Book Eleven-Call to Prayer (Adhan)

Hadith Number 577.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The people mentioned the fire and the bell (they suggested those as signals to indicate the starting of prayers), and by that they mentioned the Jews and the Christians. Then Bilal (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was ordered to pronounce Adhan for the prayer by saying its wordings twice, and for the Iqama (the call for the actual standing for the prayers in rows) by saying its wordings once. (Iqama is pronounced when the people are ready for the prayer).


Hadith Number 578.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): When the Muslims arrived at Medina, they used to assemble for the prayer, and used to guess the time for it. During those days, the practice of Adhan for the prayers had not been introduced yet. Once they discussed this problem regarding the call for prayer. Some people suggested the use of a bell like the Christians, others proposed a trumpet like the horn used by the Jews, but 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was the first to suggest that a man should call (the people) for the prayer; so Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered Bilal (Radhi Allahu Anhu) to get up and pronounce the Adhan for prayers.


Hadith Number 579.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Bilal (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was ordered to repeat the wording of the Adhan for prayers twice, and to pronounce the wording of the Iqamas once except "Qad-qamat-is-Salat".


Hadith Number 580.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): When the number of Muslims increased they discussed the question as to how to know the time for the prayer by some familiar means. Some suggested that a fire be lit (at the time of the prayer) and others put forward the proposal to ring the bell. Bilal (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was ordered to pronounce the wording of Adhan twice and of the Iqama once only.


Hadith Number 581.

Narrated by Abu Qilaba: Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "Bilal was ordered to pronounce the wording of Adhan twice and of Iqama once only." The sub narrator Isma'li said, "I mentioned that to Aiyub and he added (to that), "Except Iqama (i.e. Qad-Qamatis-Salat which should be said twice)."


Hadith Number 582.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "When the Adhan is pronounced Satan takes to his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight in order not to hear the Adhan. When the Adhan is completed he comes back and again takes to his heels when the Iqama is pronounced and after its completion he returns again till he whispers into the heart of the person (to divert his attention from his prayer) and makes him remember things which he does not recall to his mind before the prayer and that causes him to forget how much he has prayed."


Hadith Number 583.

Narrated by 'Abdul Rahman: Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (Radhi Allahu Anhu) told my father, "I see you liking sheep and the wilderness. So whenever you are with your sheep or in the wilderness and you want to pronounce Adhan for the prayer raise your voice in doing so, for whoever hears the Adhan, whether a human being, a jinn or any other creature, will be a witness for you on the Day of Resurrection." Abu Said added, "I heard it (this narration) from Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)."


Hadith Number 584.

Narrated by Humaid: Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "Whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) went out with us to fight (in Allah's cause) against any nation, he never allowed us to attack till morning and he would wait and see: if he heard Adhan he would postpone the attack and if he did not hear Adhan he would attack them." Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) added, "We reached Khaibar at night and in the morning when he did not hear the Adhan for the prayer, he (the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) rode and I rode behind Abi Talha and my foot was touching that of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam).

The inhabitants of Khaibar came out with their baskets and spades and when they saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) they shouted 'Muhammad! By Allah, Muhammad and his army.' When Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saw them, he said, "Allahu-Akbar! Allahu-Akbar! Khaibar is ruined. Whenever we approach a (hostile) nation (to fight), then evil will be the morning of those who have been warned."


Hadith Number 585.

Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Whenever you hear the Adhan, say what the Mu'adhdhin is saying.


Hadith Number 586.

Narrated by 'Isa bin Talha: That he had heard Muawiya repeating the words of Adhan up to "Wa ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan Rasulul-lah (and I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam).)"


Hadith Number 587.

Narrated by Yahya as above (586) and added : "Some of my companions told me that Hisham had said, "When the Mu'adhdhin said, "Haiya alas-sala(t) (come for the prayer)." Muawiya said, "La hawla wala quwata illa billah (There is neither might nor any power except with Allah)" and added, "We heard your Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying the same."


Hadith Number 588.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Whoever after listening to the Adhan says, 'Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-d-da' watit-tammati was-salatil qa'imati, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilata, wab' athhu maqaman mahmudan-il-ladhi wa' adtahu (O Allah! Lord of this perfect call (of not ascribing partners to You) and of the regular prayer which is going to be established! Kindly give Muhammad the right of intercession and superiority and send him (on the Day of Judgment) to the best and the highest place in Paradise which You promised him)', then intercession for me will be permitted for him on the Day of Resurrection").

Hadith Number 589.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah: Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in congregational prayers) and found no other way to get that except by drawing lots they would draw lots, and if they knew the reward of the Dhuhr prayer (in the early moments of its stated time) they would race for it (go early) and if they knew the reward of 'Isha' and Fajr (morning) prayers in congregation, they would come to offer them even if they had to crawl."


Hadith Number 590.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Al-Harith (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once on a rainy muddy day, Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) delivered a sermon in our presence and when the Mu'adhdhin pronounced the Adhan and said, "Haiya ala-s-salah (come for the prayer)" Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) ordered him to say 'Pray at your homes.' The people began to look at each other (surprisingly). Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said. "It was done by one who was much better than I (i.e. the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) or his Mu'adhdhin), and it is a license.'


Hadith Number 591.

