Establishing the Prayer and the Sunnah Regarding Them

Muhammad bin ‘Amr bin ‘Ata’ said: “I heard Abu Humaid As-Sa’idi say: ‘When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up for prayer, he would face the prayer direction, raise his hands, and say: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Most Great).”

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to start his prayer by saying: ‘Subhanaka Allahumma wa bi hamdika, wa tabarakas-muka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuka (Glory and praise be to You, O Allah, blessed be Your Name and exalted be Your majesty, none has the right to be worshipped but you).”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Takbir (Allah Akbar), he would remain silent between the Takbir and the recitation. I said: ‘May my father and mother be ransomed for you! I noticed that you are silent between the Takbir and the recitation; please tell me what you say then.’ He said: ‘I say: ‘Allahumma ba’id baini wa baina khatayaya kama ba’adta bainal-mashriqi wal-maghrib; Allahumma naqqini min khatayay kath-thawbil abyad minad- danas; Allahummaghsilni min khatayaya bil-ma’i waththalji wal-barad (O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the east from the west; O Allah purify me of my sins as a white garment is purified of dirt; O Allah, cleanse me of my sins with water and snow and hail).”

It was narrated from ‘Aishah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) started Salat he would say: “Subhanak Allahumma wa bi hamdika, wa tabarakas- muka wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruk (Glory and praise is to You, O Allah, blessed is Your Name and exalted is Your majesty, none has the right to be worshipped but You).”

It was narrated from Ibn Jubair bin Mut’im that his father said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he started the prayer. He said: ‘Allahu Akbaru kabiran, Allahu Akbaru kabiran (Allah is the Most Great indeed),’ three times; ‘Al-hamdu Lillahi kathiran, al-hamdu Lillahi kathiran (Much praise is to Allah),’ three times; ‘Subhan Allahi bukratan wa asilan (Glory is to Allah morning and evening),’ three times; ‘Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minash-Shaitanir-rajim, min hamzihi wa nafkhihi wa nafthihi (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the accursed Satan, from his madness, his poetry, and his pride).”

It was narrated from Ibn Mas’ud that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minash-Shaitanir-rajim, wa hamzihi wa nafkhihi wa nafthihi (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the accursed Satan, from his madness, his pride, and his poetry).”

It was narrated from Qabisah bin Hulb that his father said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to lead us in prayer, and he would take hold of his left hand with his right.”

It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) performing prayer, and he took hold of his left hand with his right.”

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by me, and I was putting my left hand on my right. He took hold of my right hand and put it on my left.”

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Uthman used to start their recitation with “All praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. (Al- hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin).’” [1:2]

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Abu Bakr and ‘Umar used to start their recitation with ‘All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of all that exists (Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin).” [1:2]

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to start his recitation with ‘All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of all that exists’ (Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin),’ [1:2]

Ibn ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal narrated from his father and he said: “I have rarely seen a man for whom innovation in Islam was harder to bear than him. He heard me reciting: ‘In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful’ Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim [1:1] and he said: ‘O my son, beware of innovation, for I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and with Abu Bakr, and with ‘Umar, and with ‘Uthman, and I never heard any of them saying this. When you (begin to) recite, say: ‘All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of all that exists.’ (Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-‘Alamin).’” [1:2]

It was narrated from Qutbah bin Malik that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) recite: “And tall date palms, with ranged clusters” [50:10] in the Subh.

It was narrated that ‘Amr bin Huraith said: “I performed prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) when he was reciting in the Fajr, and it is as if I can hear him reciting: ‘So verily, I swear by the planets that recede. And by the planets that move swiftly and hide themselves.’”[81:15-16]

It was narrated from Abu Barzah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite between sixty and one hundred (Verses) in Fajr prayer.

It was narrated that Abu Qatadah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to lead us in prayer, and he would lengthen the first Rak’ah of the Zuhr and shorten the second Rak’ah, and he would do likewise in the Subh.”

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Sa’ib said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited Al-Mu’minun [Al-Mu’minun 23] in the Subh prayer, and when he came to the mention of ‘Eisa, he was overcome with a cough, so he bowed in Ruku’.”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “For the Subh prayer on Fridays, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite ‘Alif-Lam-Mim. The revelation...’ [32:1] and ‘Has there not been over man...’” [76:1]

It was narrated from Mus’ab bin Sa’d that his father said: “For the Fajr prayer on Fridays, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite ‘Alif-Lam-Mim. The revelation...’ [32:1] and ‘Has there not been over man...’” [76:1]

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that for the Subh prayer on Fridays, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite ‘Alif-Lam-Mim’. The revelation...’[32:1] and ‘Has there not been over man...” [76:1]

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that for the Subh prayer on Fridays, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite “Alif-Lam-Mim. The revelation...” [32:1] and “Has there not been over man..” [76:1]

It was narrated that Qaza’ah said: “I asked Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: ‘There is nothing good in that for you.’* I said: ‘Explain it, may Allah have mercy on you.’ He said: ‘The Iqamah would be given for the Zuhr prayer for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), then one of us would go out to Al- Baqi’, relieve himself, then come back and perform ablution, and he would find the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) still in the first Rak’ah of Zuhr.’”

It was narrated that Abu Ma’mar said: “I said to Khabbab: ‘How did you recognize that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was reciting in the Zuhr and the ‘Asr?’ He said: ‘From the movement of his beard.’”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “I have never seen anyone whose prayer more closely resembles that of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) than so-and-so. He used to lengthen the first two Rak’ah of the Zuhr and shorten the last two Rak’ah, and he used to shorten the ‘Asr.”

