qur'an mentions in brief terms.
In this Hadīth, the noble Companion Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) informs that he saw the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during the Farewell Hajj - which was in the tenth Hijri year - throwing Jamrat al-‘Aqabah while riding his mount - his she-camel which he used for traveling - during the day of Nahr, i.e., his throwing of Jamrah during the day of Eid, on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, and that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) threw the Jamrah while riding so as to display his act to the people. He was saying to the people: "Learn your rituals," i.e., learn from me and memorize the rulings I practised during my Hajj through words and deeds. Take them from me, apply them, and teach them to others. Clarifying the reason for that, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "for I do not know whether I will be performing Hajj after this Hajj of mine." This was a signal for bidding farewell to them, informing them about his imminent death, urging them to be keen on learning from him and seizing the opportunity of accompanying him and learning the matters of the religion. Hence, this was called the Farewell Hajj.
The Hadīth mentions that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined his Ummah to learn the matters of the religion, especially the rituals, from him, and not to act according to their personal whims; rather, they should follow the Sunnah he laid down for them..

1298
’Umm Al-Husayn reported: I performed the Farewell Hajj along with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and saw him when he threw Jamrat al-‘Aqabah and returned while he was riding the mount, and Bilāl and Usāmah were with him. One of them was leading his camel, while the other was raising his cloth over the head of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to protect him from the sun. She said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) talked at length, and then I heard him saying: "If a maimed slave - I think she said: black - is appointed to govern you, and he leads you according to the Book of Allah Almighty, listen to him and obey him.".

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to follow the Prophet's example in everything, especially the acts of worship, including the obligation of Hajj whose pillars, Sunnahs, and etiquettes must be taken from the Prophet's guidance, which clarifies in detail what the Qur’an mentions in comprehensive terms.
In this Hadīth, the female Companion ’Umm Al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with her) informs that she performed the Farewell Hajj along with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). It was called as such because the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) seemed to have been bidding farewell to the Companions, and he passed away shortly thereafter. It took place during the tenth Hijri year. She saw him when he threw Jamrat al-‘Aqabah al-Kubra in the morning of the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Eid al-Ad'ha, and he left on his mount, which is used for traveling. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was riding a she-camel during this Hajj. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) threw the pebbles while he was riding so as to display his act to the people. The Companions with him were Bilāl ibn Rabāh and Usāmah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with both of them). One of them was leading the she-camel and pulling it from the front, and the other was raising his clothing over the head of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to shade him from the sun. The version by An-Nasā’i pointed out that the one leading the she-camel was Bilāl (may Allah be pleased with him) and the one raising his clothing was Usāmah (may Allah be pleased with him).
Then, ’Umm Al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with her) informed that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) talked at length; In the version by An-Nasā’i: "Then, he delivered a sermon to the people. He praised Allah and lauded Him and mentioned many things" i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned many rulings during this sermon. One of these is that he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If a maimed slave," i.e., with an amputated limb, nose, or ear ", is appointed to govern you," i.e., is appointed as your leader. Yahya ibn al-Husayn said: "I think she", i.e., his grandmother, "said: black". In the Hadīth reported by Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) and narrated by Al-Bukhāri: "as if his head is like a raisin," A person in whom these traits are combined is in utmost lowliness. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) meant to indicate that people usually disdain him.
If he assumes authority and "leads you according to the Book of Allah Almighty, listen to him and obey him", i.e., listening and obeying is due upon the subjects to such a governor, as long as he adheres to Islam and calls to the Book of Allah Almighty. If, however, he rules according to his personal inclination and in contradiction to the Qur'an and the Sunnah, no obedience is due to him.
The Hadīth mentions that Jamrat al-‘Aqabah is thrown on the day of Nahr.
It demonstrates that Jamrat al-‘Aqabah may be thrown while riding.
It also indicates that a Muhrim can shade his head with a cloth or the like.
The Hadīth points out the obligation to obey the rulers as long as they enjoin things involving obedience to Allah, not disobedience to Him..

1299
Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh reported: I saw the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) throwing the Jamrah with the like of pebbles of Khadhf..