Narrated by Salim bin Abdullah : My father said that Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Bilal pronounces 'Adhan at night, so keep on eating and drinking (Suhur) till Ibn Um Maktum pronounces Adhan." Salim added, "He was a blind man who would not pronounce the Adhan unless he was told that the day had dawned."


Hadith Number 592.

Narrated by Hafsa (Radhi Allahu Anhuna): When the Muadhdhin pronounced the Adhan for Fajr prayer and the dawn became evident the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered a two Rakat light prayer (Sunna) before the Iqama of the compulsory (congregational) prayer.


Hadith Number 593.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to offer two light Rakat between the Adhan and the Iqama of the Fajr prayer.


Hadith Number 594.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Bilal pronounces the Adhan at night, so keep on eating and drinking (Suhur) till Ibn Um Maktum pronounces the Adhan."


Hadith Number 595.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The Adhan pronounced by Bilal should not stop you from taking Suhur, for he pronounces the Adhan at night, so that the one offering the late night prayer (Tahajjud) from among you might hurry up and the sleeping from among you might wake up. It does not mean that dawn or morning has started." Then he (the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) pointed with his fingers and raised them up (towards the sky) and then lowered them (towards the earth) like this (Ibn Mas'ud imitated the gesture of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)). Az-Zuhri gestured with his two index fingers which he put on each other and then stretched them to the right and left. These gestures illustrate the way real dawn appears. It spreads left and right horizontally. The dawn that appears in the high sky and lowers down is not the real dawn).


Hadith Number 596.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Bilal pronounces the Adhan at night, so eat and drink (Suhur) till Ibn Um Maktum pronounces the Adhan."


Hadith Number 597.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal Al-Muzani : Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said thrice, "There is a prayer between the two Adhans (Adhan and Iqama)," and added, "For the one who wants to pray."


Hadith Number 598.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): "When the Mu'adhdhin pronounced the Adhan, some of the companions of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would proceed to the pillars of the mosque (for the prayer) till the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) arrived and in this way they used to pray two Rakat before the Maghrib prayer. There used to be a little time between the Adhan and the Iqama." Shu'ba said, "There used to be a very short interval between the two (Adhan and Iqama)."


Hadith Number 599.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to pray two light Rakat before the morning (compulsory) prayer after the day dawned and the Mu'adhdhin had finished his Adhan. He then would lie on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin came to pronounce the Iqama.


Hadith Number 600.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "There is a prayer between the two Adhans (Adhan and Iqama), there is a prayer between the two Adhans." And then while saying it the third time he added, "For the one who wants to (pray)."


Hadith Number 601.

Narrated by Malik bin Huwairth (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) with some men from my tribe and stayed with him for twenty nights. He was kind and merciful to us. When he realized our longing for our families, he said to us, "Go back and stay with your families and teach them the religion, and offer the prayer and one of you should pronounce the Adhan for the prayer when its time is due and the oldest one amongst you should lead the prayer."


Hadith Number 602.

Narrated by Abu Dhar (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We were in the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on a journey and the Mu'adhdhin wanted to pronounce the Adhan for the (Zuhr) prayer. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to him, "Let it become cooler." Then he again wanted to pronounce the Adhan but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam); said to him, "Let it become cooler." The Mu'adh-dhin again wanted to pronounce the Adhan for the prayer but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Let it become cooler," till the shadows of the hillocks become equal to their sizes. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) added, "The severity of the heat is from the raging of Hell."


Hadith Number 603.

Narrated by Malik bin Huwairth (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Two men came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) with the intention of a journey. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "When (both of) you set out, pronounce Adhan and then Iqama and the oldest of you should lead the prayer."

Hadith Number 604.

Narrated by Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and stayed with him for twenty days and nights. We were all young and of about the same age. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was very kind and merciful. When he realized our longing for our families, he asked about our homes and the people there and we told him. Then he asked us to go back to our families and stay with them and teach them (the religion) and to order them to do good things. He also mentioned some other things which I have (remembered or) forgotten. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) then added, "Pray as you have seen me praying and when it is the time for the prayer one of you should pronounce the Adhan and the oldest of you should lead the prayer.


Hadith Number 605.

Narrated by Nafi: Once in a cold night, Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) pronounced the Adhan for the prayer at Dajnan (the name of a mountain) and then said, "Pray at your homes", and informed us that Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to tell the Mu'adhdin to pronounce Adhan and say, "Pray at your homes" at the end of the Adhan on a rainy or a very cold night during the journey."


Hadith Number 606.

Narrated by 'Aun bin Abi Juhaifa : My father said, "I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) at a place called Al-Abtah. Bilal came and informed him about the prayer and then came out with an Anza and planted it in front of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) at Al-Abtah and pronounced the Iqama."


Hadith Number 607.

Narrated by 'Aun bin Abi Juhaifa : My father said, "I saw Bilal turning his face from side to side while pronouncing the Adhan for the prayer."


Hadith Number 608.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada: My father said, "While we were praying with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) he heard the noise of some people. After the prayer he said, 'What is the matter?' They replied 'We were hurrying for the prayer.' He said, 'Do not make haste for the prayer, and whenever you come for the prayer, you should come with calmness, and pray whatever you get (with the people) and complete the rest which you have missed."