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “Thirty of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) who had been at Badr came together and said: ‘Come, let us estimate the length of the recitation of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for the prayer in which Qur’an is not recited out aloud.’ No two men among them disagreed, and they estimated the length of his recitation in the first Rak’ah of the Zuhr to be thirty Verses and in the second Rak’ah to be half of that. They estimated his recitation in ‘Asr to be half of the last two Rak’ah of Zuhr.”

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abu Qatadah that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite when leading us in the first two Rak’ah of the Zuhr prayer, and sometimes he would recite such that we could hear the Verse.”

It was narrated that Bara’ bin ‘Azib said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to lead us for the Zuhr, and we would hear him reciting a Verse after the Verses from Surat Luqman (31) and Adh-Dhariyat (51).”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said, narrating from his mother (one of the narrators) Abu Bakr bin Abu Shaibah said: “(She was) Lubabah” that she heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) reciting ‘By the winds sent forth one after another...’[Al-Mursalat (77)] in the Maghrib.

It was narrated from Muhammad bin Jubair bin Mut’im that his father said: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) reciting At-Tur (52) in the Maghrib.” In a different narration, Jubair said: “And when I heard him recite: ‘Were they created by nothing? Or were they themselves the creators?’ up to: ‘Then let their listener produce some manifest proof’,[52:35-38] it was as if my heart were about to take flight.”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite in the Maghrib: ‘Say: O you disbelievers!’[Al-Kafirun (109)] and ‘Say: He is Allah, (the) One.’”[Al-Ikhlas (112)]

It was narrated from Bara’ bin ‘Azib that he performed the ‘Isha’, the later, with the Prophet (ﷺ). He said: “I heard him reciting ‘By the fig, and the olive’.”[Al-Tin (95)]

‘Adi bin Thabit narrated something similar from Bara’ and said: “I have never heard any man with a better voice or who recites better than him.”

It was narrated from Jabir that Mu’adh bin Jabal led his companions for the ‘Isha’ and he made the prayer too long for them. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Recite ‘By the sun and its brightness,’[Al-Shams (91)] ‘Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High,’ [Al-A’la (87)] ‘By the night as it envelops,’ [Al-Lail (92)] or, ‘Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created.’” [Al-‘Alaq (96)]

It was narrated from ‘Ubadah bin Samit that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is no prayer for the one who does not recite Fatihatil-Kitab in it.”

It was narrated from Abu Sa’ib that he heard Abu Hurairah say: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever performs a prayer in which he does not recite Ummul Qur’an (the Mother of the Qur’an, i.e., Al- Fatihah), it is deficient; not complete.’” I said: ‘O Abu Hurairah, sometimes I am behind the Imam. He pressed my forearm and said: ‘O Persian! Recite it to yourself.’”

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There is no prayer for the one who does not recite in every Rak’ah: Al-Hamd (Al-Fatihah) and a Surah whether in an obligatory prayer or another.’”

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Every prayer in which the Ummul-Kitab (the Mother of the Book) is not recited is deficient.’”

It was narrated that from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Every prayer in which Fatihatil-Kitab (the Opening of the Book) is not recited, it is deficient, it is deficient.”

Abu Idris Al-Khawlani narrated that a man asked Abu Darda’: “Should I recite when the Imam is reciting?” He said: “A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) whether there was recitation in every prayer. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Yes.’ A man among the people said: ‘It has become obligatory.’”

It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “We used to recite the Opening of the Book and a Surah behind the Imam in the first two Rak’ah of the Zuhr and the ‘Asr, and in the last wo Rak’ah (we would recite) the Opening of the Book.”

It was narrated that Samurah bin Jundab said: “There are two pauses which I memorized from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), but `Imran bin Husain denied that. We wrote to Ubayy bin Ka`b in Al-Madinah, and he wrote that Samurah had indeed memorized them.” (One of the narrators) Sa`eed said: "We said to Qatadah: 'What are these two pauses?' He said: 'When he started his prayer, and when he finished reciting.' Then later he said: 'And when he recited: 'Not (the way) of those who earned your anger, nor of those who went astray.' They used to like (for the Imam) when he had finished reciting to remain silent until he had caught his breath.'"

Samurah said: “I memorized two pauses in the prayer, a pause before reciting and a pause when bowing. ‘Imran bin Husain denied that, so they wrote to Al-Madinah, to Ubayy bin Ka’b, and he said that Samurah was speaking the truth.”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The Imam has been appointed to be followed, so when he says Allahu Akbar, then say Allahu Akbar, when he recites, then listen attentively; when he says: Not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray,[1:7] then say Amin; when he bows then bow; when he says Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), then say Allahumma Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O Allah, our Lord, to You is the praise);” when he prostrates then prostrate; and if he prays sitting down then all of you pray sitting down.’”

It was narrated that Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When the Imam recites, then listen attentively, and if he is sitting (in the prayer) then the first remembrance that anyone of you recites should be the Tashahhud.’”

It was narrated that Ibn Ukaimah said: “I heard Abu Hurairah say: ‘The Prophet (ﷺ) led his Companions in a prayer; we think it was the Subh. He said: “Did anyone among you recite?” A man said: “I did.” He said: “I was saying to myself, what is wrong with me that someone is fighting to wrest the Qur’an from me?”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in prayer,” and he mentioned a similar report, and added to it, and he said: “And after that they were quiet in the prayers in which the Imam recites aloud.”

