Book Twenty –Shortening the Prayer (At-Taqseer)

Hadith Number 186.

Narrated by Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) once stayed for nineteen days and prayed shortened prayers. So when we travel led (and stayed) for nineteen days, we used to shorten the prayer but if we travelled (and stayed) for a longer period we used to offer the full prayer.


Hadith Number 187.

Narrated by Yahya bin Ishaq: I heard Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) saying, "We travelled with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) from Al-Madinah to Makkah and offered two Rakat (for every prayer) till we returned to Al-Madinah." I said, "Did you stay for a while in Makkah?" He replied, "We stayed in Makkah for ten days."


Hadith Number 188.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): I offered the prayer with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), Abu Bakr and 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) at Mina and it was of two Rakat. 'Uthman (Radhi Allahu Anhu) in the early days of his caliphate did the same, but later on he started praying the full prayer.


Hadith Number 189.

Narrated by Haritha bin Wahab : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) I led us in the prayer at Mina during the peace period by offering two Rakat.


Hadith Number 190.

Narrated by 'Abdur Rahman bin Yazid : We offered a four Rakat prayer at Mina behind Ibn 'Affan (Radhi Allahu Anhu). 'Abdullah bin Masud (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was informed about it. He said sadly, "Truly to Allah we belong and truly to Him we shall return." And added, "I prayed two Rakat with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) at Mina and similarly with Abu Bakr and with 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) (during their caliphates)." He further said, "May I be lucky enough to have two of the four Rakat accepted (by Allah)."


Hadith Number 191.

Narrated by Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and his companions reached Makkah in the morning of the 4th Dhul-Hijja reciting Talbiya (O Allah! We are obedient to your orders, we respond to your call)... intending to perform Hajj. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered his companions to assume the lhram for Umrah instead of Hajj, excepting those who had Hadi (sacrifice) with them.


Hadith Number 192.

Narrated by Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "A woman should not travel for more than three days except with a Dhi-Mahram (i.e. a male with whom she cannot marry at all, e.g. her brother, father, grandfather, etc.) or her own husband. "


Hadith Number 193.

Narrated by Ibn'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "A woman should not travel for more than three days except with a Dhi-Mahram."


Hadith Number 194.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for one day and night except with a Mahram."


Hadith Number 195.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): He offered four Rakat of Dhuhr prayer with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Al-Madinah and two Rakat at Dhul-Hulaifah (i.e. shortened the 'Asr prayer).

Hadith Number 196.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): "When the prayers were first enjoined they were of two Rakat each. Later the prayer in a journey was kept as it was but the prayers for non-travellers were completed." Az-Zuhri said, "I asked 'Urwa what made 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) pray the full prayers (in journey)." He replied, "She did the same as 'Uthman (Radhi Allahu Anhu) did."


Hadith Number 197.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu): "I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) delaying the Maghrib prayer till he offered it along with the 'Isha' prayer whenever he was in a hurry during the journey." Salim narrated, "Ibn 'Umar used to do the same whenever he was in a hurry during the journey." And Salim added, "Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) used to pray the Maghrib and 'Isha' prayers together in Al-Muzdalifah." Salim said, "Ibn 'Umar delayed the Maghrib prayer because at that time he heard the news of the death of his wife Safiya bint Abi 'Ubaid. I said to him, 'The prayer (is due).' He said, 'Go on.' Again I said, 'The prayer (is due).' He said, 'Go on,' till we covered two or three miles. Then he got down, prayed and said, 'I saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) praying in this way, whenever he was in a hurry during the journey.' 'Abdullah (bin 'Umar) added, "Whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was in a hurry, he used to delay the Maghrib prayer and then offer three Rakat (of the Maghrib) and perform Taslim, and after waiting for a short while, Iqamah used to be pronounced for the 'Isha' prayer when he would offer two Rakat and perform Taslim. He would never offer any optional prayer till the middle of the night (when he used to pray the Tahajjud)."


Hadith Number 198.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amir (Radhi Allahu Anhu): From his father who said, I saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) offering the prayer on his mount (Rahila) whatever direction it took.


Hadith Number 199.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to offer the Nawafil, while riding, facing a direction other than that of the Qiblah.


Hadith Number 200.

Narrated by Nafi: Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) (while on a journey) used to offer the prayer and the Witr on his mount (Rahila). He said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to do so.


Hadith Number 201.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Dinar : On traveling, 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) used to offer the prayer on his Mount by signs whatever direction it took. 'Abdullah said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to do so.


Hadith Number 202.

Narrated by 'Amir bin Rabi'a (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on his Mount praying Nawafil by nodding his head, whatever direction he faced, but Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) never did the same in offering the compulsory prayers. Narrated Salim At night 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) used to offer the prayer on the back of his animal during the journey and never cared about the direction he faced. Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to offer the optional prayer on the back of his Mount facing any direction and also used to pray the Witr on it but never offered the compulsory prayer on it."


Hadith Number 203.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to pray (the Nawafil) on his Mount facing east and whenever he wanted to offer the compulsory prayer, he used to dismount and face the Qiblah.


Hadith Number 204.