Hadith Number 609.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "When you hear the Iqama, proceed to offer the prayer with calmness and solemnity and do not make haste. And pray whatever you are able to pray and complete whatever you have missed.


Hadith Number 610.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada : My father said. "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'If the Iqama is pronounced then do not stand for the prayer till you see me (in front of you).'"


Hadith Number 611.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada, My father said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'If the Iqama is pronounced, then do not stand for the prayer till you see me (in front of you) and do it calmly.'"


Hadith Number 612.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) went out (of the mosque) when the Iqama had been pronounced and the rows straightened. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stood at his Musalla (praying place) and we waited for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) to begin the prayer with Takbir. He left and asked us to remain in our places. We kept on standing till the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) returned and the water was trickling from his head for he had taken a bath (of Janaba).


Hadith Number 613.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once iqama was pronounced and the people had straightened the rows, Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) went forward (to lead the prayer) but he was Junub, so he said, "Remain in your places." And he went out, took a bath and returned with water trickling from his head. Then he led the prayer.


Hadith Number 614.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): On the day of Al-Khandaq (the trench), 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (Radhi Allahu Anhu) went to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and said, "O Allah's Messenger! By Allah, I could not pray (the 'Asr) till the sun had set." 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) told this to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) at the time when a fasting person had done Iftar (taken his meals). The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) then went to Buthan and I was with him. He performed ablution and offered the 'Asr prayer after the sun had set and then the Maghrib prayer.


Hadith Number 615.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once the Iqama was pronounced and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was talking to a man (in a low voice) in a corner of the mosque and he did not lead the prayer till (some of) the people had slept (dozed in a sitting posture).


Hadith Number 616.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once Iqama was pronounced a man came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and detained him (from the prayer).


Hadith Number 617.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is I was about to order for collecting fire-wood (fuel) and then order someone to pronounce the Adhan for the prayer and then order someone to lead the prayer then I would go from behind and burn the houses of men who did not present themselves for the (compulsory congregational) prayer. By Him, in Whose Hands my soul is, if anyone of them had known that he would get a bone covered with good meat or two (small) pieces of meat present in between two ribs, he would have turned up for the 'Isha' prayer."


Hadith Number 618.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The prayer in congregation is twenty seven times superior to the prayer offered by person alone."

Hadith Number 619.

Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The prayer in congregation is twenty five times superior to the prayer offered by person alone."


Hadith Number 620.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The reward of the prayer offered by a person in congregation is twenty five times greater than that of the prayer offered in one's house or in the market (alone). And this is because if he performs ablution and does it perfectly and then proceeds to the mosque with the sole intention of praying, then for every step he takes towards the mosque, he is upgraded one degree in reward and his one sin is taken off (crossed out) from his accounts (of deeds). When he offers his prayer, the angels keep on asking Allah's Blessings and Allah's forgiveness for him as long as he is (staying) at his Musalla. They say, 'O Allah! Bestow Your blessings upon him, be Merciful and kind to him.' And one is regarded in prayer as long as one is waiting for the prayer."


Hadith Number 621.

Narrated by Abu Salama bin 'Abdur Rahman: Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "I heard Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, 'The reward of a prayer in congregation is twenty five times greater than that of a prayer offered by a person alone. The angels of the night and the angels of the day gather at the time of Fajr prayer.'" Abu Hurairah then added, [color=green]"Recite the Holy Book if you wish, for "Indeed, the recitation of the Qur'an in the early dawn (Fajr prayer) is ever witnessed." (Surah Al-Isra 17:18) [:color]

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The reward of the congregational prayer is twenty seven times greater (than that of the prayer offered by a person alone).


Hadith Number 622.

Narrated by Salim : I heard Um Ad-Darda' (Radhi Allahu Anha) saying, "Abu Ad-Darda' entered the house in an angry mood. I said to him. 'What makes you angry?' He replied, 'By Allah! I do not find the followers of Muhammad doing those good things (which they used to do before) except the offering of congregational prayer." (This happened in the last days of Abu Ad-Darda' (Radhi Allahu Anhu) during the rule of 'Uthman (Radhi Allahu Anhu)).


Hadith Number 623.

Narrated by Abu Musa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The people who get tremendous reward for the prayer are those who are farthest away (from the mosque) and then those who are next farthest and so on. Similarly one who waits to pray with the Imam has greater reward than one who prays and goes to bed."


Hadith Number 624.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that." Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Five are martyrs: One who dies of plague, one who dies of an abdominal disease, one who dies of drowning, one who is buried alive (and) dies and one who is killed in Allah's cause." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) further said, "If the people knew the reward for pronouncing the Adhan and for standing in the first row (in the congregational prayer) and found no other way to get it except by drawing lots they would do so, and if they knew the reward of offering the Dhuhr prayer early (in its stated time), they would race for it and they knew the reward for 'Isha' and Fajr prayers in congregation, they would attend them even if they were to crawl."


Hadith Number 625.

Narrated by Humaid: Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'O Bani Salima! Don't you think that for every step of yours (that you take towards the mosque) there is a reward (while coming for prayer)?" Mujahid said: "Regarding Allah's Statement: "We record that which they have sent before (them), and their traces" (Surah Yasin 36:12). 'Their traces' means 'their steps.' " And Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said that the people of Bani Salima wanted to shift to a place near the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) but Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) disliked the idea of leaving their houses uninhabited and said, "Don't you think that you will get the reward for your footprints." Mujahid said, "Their foot prints mean their foot steps and their going on foot."