It was narrated that Jabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever has an Imam, the recitation of the Imam is his recitation.’”

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the reciter says Amin, then say Amin, for the angels say Amin, and if a person’s Amin coincides with the Amin of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the reciter says Amin, then say Amin, for if a person’s Amin coincides with the Amin of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The people stopped saying Amin, but when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said ‘Not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray’[1:7] he would say Amin, until the people in the first row could hear it, and the mosque would shake with it.

It was narrated that ‘Ali said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying ‘Amin’ after he said, ‘nor of those who went astray.’[1:7]

It was narrated from ‘Abdul-Jabbar bin Wa’il that his father said: “I performed prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) and when he said: ‘Nor of those who went astray’,[1:7] he said Amin and we heard that from him.”

It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The Jews do not envy you for anything more than they envy you for the Salam and (saying) ‘Amin’.”

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Jews do not envy you for anything more than they envy you for the Salam and (saying) Amin, so say Amin a great deal.”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raising his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders when he started the prayer, and when he bowed in Ruku’, and when he raised his head from Ruku’, but he did not raise them between the two prostrations.”

It was narrated that Malik bin Huwairith said that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said Allahu Akbar, he would raise his hands until they were close to his ears; when he bowed in Ruku’ he did likewise, and when he raised his head from Ruku’ he did likewise.

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raising his hands during prayer until they were parallel with his shoulders when he started to pray, when he bowed and when he prostrated.”

It was narrated that ‘Umair bin Habib said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands at every Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar) in the obligatory prayer.”

It was narrated that Muhammad bin `Amr bin `Ata’ said, concerning Abu Humaid As-Sa`di: “I heard him when he was among ten of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), one of whom was Abu Qatadah bin Rib`i, saying: ‘I am the most knowledgeable of you about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). When he stood up for prayer, he stood up straight and raised his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders, then he said: Allahu Akbar. When he wanted to bow in Ruku`, he raised his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders. When he said Sami` Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), he raised his hands and stood up straight. When he stood up after two Rak`ah, he said Allahu Akbar and raised his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders, as he did when he started the prayer.’”

‘Abbas bin Sahl As-Sa’di said: “Abu Humaid, Abu Usaid As-Sa’di, Sahl bin Sa’d, and Muhammad bin Maslamah came together and spoke about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Abu Humaid said: ‘I am the most knowledgeable of you about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up and said Allahu Akbar, and raised his hands, then he raised them when he said Allahu Akbar for Ruku’, then he stood up and raised his hands, and stood straight until every bone had returned to its place.’”

It was narrated that ‘Ali bin Abu Talib said: “When the Prophet (ﷺ) stood up to offer a prescribed prayer, he said Allahu Akbar and raised his hands until they were parallel to his shoulders. When he wanted to bow he did likewise; when he raised his head from bowing he did likewise; and when he stood up after the two prostrations he did likewise.”*

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands at every Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar).

It was narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands when he entered prayer, and when he bowed in Ruku’.

It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I said: ‘I will look at the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and see how he performs the prayer.’ He stood up and faced the Qiblah, and raised his hands until they were parallel to his ears. When he bowed, he raised them likewise, and when he raised his head from Ruku’, he raised them likewise.”

It was narrated from Abu Zubair that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah would raise his hands when he began the prayer, and when he bowed, and when he raised (his head) from Ruku’ he would do likewise, and he said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) doing that.” (One of the narrators) said: “Ibrahim bin Tahman (one of the narrators) raised his hands to his ears.”

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) bowed, he neither raised his head nor lowered it, rather (he did something) between that.”

It was narrated that Abu Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘No prayer is acceptable in which a man does not settle his spine when bowing and when prostrating.’”

It was narrated that ‘Ali bin Shaiban who was part of a delegation (to the Prophet (ﷺ)) said: “We set out until we came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and we gave him our oath of allegiance and performed prayer behind him. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at a man who was not settling his spine when he bowed and prostrated. When the Prophet (ﷺ) finished the prayer, he said: ‘O Muslims, there is no prayer for the one who does not settle his spine when bowing and prostrating.’”

It was narrated that Rashid said: “I heard Wabisah bin Ma’bad saying: ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing prayer, and when he bowed he made his back so straight that if water were poured on it, it would have stayed there.’”

It was narrated that Mus’ab bin Sa’d said: “I bowed (in prayer) beside my father, and I put my hands between my knees. He struck my hand and said: ‘We used to do that, then we were commanded to put them on the knees.’”

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to bow with his hands on his knees and his upper arms held away from his sides.”

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him),” he said: “Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O our Lord, to You is the praise).”

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the Imam says: ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him),’ say: ‘Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O our Lord, to You is the praise).’”

It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “When the Imam says: ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him),’ say: ‘Allahumma, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (O Allah! O our Lord! To You is the praise).’”

It was narrated that Ibn Abu Awfa said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raised his head from Ruku’, he said: ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Allahumma, Rabbana lakal-hamd, mil’ as-samawati wa mil’ al- ard wa mil’ ma shi’ta min shay’in ba’d (Allah hears those who praise Him. O Allah! O our Lord, to You is the praise as much as fills the heavens, as much as fills the earth and as much as You will after that).’”