Commentary : Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified how to perform Hajj through his statements and acts, and he commanded Muslims to learn the rituals from him. Hence, a Muslim must follow the Prophet's example.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) informs that he saw the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during Hajj throwing Jamrat al-‘Aqabah in the morning of the day of Nahr, the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, and he threw it with pebbles like those of Khadhf. Khadhf: throwing a pebble or a stone or holding it between one's forefingers and throwing it. This is meant to demonstrate the size of the thrown pebbles in terms of smallness and largeness. So, the pebbles the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) threw were larger than chickpeas and smaller than hazelnuts. This denotes the prohibition of exaggeration in religion, like the belief that throwing large stones is more profound than throwing small ones. The throwing comprises seven pebbles each time, and they should be separated and thrown one after the other.
The Hadīth shows the facilitation of Islam in throwing the Jamarāt, and that the stones should be small to avoid causing harm to the people during the rituals..

1299
Jābir reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) threw pebbles at the Jamrah (stoning pillar) on the Day of Nahr (10th of Dhul-Hijjah) at Duha (forenoon), but threw after that when the sun passed its zenith..

Commentary : Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified the manner of performing Hajj through his statements and acts and he commanded Muslims to learn the rituals from him. Hence, Muslims must follow the Prophet's example.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reports that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) threw pebbles at the Jamrah, namely Jamrat al-‘Aqabah, on the Day of Nahr, i.e., the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the Day of Eid al-Ad'ha that was so-called given the slaughtering of Hady and ’Ud-hiyahs that occur on that day. "Duha", i.e., is the forenoon time that starts from sunrise until Zawāl (when the sun reaches its zenith). As for the pebbles to be thrown on the Days of Tashrīq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) threw them after the sun had passed its zenith, and Zawāl starts from noon.
The Jamrahs that should be stoned are three, which are: The first Jamrah: It is called "As-Sughra" (the smallest) or "Ad-Dunya" (the nearest). It is the first Jamrah after Al-Khayf Mosque at Mina. It was called "Dunya", which is derived from "dunuww" (nearness), on account of its being the nearest Jamrah to Al-Khayf Mosque. The second Jamrah: It is called "Al-Wusta" (the middle one). It lies after the first Jamrah and before Jamrat al-‘Aqabah. Jamrat al-‘Aqabah: It is also called "Al-Jamrah al-Kubra" (the biggest Jamrah). It lies at the end of Mina in the direction of Makkah, and it is not part of Mina..

1300
Jābir reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Istijmār is by odd numbers, throwing the pebbles is by odd numbers, Sa‘i between Safa and Marwah is by odd numbers, Tawāf is by odd numbers; and when any of you engages in Istjimār, he should do so by odd numbers.".

Commentary : This Hadīth demonstrates some Islamic Sunnahs and etiquettes and Shar‘i teachings. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that Istijmār - which is to remove or dry up urine and stools with stones - should be done by odd numbers, i.e., Witr, which is three times. If cleaning is not done three times, he must do it more times until it is achieved. But if it is achieved by an odd number, there should be no more times. And if it is done an even number of times, he should wipe it one more time to make it odd. Likewise, throwing the Jamarāt in Hajj should be done with seven pebbles, which is an odd number. And Sa‘i between Safa and Marwah should comprise seven rounds, which is an odd number. And the Tawāf around the Ka‘bah should consist of seven rounds, which is an odd number.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "and when any of you engages in Istjimār, he should do so by odd numbers." It is said that the statement at the beginning of the Hadīth is intended to refer to the number of times of doing it, and the statement here refers to the number of stones involved. Or the statement is repeated to give particular emphasis and attention to this matter, as it may be neglected with its daily repetition, unlike other things. So, the earlier statement is intended for information, and the latter is intended for urging and showing care. And it is said: Istijmār here refers to the use of incense, which is done by putting a stick of incense on a Jamrah of fire (ember); and it should also be done by an odd number..

1305
Anas ibn Mālik reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came to Mina, he went to the Jamrah (stoning pillar) and threw pebbles at it. After that, he went to his lodging in Mina and sacrificed. Then, he said to the barber: "Shave from here," pointing at his right side, then, at the left side. Then, he distributed it (his hair) among the people. [Another narration reads]: He said to the barber: "Here," and pointed with his hand at the right side like this. Then, he distributed his hair among those who were near him. He said: Then, he pointed at the barber and at the left side. So, he (the barber) shaved it, and he (the Prophet) gave it to ’Umm Sulaym. Another narration reads: He said: He started with the right half, and he distributed it among the people, each one taking a hair or two. Then, he asked for the left half to be shaved, and he did the same with it. Then, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Here, Abu Talhah," and he gave it to Abu Talhah..