Hadith Number 626.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "No prayer is harder for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayers and if they knew the reward for these prayers at their respective times, they would certainly present themselves (in the mosques) even if they had to c awl." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) added, "Certainly I decided to order the Mu'adhdhin (call-maker) to pronounce Iqama and order a man to lead the prayer and then take a fire flame to burn all those who had not left their houses so far for the prayer along with their houses."


Hadith Number 627.

Narrated by Malik bin Huwairith (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said (to two persons), "Whenever the prayer time becomes due, you should pronounce Adhan and then Iqama and the older of you should lead the prayer."


Hadith Number 628.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The angels keep on asking for Allah's Blessing and Forgiveness for anyone of you as long as he is at his Musalla (praying place) and does not do Hadath (passes wind). The angels say, 'O Allah! Forgive him and be Merciful to him.' Each one of you is in the prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer and nothing but the prayer detains him from going to his family."


Hadith Number 629.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Allah will give shade, to seven, on the Day when there will be no shade but His. (These seven persons are) a just ruler, a youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah (i.e. worships Allah sincerely from childhood), a man whose heart is attached to the mosques (i.e. to pray the compulsory prayers in the mosque in congregation), two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in Allah's cause only, a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illicit intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah, a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity), and a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears."


Hadith Number 630.

Narrated by Humaid: Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was asked, "Did Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) wear a ring?" He said, "Yes. Once he delayed the 'Isha' prayer till mid-night and after the prayer, he faced us and said, 'The people prayed and have slept and you remained in prayer as long as you waited for it.' " Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) added, "As if I were just now observing the glitter of his ring."

Hadith Number 631.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings.


Hadith Number 632.

Narrated by Malik Ibn Buhaina (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) passed by a man praying two Rakat after the Iqama (had been pronounced). When Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) completed the prayer, the people gathered around him (the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) or that man and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to him (protesting), Are there four Rakat in Fajr prayer? Are there four Rakat in Fajr prayer?"


Hadith Number 633.

Narrated by Al-Aswad: "We were with ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) discusses the regularity of offering the prayer and dignifying it. She said, 'When Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) fell sick with the fatal illness and when the time of prayer became due and Adhan was pronounced, he said, 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.' He was told that Abu Bakr was a soft-hearted man and would not be able to lead the prayer in his place. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) gave the same order again but he was given the same reply. He gave the order for the third time and said, 'You (women) are the companions of Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer.' So Abu Bakr came out to lead the prayer. In the meantime the condition of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) improved a bit and he came out with the help of two men one on each side. As if I was observing his legs dragging on the ground owing to the disease. Abu Bakr wanted to retreat but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned him to remain at his place and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was brought till he sat beside Abu Bakr." Al-A'mash was asked, "Was the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) praying and Abu Bakr following him, and were the people following Abu Bakr in that prayer?" Al-A'mash replied in the affirmative with a nod of his head. Abu Muawiya said, "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was sitting on the left side of Abu Bakr who was praying while standing."


Hadith Number 634.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): "When the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) became seriously ill and his disease became aggravated he asked for permission from his wives to be nursed in my house and he was allowed. He came out with the help of two men and his legs were dragging on the ground. He was between Al-Abbas and another man."

'Ubaid Ullah said, "I told Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) what ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) had narrated and he said, 'Do you know who was the (second) man whose name ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) did not mention'" I said, 'No.' Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said, 'He was 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib.'"


Hadith Number 635.

Narrated by Nafi' : Once on a very cold and stormy night, Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) pronounced the Adhan for the prayer and then said, "Pray in your homes." He (Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma)) added. "On very cold and rainy nights Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to order the Mu'adhdhin to say, 'Pray in your homes.'"


Hadith Number 636.

Narrated by Mahmuid bin Rabi' Al-Ansari : 'Itban bin Malik used to lead his people (tribe) in prayer and was a blind man, he said to Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) , "O Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)! At times it is dark and flood water is flowing (in the valley) and I am blind man, so please pray at a place in my house so that I can take it as a Musalla (praying place)." So Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) went to his house and said, "Where do you like me to pray?" 'Itban pointed to a place in his house and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), offered the prayer there.


Hadith Number 637.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Al-Harith: Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) addressed us on a (rainy and) muddy day and when the Mu'adhdhin said, "Come for the prayer" Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) ordered him to say, "Pray in your homes." The people began to look at one another with surprise as if they did not like it. Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said, "It seems that you thought ill of it but no doubt it was done by one who was better than I (i.e. the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)). It (the prayer) is a strict order and I disliked to bring you out."

Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) narrated the same as above but he said, "I did not like you to make you sinful (in refraining from coming to the mosque) and to come (to the mosque) covered with mud up to the knees."


Hadith Number 638.

Narrated by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A cloud came and it rained till the roof started leaking and in those days the roof used to be of the branches of date-palms. Iqama was pronounced and I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)s prostrating in water and mud and even I saw the mark of mud on his forehead.


Hadith Number 639.