It was narrated that Abu ‘Umar said: “I heard Abu Juhaifah say: Good fortune was mentioned in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) while he was performing prayer. A man said: ‘so-and-so’s fortune is in horses.’ Another man said: ‘So-and-so’s fortune is in camels.’ Another man said: ‘So-and-so’s fortune is in sheep.’ Another man said: ‘So- and-so’s fortune is in slaves.’ While the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was finishing his prayer, he raised his head at the end of the last Rak’ah and said: ‘Allahumma Rabbana lakal-hamd mil’ as-samawati wa mil’ al- ard wa mil’ ma shi’ta min shai’in ba’du. Allahumma la mani’ lima a’taita wa la mu’ti lima mana’ta, wa la yanfa’u dhal-jaddi minkal-jadd (Allah hears those who praise Him. O Allah! O our Lord! To You is the praise as much as fills the heavens, as much as fills the earth and as much as You will after that. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none who can give what You withhold, and the good fortune of any fortunate person is to no avail against You).’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) elongated the word Jadd (fortune) so that they would know that it was not as they had said.”

It was narrated from Maimunah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) prostrated, he would hold his forearms away from his sides, such that if a lamb wanted to pass under his arms, it would be able to do so.

It was narrated from (`Ubaidullah bin `Abdullah) bin Aqram Al-Khuza`i that his father said: “I was with my father on the plain in Namirah,* when some riders passed us and made their camels kneel down at the side of the road. My father said to me: ‘Stay with your lambs until I go to those people and see what they want.’ He said: Then he (my father) went out and I came, (i.e., I came near,) then there was the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and the time for prayer came so I prayed with them, and I was looking at the whiteness of the armpits of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) every time he prostrated.” Ibn Majah said: The people say `Ubaidullah bin `Abdullah, but Abu Bakr bin Abu Shaibah said: "The people say `Abdullah bin `Ubaidullah." Muhammad bin Bashshar said: "`Abdur-Rahman bin Mahdi, Safwan bin `Eisa and Abu Dawud all said: 'Dawud bin Qais narrated to us, from `Ubaidullah bin `Abdullah bin Aqram, from his father, from the Prophet (ﷺ).'" With similar wording.

It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) when he prostrated and put his knees on the ground before his hands, and when he stood up after prostrating, he took his hands off the ground before his knees.”

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones.”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven, but not to tuck up my hair or my garment.”

It was narrated from ‘Abbas bin ‘Abdul-Muttalib that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: “When a person prostrates, seven parts of his body prostrate with him: His face, his two hands, his two knees, and his two feet.”

Ahmar, the Companion of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), narrated to us: “We used to feel sorry for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) because he took pains to keep his arms away from his sides when he prostrated.”

‘Uqbah bin ‘Amir Al-Juhani said: “When the following was revealed: ‘So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most Great’,[69:52] the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to us: ‘Say this in your Ruku’.’ And when the following was revealed: ‘Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High.’[87:1] the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to us: ‘Say this in your prostrations.’”

It was narrated from Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say when he bowed: “Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Azim (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great)” three times, and when he prostrated he said: “Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la (Glory is to my Lord the Most High)” three times.

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) often used to say when bowing and prostrating: ‘Subhanak Allahumma wa bi hamdika, Allahummaghfir li (Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise; O Allah forgive me),’ following the command given by the Qur’an.”[Surat An-Nasr (110)]

It was narrated that Ibn Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When anyone of you bows, let him say in his bowing: “Subhana Rabbiyal-‘Azim (Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great)” three times; if he does that his bowing will be complete. And when anyone of you prostrates, let him say in his prostration, ‘Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la (Glory if to my Lord, the Most High)” three times; if he does that, his prostration will be complete, and that is the minimum.’”

It was narrated that Jabir said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you prostrates let him be balanced in prostration, and not spread his arms as a dog does.”

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Be balanced in prostration; none of you should prostrate with his arms spread out like a dog.”

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raised his head from bowing, he would not prostrate until he had stood up straight. When he prostrated, he would raise his head and not prostrate again until he had sat up straight. And he used to spread out his left leg.”

It was narrated that ‘Ali said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me: “Do not squat between the two prostrations.”

It was narrated that ‘Ali said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘O ‘Ali, do not squat like a dog.’”

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me: ‘When you raise your head from prostration, do not squat like a dog. Put your buttocks between your feet and let the tops of your feet touch the ground.”

It was narrated from Hudhaifah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: “Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li (O Lord forgive me, O Lord forgive me).”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “When praying at night (Qiyamul-Lail), the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: ‘Rabbighfir li warhamni wajburni warzuqni warfa’ni (O Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, improve my situation, grant me provision and raise me in status).’”

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “When we performed prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) we said: ‘Peace be upon Allah from His slaves, peace be upon Jibra’il and Mika’il and so-and-so and so-and- so.’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) heard us and said: ‘Do not say peace (Salam) be upon Allah, for He is As-Salam. When you sit (during prayer) say: At-Tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu; as- salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu; as- salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin (All compliments, prayers and good words are due to Allah; peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah).” For as you say that it will reach every righteous slave in the heavens and on earth. (Then say:) “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu (I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger).” (Another chain) with similar wording. (Another chain) that `Abdullah bin Mas`ud said: "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach us the Tashahhud." And he mentioned similarly.

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the Tashah-hud as he used to teach us a Surah of the Qur’an. He used to say: ‘At-Tahiyyatul-Mubarakatus salawatut-tayyibatu lillah; As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu; as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu (All blessed compliments and good prayers are due to Allah; peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger).’”