Commentary : Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified the manner of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah through his statements and acts, and he commanded Muslims to learn the rituals from him. Hence, Muslims must follow the Prophet's example.
In this Hadīth, Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) reached Mina after spending the night at Muzdalifah. Then, he stoned Jamrat al-‘Aqabah al-Kubra on the morning of Eid al-Ad'ha, the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. Stoning is to be done by using small pebbles the size of a chickpea and smaller than a hazelnut, or the size of a bean seed. Mina: It is a valley surrounded by mountains. It is located on the eastern side of Makkah, on the way between Makkah and ‘Arafah Mount. It is almost six kilometers away from the Sacred Mosque. It is the place where the Jamrahs are stoned and where the Hadys (sacrificial animals) are slaughtered.
Then, after throwing the pebbles, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went to his dwelling place in Mina and slaughtered his Hadys, which were a hundred. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) slaughtered sixty-three of them with his own hand and ordered ‘Ali to slaughter the rest of the hundred, as mentioned in Sahīh Muslim.
After that, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the barber to shave his hair, pointing at his right side so the barber would start with it, then at the left side. Shaving or shortening the hair is the ritual that ends the acts of Hajj and ‘Umrah. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), then started giving people this hair for the sake of Tabarruk (seeking blessings) from the Prophet's hair. He distributed the hair shaved off the right side among people, then he took the hair shaved off the left side and gave it to ’Umm Sulaym, as mentioned in one of the narrations. In another narration: He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) gave the hair of the left side to Abu Talhah.
The Hadīth clarifies some of the acts of Hajj that are to be performed in Mina, including stoning Al-Jamrah al-Kubra, then shaving the hair starting with the right side followed by the left side.
The Hadīth also indicates the act of seeking blessings from the Prophet's traces, which is something unique to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
It also clarifies the purity of human hair.
Moreover, the Hadīth makes it clear that shaving the head is better than shortening, following the Prophet's example..

1305
Anas ibn Mālik reported: After the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had thrown the pebbles at the Jamrah, slaughtered his sacrifice, and shaved, he turned his right side (of his head) to the barber who shaved it. Then, he called Abu Talhah al-Ansāri and gave it to him. After that, he (the Prophet) turned the left side to him (the barber) and said: "Shave it," and he did. He (the Prophet), then, gave it to Abu Talhah and said: "Distribute it among people.".

Commentary : The Prophet's Companions used to hasten to get any of the Prophet's traces seeking blessings thereby, and this Hadīth presents one of those incidents. Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that after the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had thrown pebbles at Jamrat al-‘Aqabah al-Kubra in Mina on the morning of Eid al-Ad'ha, the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, during the Farewell Hajj on the tenth Hijri year, and after he had slaughtered his sacrifice, i.e., slaughtered his sacrificial animal and Hady, and wanted to shave his hair, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) turned the right side of his head to the barber, as he preferred beginning with the right side in everything, and the barber shaved it. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), then, called Abu Talhah al-Ansāri, the husband of ’Umm Sulaym who was the mother of Anas (may Allah be pleased with them), and gave him the hair that was shaved off. He chose him in particular because of his special status. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) turned the left side of his head to the barber and said: Shave it, and he did. He, then, gave it to Abu Talhah and said: "Distribute it among people," i.e., among his Companions. Perhaps the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) distributed his hair between them to remain as a blessing and as a reminder among them, as if by doing this he was referring to the approach of his death and to the end of the time of companionship.
In Ahmad's narration, Abu Talhah gave it to ’Umm Sulaym, his wife, who used to mix it in her perfume. It has been established that some of the Companions used to take the Prophet's sweat and add it to their perfume. Others used to seek the traces of his fingers on the food to eat from where he ate, and others used to drink from the leftovers of his drink. All this went along with their compliance with the Sunnah, their following of the Prophet's guidance out of love for the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and out of seeking blessings from his honorable traces. This is exclusive to the Prophet's tangible traces.
The Hadīth refers to the act of seeking blessings from the Prophet's hair and keeping it.
The Hadīth also shows how the Imam or the leader consoles his companions and followers by distributing gifts and presents to them.
It also highlights the act of beginning with the right side of the head when shaving.
It denotes the merit of Abu Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him) that was obvious in saving his share, then giving him the other half, and granting him the honor of distributing it among people.
The Hadīth also shows consolation between friends in terms of gifts and presents and the fact that consolation does not necessarily entail equality..