Narrated by Anas bin Sirin : I heard Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) saying, "A man from Ansar said to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), 'I cannot pray with you (in congregation).' He was a very fat man and he prepared a meal for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and invited him to his house. He spread out a mat for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), and washed one of its sides with water, and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed two Rakat on it." A man from the family of Al-Jaruid asked, "Did the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to pray the Duha (forenoon) prayer?" Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "I did not see him praying the Duha prayer except on that day."


Hadith Number 640.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If supper is served, and Iqama is pronounced one should start with the supper."


Hadith Number 641.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If the supper is served start having it before praying the Maghrib prayer and do not be hasty in finishing it."


Hadith Number 642.

Narrated by Nafi': Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'If the supper is served for anyone of you and the Iqama is pronounced, start with the supper and don't be in haste (and carry on eating) till you finish it." If food was served for Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) and Iqama was pronounced, he never came to the prayer till he finished it (i.e. food) in spite of the fact that he heard the recitation (of the Qur'an) by the Imam (in the prayer). Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If anyone of you is having his meals, he should not hurry up till he is; satisfied even if the prayer has been started."

Hadith Number 643.

Narrated by Ja'far bin 'Amr bin Umaiya : My father said, "I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) eating a piece of meat from the shoulder of a sheep and he was called for the prayer. He stood up, put down the knife and prayed but did not perform ablution.''


Hadith Number 644.

Narrated by Al-Aswad : That he asked ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) "What did the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) use to do in his house?" She replied, "He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was the time for prayer he would go for it."


Hadith Number 645.

Narrated by Aiyub : Abu Qilaba said, "Malik bin Huwairith came to this Mosque of ours and said, 'I pray in front of you and my aim is not to lead the prayer but to show you the way in which the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to pray.' " I asked Abu Qilaba,"How did he use to pray?' " He replied, "(The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to pray) like this Sheikh of ours and the Sheikh used to sit for a while after the prostration, before getting up after the first Rak'ah."


Hadith Number 646.

Narrated by Abu Musa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) became sick and when his disease became aggravated, he said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer." ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, "He is a soft-hearted man and would not be able to lead the prayer in your place." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said again, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." She repeated the same reply but he said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. You are the companions of Joseph." So the messenger went to Abu Bakr (with that order) and he led the people in prayer in the lifetime of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam).


Hadith Number 647.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) : The mother of the believers: Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in his illness said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." I said to him, "If Abu Bakr stands in your place, the people would not hear him owing to his (excessive) weeping. So please order 'Umar to lead the prayer." ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) added I said to Hafsa, "Say to him: If Abu Bakr should lead the people in the prayer in your place, the people would not be able to hear him owing to his weeping; so please, order 'Umar to lead the prayer." Hafsa did so but Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Keep quiet! You are verily the Companions of Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer. " Hafsa (Radhi Allahu Anha) said to ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha), "I never got anything good from you."


Hadith Number 648.

Narrated by Az-Zuhn : Anas bin Malik Al-Ansari (Radhi Allahu Anhu), told me, "Abu Bakr used to lead the people in prayer during the fatal illness of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) till it was Monday. When the people aligned (in rows) for the prayer the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) lifted the curtain of his house and started looking at us and was standing at that time. His face was (glittering) like a page of the Qur'an and he smiled cheerfully. We were about to be put to trial for the pleasure of seeing the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), Abu Bakr retreated to join the row as he thought that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would lead the prayer. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned us to complete the prayer and he let the curtain fall. On the same day he died."


Hadith Number 649.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not come out for three days. The people stood for the prayer and Abu Bakr went ahead to lead the prayer. (In the meantime) the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) caught hold of the curtain and lifted it. When the face of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) appeared we had never seen a scene more pleasing than the face of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) as it appeared then. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned to Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer and then let the curtain fall. We did not see him (again) till he died.


Hadith Number 650.

Narrated by Hamza bin 'Abdullah : My father said, "When Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) became seriously ill, he was told about the prayer. He said, 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer.' ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, 'Abu Bakr is a soft-hearted man and he would be over-powered by his weeping if he recited the Qur'an.' He said to them, 'Tell him (Abu Bakr) to lead the prayer. The same reply was given to him. He said again, 'Tell him to lead the prayer. You (women) are the companions of Joseph."


Hadith Number 651.

Narrated by 'Urwa's father : ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer during his illness and so he led them in prayer." 'Urwa, a sub narrator, added, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) felt a bit relieved and came out and Abu Bakr was leading the people. When Abu Bakr saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) he retreated but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned him to remain there. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) sat beside Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr was following the prayer of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and the people were following the prayer of Abu Bakr."


Hadith Number 652.

Narrated by Sahl bin Sa'd As-Sa'idi (Radhi Allahu Anhu) : Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) went to establish peace among Bani 'Amr bin 'Auf. In the meantime the time of prayer was due and the Mu'adh-dhin went to Abu Bakr and said, "Will you lead the prayer, so that I may pronounce the Iqama?" Abu Bakr replied in the affirmative and led the prayer. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) came while the people were still praying and he entered the rows of the praying people till he stood in the (first row). The people clapped their hands. Abu Bakr never glanced sideways in his prayer but when the people continued clapping, Abu Bakr looked and saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned him to stay at his place. Abu Bakr raised his hands and thanked Allah for that order of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and then he retreated till he reached the first row. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) went forward and led the prayer. When Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) finished the prayer, he said, "O Abu Bakr! What prevented you from staying when I ordered you to do so?"