It was narrated from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) addressed us and explained the Sunnah for us, and he taught us our prayer. He said: ‘When you perform prayer, and you are sitting, let the first thing you say be: At-Tahiyyatut-tayyibatus-salawatu lillah; as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu; as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu (All compliments, good words and prayers are due to Allah; peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger). Seven phrases which are the greeting of the prayer.’”

It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to teach us the Tashah-hud as he used to teach us a Surah from the Qur’an: ‘Bismillahi wa Billahi; at-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu lillahi; as-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan- Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu; as-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu. As’alu Allahal-jannah, wa a’udhu billahi minannar (In the name of Allah and by the grace of Allah. All compliments are due to Allah and all prayers and good words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings; peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. I ask Allah for Paradise and I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire).’”

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri said: “We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! We know what it means to send greetings upon you, but what does it mean to send peace and blessings upon you?’ He said: ‘Say: “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin ‘abdika wa Rasulika kama salayta ‘ala Ibrahima, wa barik ‘ala Muhammad (wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin) kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima [O Allah, send Your grace, honor and mercy upon Muhammad, Your slave and Messenger, as You sent Your (grace, honour and mercy) upon Ibrahim, and send Your blessings upon Muhammad (and the family of Muhammad) as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim].”

It was narrated that Hakam said: “I heard Ibn Abi Laila say: ‘Ka’b bin ‘Ujrah met me and said: “Shall I not give you a gift? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out to us and we said: ‘We know what it means to send greetings on you, but what does it mean to send peace and blessings upon you?’ He said: ‘Say: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid; Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid (O Allah, send your grace, honour and mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your grace, honour and mercy upon Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious).’”

It was narrated from Abu Humaid As-Sa’di that they said: “O Messenger of Allah! We have been commanded to send peace and blessings upon you. How should we send peace and blessings upon you?” He said: “Say: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhurriyatihi, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim; wa barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhurriyatihi kama barakta ‘ala ali Ibrahim fil-‘alamin, innaka Hamidum Majid (O Allah, send Your grace, honour and mercy upon Muhammad and his wives and offspring, as You sent Your grace, honour and mercy upon Ibrahim. O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and his wives and offspring, as You sent Your blessings upon the family of Ibrahim among the nations, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious).”

Aswad bin Yazid narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “When you send peace and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), then do it well, for you do not know, that may be shown to him.” They said to him: “Teach us.” He said: “Say: ‘Allahumma aj’al salataka wa rahmataka wa barakatika ‘ala sayyidil-mursalin wa imamil-muttaqin wa khatamin- nabiyyin, Muhammad ‘abdika wa Rasulika imamil-khayri (wa qa’idil- khair), wa Rasulir-Rahmah. Allahummab’athhu maqaman mahmudan yaghbituhu bihil-awwaluna wal-akhirun. Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim; Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidum Majid (O Allah, send Your grace, honour, mercy and blessings upon the leader of the Messengers, the imam of the pious and the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, Your slave and Messenger, the Imam of the good (and the leader) of the good, and the Messenger of mercy. O Allah, raise him to a station of praise and glory that will be the envy of the first and the last. O Allah, send Your grace, honour and mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your grace, honour and mercy upon Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious).’”

It was narrated that ‘Asim bin ‘Ubaidullah said: “I heard ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amir bin Rabi’ah narrating from his father that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is no Muslim who sends peace and blessings upon me, but the angels will send peace and blessings upon him as long as he sends peace and blessings upon me. So let a person do a little of that or a lot.”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever forgets to send peace and blessings upon me, then he has missed the road to Paradise.’”

Muhammad bin Abi ‘Aishah said: “I heard Abu Hurairah say that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When anyone of you finishes the last Tashah-hud, let him seek refuge with Allah from four things: From the torment of Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the Fitnah (tribulation) of Masihud-Dajjal.’

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to a man: ‘What do you say during your Salat?’ He said: ‘The Tashah-hud, then I ask Allah for Paradise, and I seek refuge with Him from Hell, but I do not understand what you and Mu’adh murmur (during Salat). He said: ‘Our murmuring revolves around the same things.’”

It was narrated from Malik bin Numair Al-Khuza’i that his father said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) putting his right hand on his right thigh during prayer, and pointing with his finger.”

It was narrated that Wa’il bin Hujr said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) making a circle with his thumb and middle finger, and raising the one next to it (the index finger), supplicating with it during the Tashah-hud.”

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to sit during prayer, putting his hands on his knees and raising his right finger which was next to his thumb, supplicating with it, and with his left hand (spread out) on his knee.

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the Salam to his right and his left, until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen (saying): “As-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah (Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).”

It was narrated from ‘Amir bin Sa’d, from his father, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the Salam to his right and to his left.

It was narrated that ‘Ammar bin Yasir said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the Salam to his right and to his left, until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen (saying): ‘As-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah, as-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah.’”

It was narrated that Abu Musa said: “Ali led us in prayer on the day of (the battle of) the Camel, in a way that reminded us of the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Either we had forgotten it or we had abandoned it. He said the Salam to his right and to his left.”

‘Abdul-Muhaimin bin ‘Abbas bin Sahl bin Sa’d As-Sa’idi narrated from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said one Taslim to the front.

It was narrated from Hisham bin ‘Urwah, from his father, from ‘Aishah, that the Messenger of Allah (saW) used to say one Salam, to the front.