1308
Ibn ‘Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed Tawāf al-Ifādah (pouring forth) on the Day of Nahr, then returned and prayed Zhuhr in Mina. Nāfi‘ said: Ibn ‘Umar used to perform Tawāf al-Ifādah on the Day of Nahr, then return and pray Zhuhr in Mina, and mention that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did this..

Commentary : Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) clarified the rituals of Hajj in his words and acts, which were reported by the noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) just as they had learned them from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
In this Hadīth, the great Companion, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), reports that during the Farewell Hajj on the 10th year of Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) "performed Tawāf al-Ifādah on the Day of Nahr", i.e., he performed Tawāf al-Ifādah at the Sacred House, referring to the Tawāf that comes after standing at ‘Arafah and throwing pebbles at Al-Jamrah al-Kubra. It was called so because the pilgrim performs it after his Ifādah (setting forth) from Mina to Makkah. The Day of Nahr is the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and the Day of Eid al-Ad'ha. It was called so because of Nahr (slaughtering) the Hady and Ud-hiyahs on that day. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reports that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) returned after that and prayed Zhuhr in Mina, which is a valley surrounded by mountains, located on the eastern side of Makkah on the way between Makkah and ‘Arafah Mount. Mina is known to be the place of performing the rituals of Hajj and the place where the pilgrims spend the night on the Day of Tarwiyah, the Day of Nahr, and the Days of Tashrīq, as it is the place where the Jamrahs (stoning pillars) are stoned between sunrise and sunset during those days of Hajj, and it is the place where the sacrificial animals are slaughtered.
It was said: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) prayed Zhuhr in Makkah, as mentioned in Sahīh Muslim on the authority of Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: "Then, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) rode and set forth towards the House and prayed Zhuhr in Makkah." It was said: What happened is that after the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had performed Tawāf al-Ifādah, the time for Zhuhr prayer became due. So, he prayed Zhuhr in Makkah at its earliest time. Then, he returned to Mina and found the people waiting to pray with him. So, he led them in prayer once again. In this way, the Hadīths could be understood together without needing to give preponderance to some of them over the other.
Nāfi‘, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Umar and the one who narrated this Hadīth from him, said that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) was very keen on following the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in all his actions, whether as a traveler or a resident..

1310
Nāfi‘ reported: that Ibn ‘Umar regarded Tahsīb (stopping at Al-Muhassab after the completion of Hajj) as an act of Sunnah, and he used to perform the Zhuhr prayer in Hasbah during the day of Nafr. Nāfi‘ said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) engaged in Tahsīb, and the caliphs did it after him..

Commentary : Hajj is one of the Tawqīfi acts of worship whose rituals were demonstrated by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during the Farewell Hajj. The Prophet's actions during his Hajj were Sunnah and guidance for those who came after him. The Companions were keen to follow the Prophet's guidance and act like him in all the affairs of Hajj and other things.
In this Hadīth, Nāfi‘, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Umar, informs that ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) regarded Tahsīb as an act of Sunnah, i.e., one of the Prophet's actions. Tahsīb: to halt at Muhassab after completing Hajj following the days of throwing the Jamarāt. Muhassab: Al-Abtah or Al-Bat'hā’. It is a place lying between Mina and Makkah and is closer to Mina. It is said: It is the place of throwing the Jamarāt at Mina, and it used to be called Khayf Bani Kinānah. Khayf: The place that goes down from the mountain and rises above the valley. It is located outside Makkah from the direction of Madīnah.
Nāfi‘ informed that ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to perform the Zhuhr prayer at Al-Hasbah during the day of Nafr (departure), which is the day of returning from Mina after the completion of the Hajj rituals. The pilgrims have two days of Nafr (departure): First: The second day from the days of Tashrīq. Second: The third day from the days of Tashrīq, which is the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah; and this is the day intended here, for it was the day during which the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) departed in his Hajj.
Nāfi‘ said: "The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) engaged in Tahsīb, and the caliphs did it after him," i.e., they stopped at Al-Muhassab. This is the view of Ibn' Umar that stopping at this place is one of the Sunnahs of Hajj. However, 'Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and others would not stop at this place during Hajj after the Prophet's passing. The relevant Hadīths point out that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stopped at this place after the completion of the Hajj rituals, for this was easier for his departure to Madīnah and so that his Companions and those who would leave with him could gather there.
The Hadīth shows how the Companions would pursue the Prophet's guidance and were keen to follow his Sunnah..