Abu Bakr replied, "How can Ibn Abi Quhafa (Abu Bakr) dare to lead the prayer in the presence of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)?" Then Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Why did you clap so much? If something happens to anyone during his prayer he should say Subhan Allah. If he says so he will be attended to, for clapping is for women."

Hadith Number 653.

Narrated by Malik bin Huwairth (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We went to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and we were all young men and stayed with him for about twenty nights. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was very merciful. He said, "When you return home, impart religious teachings to your families and tell them to offer perfectly such and such a prayer at such and such a time and such and such a prayer at such and such a time. And al the time of the prayer one of you should pronounce the Adhan and the oldest of you should lead the prayer."


Hadith Number 654.

Narrated by Itban bin Malik Al-Ansari (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (came to my house and) asked permission for entering and I allowed him. He asked, "Where do you like me to pray in your house?" I pointed to a place which I liked. He stood up for prayer and we aligned behind him and he finished the prayer with Taslim and we did the same.


Hadith Number 655.

Narrated by 'Ubaid-Ullah Ibn 'Abdullah bin 'Utba: I went to ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) and asked her to describe to me the illness of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, "Yes. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) became seriously ill and asked whether the people had prayed. We replied, 'No. O Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)! They are waiting for you.' He added, 'Put water for me in a trough." ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) added, "We did so. He took a bath and tried to get up but fainted. When he recovered, he again asked whether the people had prayed. We said, 'No, they are waiting for you. O Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam),' He again said, 'Put water in a trough for me.' He sat down and took a bath and tried to get up but fainted again. Then he recovered and said, 'Have the people prayed?' We replied, 'No, they are waiting for you. O Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam).' He said, 'Put water for me in the trough.' Then he sat down and washed himself and tried to get up but he fainted. When he recovered, he asked, 'Have the people prayed?' We said, 'No, they are waiting for you. O Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)! The people were in the mosque waiting for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) for the 'Isha prayer. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) sent for Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer. The messenger went to Abu Bakr and said, 'Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) orders you to lead the people in the prayer.' Abu Bakr was a soft-hearted man, so he asked 'Umar to lead the prayer but 'Umar replied, 'You are more rightful.' So Abu Bakr led the prayer in those days. When the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) felt a bit better, he came out for the Zuhr prayer with the help of two persons one of whom was Al-'Abbas. while Abu Bakr was leading the people in the prayer. When Abu Bakr saw him he wanted to retreat but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned him not to do so and asked them to make him sit beside Abu Bakr and they did so. Abu Bakr was following the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (in the prayer) and the people were following Abu Bakr. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (prayed) sitting."

'Ubaid-Ullah added "I went to 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas and asked him, Shall I tell you what ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) has told me about the fatal illness of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)?' Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said, 'Go ahead. I told him her narration and he did not deny anything of it but asked whether ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) told me the name of the second person (who helped the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) along with Al-Abbas. I said. 'No.' He said, 'He was 'Ali (Ibn Abi Talib).


Hadith Number 656.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The mother of the believers: Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) during his illness prayed at his house while sitting whereas some people prayed behind him standing. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned them to sit down. On completion of the prayer, he said, 'The Imam is to be followed: bow when he bows, raise up your heads (stand erect) when he raises his head and when he says, 'Sami a-l-lahu liman-hamida ' (Allah heard those who sent praises to Him) say then 'Rabbana wa laka-l-hamd' (O our Lord! All the praises are for You), and if he prays sitting then pray sitting." (*)

See the next Hadith for the verdict.


Hadith Number 657.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) rode a horse and fell down and the right side (of his body) was injured. He offered one of the prayers while sitting and we also prayed behind him sitting. When he completed the prayer, he said, "The Imam is to be followed. Pray standing if he prays standing and bow when he bows; rise when he rises; and if he says, 'Sami a-l-lahu-liman hamida, say then, 'Rabbana wa Lakal-hamd' and pray standing if he prays standing and pray sitting (all of you) if he prays sitting."

Humaid said: The saying of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) "Pray sitting, if he (Imam) prays sitting" was said in his former illness (during his early life) but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed sitting afterwards (in the last illness) and the people were praying standing behind him and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not order them to sit. We should follow the latest actions of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam).


Hadith Number 658.

Narrated by Al-Bara : (And he was not a liar) When Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida " none of us bent his back (for prostrations) till the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prostrated and then we would prostrate after him.


Hadith Number 659.

Narrated by Abu Ishaq (Radhi Allahu Anhu): As above.


Hadith Number 660.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Isn't he who raises his head before the Imam afraid that Allah may transform his head into that of a donkey or his figure (face) into that of a donkey?"


Hadith Number 661.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) : When the earliest emigrants came to Al-'Usba a place in Quba', before the arrival of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)- Salim, the slave of Abu Hudhaifa, who knew the Qur'an more than the others used to lead them in prayer.


Hadith Number 662.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Listen and obey (your chief) even if an Ethiopian whose head is like a raisin were made your chief."


Hadith Number 663.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah: Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If the Imam leads the prayer correctly then he and you will receive the rewards but if he makes a mistake (in the prayer) then you will receive the reward for the prayer and the sin will be his."