It was narrated that Salamah bin Akwa’ said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing the prayer, and he said one Salam.”

It was narrated from Samurah bin Jundub that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When the Imam says the Salam, then respond to him.”

It was narrated that Samurah bin Jundab said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded us to greet our Imam with Salam, and to greet one another with Salam.”

It was narrated that Thawban said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘No person should lead others in prayer, then supplicate only for himself and not for them. If he does that, he has betrayed them.’”

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Salam, he would sit only for as long as it took to say: ‘Allahumma Antas-Salam wa minkas-salam. Tabarakta ya Dhal-jalali wal- ikram. (O Allah, You are As-Salam, From You is all peace, blessed are You O Possessor of majesty and honour).’”

It was narrated from Umm Salamah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) performed the Subh (morning prayer), while he said the Salam, he would say: ‘Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision and acceptable deeds).’”

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There are two characteristics which no Muslim man acquires but he will enter Paradise. They are easy but those who do them are few. At the end of every prayer he should glorify Allah (by saying Subhan Allah) ten times, extol Him (by saying Allahu Akbar) ten times, and praise Him (by saying Al-Hamdu Lillah) ten times.’ I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) counting them on his hand. ‘That is one hundred and fifty (after all the prayers of the day) on the tongue, and one thousand and five hundred on the Scale. And when he goes to his bed, let him glorify Allah and praise Him and extol Him one hundred times. That will be one hundred on the tongue and one thousand on the Scale. Who among you does two thousand and five hundred evil actions in one day?’ They said: ‘Who would not be keen to do that?’ He said: ‘But the Shaitan comes to anyone of you while he is performing prayer and says: ‘Remember such and such, remember such and such,” until the person becomes distracted and does not understand (what he is saying). And he comes to him when he is in his bed, and makes him sleepy such that he sleeps.’”

It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: “It was said to the Prophet (ﷺ) and perhaps (one of the narrators) Sufyan said: I said: O Messenger of Allah! Those who have property and wealth have surpassed us in reward. They say the same as we do, and they spend but we do not spend.’ He said to me: ‘Shall I not tell you something which, if you do it, you will catch up with those who have surpassed you and you will excel over those who come after you? Praise Allah (by saying Al- Hamdu Lillah) after every prayer, and glorify Him (by saying Subhan- Allah) and extol Him (by saying Allahu Akbar), thirty-three, thirty- three, and thirty-four times.’” Sufyan said: “I do not know which of them was to be recited thirty-four times.”

Thawban narrated that when he finished his prayer, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would ask for forgiveness three times, then he would say: “Allahumma Antas-Salam wa minkas-salam tabarakta ya Dhal-jalali wal- ikram” (O Allah, You are As-Salam and from You is all peace, Blessed are You O Possessor of majesty and honour).”

It was narrated from Qabisah bin Hulb that his father said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) led us (in prayer), and he used to depart from both sides. (i.e. from either side).”

It was narrated that Aswad said: “ ‘Abdullah (bin Mas’ud) said: ‘None of you should apportion within himself a part (of his prayer) thinking that it is a right of Allah upon him that he must only turn to his right to leave after finishing the prayer. I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and most of the time he turned to his left.’”

It was narrated from ‘Amr bin Shu’aib, from his father, that his grandfather said: “I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) departing to his right and to his left when he finished the prayer.”

It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said the Salam, the women would stand up when he finished his Taslim, and he would stay where he was for a little while before standing up. (i.e. to depart).”

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “If food is served and the Iqamah for prayer is given, then start with the food.”

It was narrated from Nafi’ that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If food is served and the Iqamah for prayer is given, then start with the food.” He said: "Ibn 'Umar ate dinner one night while he could hear the Iqamah."

It was narrated from ‘Aishah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “If food is ready and the Iqamah is being given, then start with the food.”

It was narrated that Abu Malih said: “I went out on a rainy night (for congregational prayer), and when I came back I asked for the door to be opened. My father said: ‘Who is this?’ I said: ‘Abu Malih.’ He said: ‘We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) at Hudaybiyah and it rained a little, such that the soles of our sandals did not get wet. The announcer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called out: ‘Perform your prayer at your camps.’”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “On rainy nights or on cold windy nights, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would summon his announcer to call out: ‘Perform your prayer at your camps.’”

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, on a Friday that was rainy: “Perform your prayer at your camps.”

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Harith bin Nawfal that Ibn ‘Abbas commanded the Mu’adh-dhin to call the Adhan one Friday, which was a rainy day. He said: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah (Allah is the Most Great, Allah is Most Great, I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).” Then he (Ibn ‘Abbas) said: “Proclaim to the people that they should pray in their houses.” The people said to him: “What is this that you have done?” He said: “One who is better than me did that. Are you telling me that I should bring the people out of their houses and make them come to me wading through the mud up to their knees?”

It was narrated from Musa bin Talhah that his father said: “We used to perform prayer while the beasts were passing in front of us. That was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he said: ‘If something like the hand of a saddle* is placed in front of anyone of you, it will not matter whoever passes in front of him.” * It is the piece of wood on the camel saddle which is held on to (to climb onto the camel).

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “A small spear (Harbah) would be brought out to the Prophet (ﷺ) when he was travelling; he would plant it (in the ground) to perform prayer while facing it.”

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah had a reed mat that he would spread out during the day, and make into a compartment at night, towards which he would perform prayer.”