1310
Ibn ‘Umar reported: that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Bakr and ‘Umar used to alight in Al-Abtah..

Commentary : Hajj is one of the Tawqīfi acts of worship whose rituals were demonstrated by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during the Farewell Hajj. The Prophet's actions during his Hajj were Sunnah and guidance for those who came after him. The Companions were keen to follow the Prophet's guidance and act like him in all the affairs of Hajj and other things.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) informs "that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)" during his lifetime "and Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them)" during their caliphate "used to alight in Al-Abtah." The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) alighted there on the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah after he returned from Mina after the completion of the Hajj rituals. Al-Abtah: It is Al-Muhassab; it is a place lying between Mina and Makkah and is closer to Mina. It is said: It is the place of throwing the Jamarāt at Mina, and it used to be called Khayf Bani Kinānah. Khayf: The place that goes down from the mountain and rises above the valley. It is located outside Makkah from the direction of Madīnah.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stopped there after the end of the days of throwing the Jamarāt, and Rāfi‘, his freed slave (may Allah be pleased with him), had set up a tent for him in this place. After that, Abu Bakr and 'Umar followed the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) in that, and they would stop in this place at the same time and some of the Companions, like 'Abdullāh ibn' Umar, considered it to be one of the Sunnahs of Hajj, as narrated in the Sahīh Muslim Collection.
‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stopped at this place because this was easier for his departure to Madīnah and so that his Companions and those who would leave with him could gather there, as narrated in a version by Muslim, in which ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "that she would not do that, and she said: Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) alighted there because it was an easier place for his departure."
The Hadīth shows how the Companions - such as Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) - would pursue the Prophet's guidance and were keen to follow his Sunnah..

1313
Abu Rāfi‘ reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not command me to stop at Al-Abtah when he departed from Mina, but I came and set up his canvas therein, and he came and alighted. [Another version] adds: And he was in charge of the Prophet's belongings..

Commentary : The rituals of Hajj are among the Tawqīfi acts of worship which were demonstrated by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during the Farewell Hajj. The Prophet's actions during his Hajj were Sunnah and guidance for those who came after him. The Companions were keen to follow the Prophet's guidance and act like him, and they were also keen to demonstrate what is part of the Sunnah and what is not part of the Sunnah, yet it was accidentally done by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
In this Hadīth, the noble Companion Abu Rāfi‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) - the Prophet's freed slave and servant - "and he was in charge of the Prophet's belongings" i.e., he was responsible for the Prophet's personal items; he informs that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not enjoin him when he departed from Mina, to stop at Al-Abtah, which means a spacious place, and it here refers to a location between Mina and Makkah. It is also called Al-Muhassab and Khayf Bani Kinānah. Al-Abtah today comprises buildings and markets. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) departed from Mina after throwing the pebbles on the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah, following the completion of the Hajj rituals.
Abu Rāfi‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "but I came and set up his canvas therein." Canvas is a tent made of wool or other material. Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came, alighted, and rested in this tent set up at Al-Abtah - and this happened before the Farewell Tawāf. In a Hadīth in the Sahīh Al-Bukhāri Collection, Anas ibn Mālik reported: "that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) performed the Zhuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, and ‘Ishā’ prayers and then had a sleep in Al-Muhassab, after which he rode toward the House and performed Tawāf around it."
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) alighted in this place after completing the Hajj rituals, for it was easier for his departure to Madinah and so that his Companions and those who would leave with him could gather there, as narrated in a version by Muslim, in which ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) alighted there because this place was easier for his departure.".