Hadith Number 664.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to Abu-Dhar, "Listen and obey (your chief) even if he is an Ethiopian with a head like a raisin."


Hadith Number 665.
Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Once I passed the night in the house of my aunt Maimuna. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) offered the 'Isha' prayer and then came to the house and offered four Rakat an slept. Later on, he woke up and stood for the prayer and I stood on his left side. He drew me to his right and prayed five Rakat and then two. He then slept till I heard him snoring (or heard his breath sounds). Afterwards he went out for the morning prayer.


Hadith Number 666.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) : One night I slept at the house of (my aunt) Maimuna and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was there on that night. He performed ablution and stood up for the prayer. I joined him and stood on his left side but he drew me to his right and prayed thirteen Rakat and then slept till I heard his breath sounds. And whenever he slept, he used to breathe with audible sounds. The Mu'adhdhin came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he went out and prayed the morning prayer) without repeating the ablution.


Hadith Number 667.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) : Once I passed the night in the house of my aunt Maimuna. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stood for the night prayer and I joined him and stood on his left side but he drew me to his right by holding me by the head.


Hadith Number 668.

Narrated by Mu'adh bin Jabal (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I used to pray the 'Isha prayer with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and then go to lead my people in the prayer.


Hadith Number 669.

Narrated by 'Amr : Jabir bin 'Abdullah said, "Mu'adh bin Jabal used to pray with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and then go to lead his people in prayer Once he led the 'Isha' prayer and recited Surat "Al-Baqra." Somebody left the prayer and Mu'adh criticized him. The news reached the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he said to Mu'adh, 'You are putting the people to trial,' and repeated it thrice (or said something similar) and ordered him to recite two medium Suras of Mufassal." ('Amr said that he had forgotten the names of those Surahs).


Hadith Number 670.

Narrated by Abu Mas'ud (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A man came and said, "O Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)! By Allah, I keep away from the morning prayer only because So and so prolongs the prayer when he leads us in it." The narrator said, "I never saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) more furious in giving advice than he was at that time. He then said, "Some of you make people dislike good deeds (the prayer). So whoever among you leads the people in prayer should shorten it because among them are the weak, the old and the needy."


Hadith Number 671.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If anyone of you leads the people in the prayer, he should shorten it for amongst them are the weak, the sick and the old; and if anyone among your prays alone then he may prolong (the prayer) as much as he wishes."


Hadith Number 672.

Narrated by Abu Mas'ud (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A man came and said, "O Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)! I keep away from the morning prayer because so-and-so (Imam) prolongs it too much." Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) became furious and I had never seen him more furious than he was on that day. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "O people! Some of you make others dislike the prayer, so whoever becomes an Imam he should shorten the prayer, as behind him are the weak, the old and the needy."


Hadith Number 673.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari : Once a man was driving two Nadihas (camels used for agricultural purposes) and night had fallen. He found Mu'adh praying so he made his camel kneel and joined Mu'adh in the prayer. The latter recited Surat 'Al-Baqarah" or Surat "An-Nisa", (so) the man left the prayer and went away. When he came to know that Mu'adh had criticized him, he went to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), and complained against Mu'adh. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said thrice, "O Mu'adh ! Are you putting the people to trial?" It would have been better if you had recited "Sabbih Isma Rabbika-l-a-la (87)", Wash-Shamsi wadu-haha (91)", or "Wal-laili Idha yaghsha (92)", for the old, the weak and the needy pray behind you." Jabir said that Mu'adh recited Surah Al-Baqarah in the 'Isha' prayer.


Hadith Number 674.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to pray a short prayer (in congregation) but used to offer it in a perfect manner.


Hadith Number 675.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Abi Qatada : My father said, "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'When I stand for prayer, I intend to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut it short, as I dislike to trouble the child's mother.'"


Hadith Number 676.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I never prayed behind any Imam a prayer lighter and more perfect than that behind the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he used to cut short the prayer whenever he heard the cries of a child lest he should put the child's mother to trial.


Hadith Number 677.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "When I start the prayer I intend to prolong it, but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut short the prayer because I know that the cries of the child will incite its mother's passions."


Hadith Number 678.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), said, "Whenever I start the prayer I intend to prolong it, but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut short the prayer because I know that the cries of the child will incite its mother's passions."

Hadith Number 679.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Mu'adh used to pray with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and then go and lead his people (tribe) in the prayer.


Hadith Number 680.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) : When the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), became ill in his fatal illness, Someone came to inform him about the prayer, and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) told him to tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer. I said, "Abu Bakr is a soft-hearted man and if he stands for the prayer in your place, he would weep and would not be able to recite the Qur'an." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer." I said the same as before. He (repeated the same order and) on the third or the fourth time he said, "You are the companions of Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer." So Abu Bakr led the prayer and meanwhile the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) felt better and came out with the help of two men; as if I see him just now dragging his feet on the ground. When Abu Bakr saw him, he tried to retreat but the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned him to carry on. Abu Bakr retreated a bit and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) sat on his (left) side. Abu Bakr was repeating the Takbir (Allahu Akbar) of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) for the people to hear.