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you performs prayer, let him put something in front of him. If he cannot find anything then let him put a stick. If he cannot find one, then let him draw a line. Then it will not matter if anything passes in front of him.”

Busr bin Sa’eed said: “They sent me to Zaid bin Khalid to ask him about passing in front of one who is performing prayer. He told me that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Waiting for forty is better than passing in front of one who is performing prayer.’” (One of the narrators) Sufyan said: "I do not know if he meant forty years, months, days, or hours."

It was narrated from Busr bin Sa’eed that Zaid bin Khalid sent word to Abu Juhaim Al-Ansari asking him: “What did you hear from the Prophet (ﷺ) about a man when he is performing prayer?” He said: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying: ‘If anyone of you knew (how great is the sin involved) when he passed in front of his brother who is performing prayer, then waiting for forty’,” (one of the narrators) said: “I do not know if he meant forty years, forty months, or forty days, ‘would be better for him than that.”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘If anyone of you knew (how great is the sin involved) in passing in front of his brother while he is performing prayer, waiting for one hundred years would be better for him than one step that he takes.’”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was performing prayer at ‘Arafat, and Fadl and I came riding a female donkey. We passed in front of part of the row, then we dismounted and left the donkey, and we came and joined the row.”

It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) was performing prayer in the house of Umm Salamah, and ‘Abdullah or ‘Umar bin Abu Salamah passed in front of him; he gestured his hand, and he went back. Then Zainab bint Umm Salamah passed in front of him, and he gestured his hand, but she kept going. When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) finished his prayer, he said: ‘These (women) are more stubborn.’”

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The prayer is severed by a black dog and a woman who has reached the age of menstruation.”

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The prayer is severed by a woman, a dog and a donkey.”

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The prayer is severed by a woman, a dog and a donkey.”

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Samit from Abu Dharr, that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The prayer is severed by a woman, a donkey, and a black dog, if there is not something like the handle of a saddle in front of a man.” I (‘Abdullah) said: “What is wrong with a black dog and not a red one?” He (Abu Dharr) said: ‘I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) the same question, and he said: “The black dog is a Shaitan (satan).”

It was narrated that Hasan Al-‘Urani said: ‘Mention was made in the presence of Ibn ‘Abbas about what severs the prayer. They mentioned a dog, a donkey and a woman. He said: ‘What do you say about kids (young goats)? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was performing prayer one day, when a kid came and wanted to pass in front of him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) preceded it toward the Qiblah. (to tighten the space and prevent it from passing in front of him).’”

It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Sa’eed that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When anyone of you performs prayer, let him pray facing towards a Sutrah, and let him get close to it, and not let anyone pass in front of him. If someone comes and wants to pass in front of him, let him fight him, for he is a Shaitan (satan).’”

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you is performing prayer, he should not let anyone pass in front of him. If he insists then let him fight him, for he has a Qarin (devil-companion) with him.”

It was narrated from ‘Aishah: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray at night, and I was laying between him and the prayer direction, as a (body for a) funeral horizontally.’”

It was narrated from Zainab bint Umm Salamah that her mother said that her bed was in front of the place where the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prostrated.

Maimunah, the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ), said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform prayer when I was opposite to him, and his garment would sometimes touch me when he prostrated.”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade performing prayer behind one who is engaged in conversation or one who is sleeping.”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach us not to bow or prostrate before the Imam; when he says the Takbir then say the Takbir, and when he prostrates, you should prostrate.”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Does not the one who raises his head before the Imam fear that Allah may turn his head into the head of a donkey?’”

It was narrated that Abu Musa said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I have gained weight, so when I bow, then bow, and when I stand up, then stand up, and when I prostrate, then prostrate. I should never find anyone preceding me in bowing or prostration.’”

It was narrated that Mu’awiyah bin Abu Sufyan said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Do not bow or prostrate before me. No matter how far ahead of you I bow, you will catch up with me when I stand up, and no matter how far ahead of you I prostrate, you will catch up with me when I raise my head. I have become bulky.’”

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “It is impolite for a man to wipe his forehead a great deal before he finishes prayer.”

It was narrated from ‘Ali that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Do not crack your fingers during the prayer.”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade a man to cover his mouth during the prayer.”

It was narrated from Ka’b bin ‘Ujrah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw a man who had interlocked his fingers during the prayer, so the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) separated his fingers.

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you yawns, let him put his hand over his mouth and not make a sound, because Satan laughs at him.”

It was narrated from ‘Adi bin Thabit, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Spitting, blowing one’s nose, menstruating and drowsiness during the prayer are from Satan.”

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There are three whose prayer are not accepted: A man who leads people while they do not like him; a man who does not come to prayer until its end – meaning after its time has expired – and one who enslaves a freed person.’”

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There are three whose prayer do not rise more than a hand span above their heads: A man who leads people (in prayer) when they do not like him; a woman who has spent the night with her husband angry with her; and two brothers who have severed contact with one another.”

It was narrated that Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Two or more people are a congregation.’”

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “I stayed overnight with my maternal aunt Maimunah, and the Prophet (ﷺ) got up during the night to perform prayer. So I got up and stood on his left. He took me by the hand and made me stand on his right.”

Shurahbil said: “I heard Jabir bin ‘Abdullah say: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was performing Maghrib, and I came and stood on his left, but he made me stand on his right.’”

It was narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led a woman of his household and myself in prayer. I stood to his right and the woman stood behind us.”