Narrated by Anas bin Sirin : We went to receive Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu) when he returned from Sham and met him at a place called 'Ain-at-Tamr. I saw him praying riding the donkey, with his face to this direction, i.e. to the left of the Qiblah. I said to him, "I have seen you offering the prayer in a direction other than that of the Qiblah." He replied, "If I had not seen Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) doing it, I would not have done it."

Hadith Number 205.

Narrated by Hafs bin 'Asim : Ibn 'Umar went on a journey and said, "I accompanied the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he did not offer optional prayers during the journey, and Allah says: 'Verily! In Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)you have a good example to follow.'" (33.21)


Hadith Number 206.

Narrated by Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): I accompanied Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he never offered more than two Rakat during the journey. Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman (Radhi Allahu Anhum) used to do the same.


Hadith Number 207.

Narrated by Ibn Abu Laila: Only Um Hani (Radhi Allahu Anha) told us that she had seen the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) offering the Duha (forenoon prayer). She said, "On the day of the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) took a bath in my house and offered eight Rakat. I never saw him praying such a light prayer but he performed perfect prostration and bowing. Narrated 'Abdullah bin amir that his father had told him that he had seen the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) praying Nawafil at night on the back of his Mount on a journey, facing whatever direction it took.


Hadith Number 208.

Narrated by Salim bin Abdullah : Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to pray the Nawafil on the back of his Mount (carriage) by signs facing any direction." Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) used to do the same.


Hadith Number 209.

Narrated by Salim's father : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to offer the Maghrib and Isha' prayers together whenever he was in a hurry on a journey.

Narrated Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to offer the Dhuhr and 'Asr prayers together on journeys, and also used to offer the Maghrib and 'Isha' prayers together.

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to offer the Maghrib and the 'Isha' prayers together on journeys.


Hadith Number 210.

Narrated by Az-Zuhri : Salim told me, "'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said, 'I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) delaying the Maghrib prayer till he offered it along with the Isha prayer whenever he was in a hurry during the journey.' " Salim said, "Abdullah bin Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) used to do the same whenever he was in a hurry during the journey. After making the call for Iqamah, for the Maghrib prayer he used to offer three Rakat and then perform Tasllm. After waiting for a short while, he would pronounce the Iqamah for the 'Isha' prayer and offer two Rakat and perform Taslim. He never prayed any Nawafil in between the two prayers or after the 'Isha' prayers till he got up in the middle of the night (for Tahajjud prayer)."


Hadith Number 211.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to offer these two prayers together on journeys i.e. the Maghrib and the 'Isha'.


Hadith Number 212.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu) : Whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) started a journey before noon, he used to delay the Dhuhr prayer till the time of 'Asr and then offer them together; and if the sun declined (at noon) he used to offer the Dhuhr prayer and then ride (for the journey).


Hadith Number 213.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) started the journey before noon, he used to delay the Dhuhr prayer till the time for the 'Asr prayer and then he would dismount and pray them together; and whenever the sun declined before he started the journey he used to offer the Dhuhr prayer and then ride (for the journey).


Hadith Number 214.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed in his house while sitting during his illness and the people prayed behind him standing and he pointed to them to sit down. When he had finished the prayer, he said, "The Imam is to be followed and so when he bows you should bow; and when he lifts his head you should also do the same."


Hadith Number 215.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) fell down from a horse and his right side was either injured or scratched, so we went to inquire about his health. The time for the prayer became due and he offered the prayer while sitting and we prayed while standing. He said, "The Imam is to be followed; so if he says Takbir, you should also say Takbir, and if he bows you should also bow; and when he lifts his head you should also do the same and if he says: Sami'a-l-lahu Liman Hamidah (Allah hears whoever sends his praises to Him) you should say: Rabbana walakal-Hamd (O our Lord! All the praises are for You.") (See Hadith No. 656 and 657 Book 11 for the final verdict1).


Hadith Number 216.

Narrated by 'Imran bin Husain (Radhi Allahu Anhu) (who had piles): I asked Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) about the praying of a man while sitting. He said, "If he prays while standing it is better and he who prays while sitting gets half the reward of that who prays standing; and whoever prays while lying gets half the reward of that who prays while sitting."


Hadith Number 217.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Buraida : 'Imran bin Husain (Radhi Allahu Anhu) had piles. Once Abu Ma mar narrated from 'Imran bin Husain (Radhi Allahu Anhu) had said, "I asked the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) about the prayer of a person while sitting. He said, 'It is better for one to pray standing; and whoever prays sitting gets half the reward of that who prays while standing; and whoever prays while Lying gets half the reward of that who prays while sitting.' "


Hadith Number 218.

Narrated by 'Imran bin Husain (Radhi Allahu Anhu) (who had piles), so I asked the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) about the prayer. He said, "Pray while standing and if you can't, pray while sitting and if you cannot do even that, then pray lying on your side."


Hadith Number 219.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): (The mother of the faithful believers) I never saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) offering the night prayer while sitting except in his old age and then he used to recite while sitting and whenever he wanted to bow he would get up and recite thirty or forty verses (while standing) and then bow.


Hadith Number 220.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): (The mother of the faithful believers) Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (in his last days) used to pray sitting. He would recite while sitting, and when thirty or forty verses remained from the recitation he would get up and recite them while standing and then he would bow and prostrate. He used to do the same in the second Rak’ah. After finishing the Prayer he used to look at me and if I was awake he would talk to me and if I was asleep, he would lie down.