Hadith Number 681.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) : When Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) became seriously ill, Bilal came to him for the prayer. He said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." I said, "O Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)! Abu Bakr is a soft-hearted man and if he stands in your place, he would not be able to make the people hear him. Will you order 'Umar (to lead the prayer)?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." Then I said to Hafsa, "Tell him, Abu i Bakr is a soft-hearted man and if he stands in his place, he would not be able to make the people hear him. Would you order 'Umar to lead the prayer?' " Hafsa did so. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Verily you are the companions of Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." So Abu- Bakr stood for the prayer. In the meantime Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) felt better and came out with the help of two persons and both of his legs were dragging on the ground till he entered the mosque. When Abu Bakr heard him coming, he tried to retreat but Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) beckoned him to carry on. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) sat on his left side. Abu Bakr was praying while standing and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was leading the prayer while sitting. Abu Bakr was following the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and the people were following Abu Bakr (in the prayer).


Hadith Number 682.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed two Rakat (instead of four) and finished his prayer. Dhu-l-yadain asked him whether the prayer had been reduced or whether he had forgotten. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked the people whether Dhu-l-yadain was telling the truth. The people replied in the affirmative. Then Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stood up, offered the remaining two Rakat and then finished his prayer with Taslim and then said, "Allahu Akbar." He followed it with two prostrations like ordinary prostrations or a bit longer.


Hadith Number 683.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed two Rakat of Dhuhr prayer (instead of four) and he was told that he had prayed two Rakat only. Then he prayed two more Rakat and finished them with the Taslim followed by two prostrations.


Hadith Number 684.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The mother of the faithful believers: Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in his last illness said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." I said, "If Abu Bakr stood in your place, he would not be able to make the people hear him owing to his weeping. So please order 'Umar to lead the prayer." He said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." I said to Hafsa, "Say to him, 'Abu Bakr is a softhearted man and if he stood in your place he would not be able to make the people hear him owing to his weeping. So order 'Umar to lead the people in the prayer.' " Hafsa did so but Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Keep quiet. Verily you are the companions of (Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) Joseph. Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." Hafsa said to me, "I never got any good from you."


Hadith Number 685.

Narrated by An-Nu'man bin 'Bashir (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Straighten your rows or Allah will alter your faces."


Hadith Number 686.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Straighten your rows, for I see you from behind my back.'


Hadith Number 687.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once the Iqama was pronounced and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) faced us and said, "Straighten your rows and stand closer together, for I see you from behind my back."


Hadith Number 688.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Martyrs are those who die because of drowning, plague, an abdominal disease, or of being buried alive by a falling building." And then he added, "If the people knew the Reward for the Dhuhr prayer in its early time, they would race for it. If they knew the reward for the 'Isha' and the Fajr prayers in congregation, they would join them even if they had to crawl. If they knew the reward for the first row, they would draw lots for it."


Hadith Number 689.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The Imam is (appointed) to be followed. So do not differ from him, bow when he bows, and say, "Rabbana-lakal hamd" if he says "Sami'a-l-lahu Liman hamida"; and if he prostrates, prostrate (after him), and if he prays sitting, pray sitting all together, and straighten the rows for the prayer, as the straightening of the rows is amongst those things which make your prayer a correct and perfect one. (See Hadith No. 657).


Hadith Number 690.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) bin Malik: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Straighten your rows as the straightening of rows is essential for a perfect and correct prayer."


Hadith Number 691.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I arrived at Medina and was asked whether I found any change since the days of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). I said, "I have not found any change except that you do not stand in alignment in your prayers."

Hadith Number 692.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) bin Malik : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Straighten your rows for I see you from behind my back." Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) added, "Everyone of us used to put his shoulder with the shoulder of his companion and his foot with the foot of his companion."


Hadith Number 693.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): I prayed with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) one night and stood on his left side. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) caught hold of my head from behind and drew me to his right and then offered the prayer and slept. Later the Mu'adhdhin came and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stood up for prayer without performing ablution.


Hadith Number 694.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): One night an orphan and I offered the prayers behind the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in my house and my mother (Um Sulaim) was standing behind us (by herself forming a row).


Hadith Number 695.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): One night I stood to the left of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in the prayer but he caught hold of me by the hand or by the shoulder (arm) till he made me stand on his right and beckoned with his hand (for me) to go from behind (him). (Al-Kashmaihani-Fateh al-Bari).


Hadith Number 696.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to pray in his room at night. As the wall of the room was low, the people saw him and some of them stood up to follow him in the prayer. In the morning they spread the news. The following night the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stood for the prayer and the people followed him. This went on for two or three nights. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not stand for the prayer the following night, and did not come out. In the morning, the people asked him about it. He replied, that he way afraid that the night prayer might become compulsory.


Hadith Number 697.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) had a mat which he used to spread during the day and use as a curtain at night. So a number of people gathered at night facing it and prayed behind him.


Hadith Number 698.

Narrated by Zaid bin Thabit (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) made a small room in the month of Ramadan (Sa'id said, "I think that Zaid bin Thabit said that it was made of a mat") and he prayed there for a few nights, and so some of his companions prayed behind him. When he came to know about it, he kept on sitting. In the morning, he went out to them and said, "I have seen and understood what you did. You should pray in your houses, for the best prayer of a person is that which he prays in his house except the compulsory prayers."