It was narrated that Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to gently pat our shoulders (to make sure the row was straight) at the time of prayer, saying: ‘Keep (the rows) straight, do not differ from one another lest your hearts should suffer from discord. Let those who are forbearing and wise stand closest to me, then those who are next to them, then those who are next to them.’”

It was narrated that Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) liked the Muhajirun and Ansar to stand closest to him, so that they could learn from him.”

It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw that some of his Companions tended to stand in the rear, so he said: “Come forward and follow me, and let those who are behind you follow your lead. If people continue to lag behind, Allah will put them back.”

It was narrated that Malik bin Huwairith said: “I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) with a friend of mine, and when we wanted to leave, he said to us: ‘When the time for prayer comes, say the Adhan and Iqamah, then let the older of you lead the prayer.’”

Abu Mas’ud said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The people should be lead by the one who is most well-Versed in recitation of the Book of Allah. If they are equal in recitation, then they should be led by the one who emigrated first. If they are equal in emigration, then they should be led by the eldest. A man should not be led among his family or in his place of authority; no one should be sat in his place of honor in his house without permission, or without his permission.’”

Abu Hazim said: “Sahl bin Sa’d As-Sa’idi used to give preference to the young to lead his people in prayer. It was said to him: “Do you do that, when you have such seniority (in Islam)?” He said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘The Imam is responsible. If he does well, then he will have the reward and so will they, but if he does badly, then that will be counted against him but not against them.’”

It was narrated that Salamah bint Hurr, the sister of Kharashah, said: “I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: ‘A time will come when the people will stand for a long time and will not be able to find any Imam to lead them in prayer.”

It was narrated from Abu ‘Ali Al-Hamdani that he went out in a ship in which ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amir Al-Juhani was present. The time for prayer came, and we told him to lead us in prayer and said to him: “You are the most deserving of that, you were the Companion of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” But he refused and said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Whoever leads the people and gets it right, the prayer will be for him and for them, but if he falls short, then that will be counted against him but not against them.”

It was narrated that Abu Mas’ud said: “A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! I stay behind and do not perform the morning prayer (in congregation) because of so-and-so, for he makes it too long for us.’ I never saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) preaching with such anger as he did that day. He said; ‘O people! There are among you those who repel others. Whoever among you leads others in prayer, let him keep it short, for among them are those who are weak and elderly, and those who have pressing needs.’”

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to make his prayer brief but perfect.”

It was narrated that Jabir said: “Mu’adh bin Jabal Al-Ansari led his companions in the ‘Isha’ prayer and he made it long. A man among us went away and prayed by himself. Mu’adh was told about that and he said: ‘He is a hypocrite.’ When the man heard about that, he went to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and told him what Mu’adh had said to him. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Do you want to be a cause of Fitnah (trial, tribulation), O Mu’adh? When you lead the people in prayer, recite “By the sun and its brightness,”[Ash-Shams 91] and “Glorify the Name of your Lord the Most High,” [Al-A’la 87] and “By the night as it envelopes,” [Al-Lail 92] and “Recite in the Name of your Lord.’”[Al-‘Alaq]

It was narrated that Mutarrif bin ‘Abdullah bin Shikhkhir said: “I heard ‘Uthman bin Abul-‘As say: “The last thing that the Prophet (ﷺ) enjoined on me when he appointed me governor of Ta’if was that he said: “O ‘Uthman! Be tolerable in prayer and estimate the people based upon the weakest among them, for among them are the elderly, the young, the sick, those who live far from the mosque, and those who have pressing needs.”

‘Uthman bin Abul-‘As narrated that the last thing the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined on him was that he said: “When you lead people, keep it short for them.”

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I start prayer and I want to make it long, but then I hear an infant crying, so I make my prayer short, because I know the distress caused to the mother by his crying.’”

It was narrated that ‘Uthman bin Abul-‘As said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I hear an infant crying so I make the prayer short.’”

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abu Qatadah that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I get up to perform prayer and I intend to make it long, but then I hear an infant crying, so I make it short, because I do not like to cause distress to his mother.’”

It was narrated that Jabir bin Samurah As-Suwa’i said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Will you not form your rows as the angels form their rows before their Lord?’ We said: ‘How do the angels form their rows before their Lord?’ He said: ‘They complete the first row and they stand close of one another in the line (leaving no gaps between one another).’”

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Make your rows straight, for straightening the rows is part of completing the prayer.’”

Simak bin Harb narrated that he heard Nu’man bin Bashir say: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to straighten the rows until he made them like a spear or an arrow-shaft. Once he saw a man’s chest (sticking out) so the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Make your rows straight or Allah will create division among you.’”

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah and His angels send blessings upon those who complete the rows, and whoever fills a gap, Allah will raise him one degree in status thereby.’”

It was narrated from ‘Irbad bin Sariyah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to ask for forgiveness for the first row three times and for the second row twice.

Bara’ bin ‘Azib said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Allah and the angels send blessings upon the first row.’”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If they knew what (goodness) there is in the first row, they would cast lots for it.’”

It was narrated from Ibrahim bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Allah and the angels send blessings upon the first row.’”

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The best rows for women are the back rows, and the worst are the front rows, and the best rows for men are the front rows, and the worst are the back rows.’”

It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The best rows for men are the front rows and the worst rows are the back rows, and the best rows for women are the back rows and the worst are the front rows.’”

It was narrated from Mu’awiyah bin Qurrah that his father said: “We were forbidden to form a row between two pillars at the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and we would be repelled from them forcefully.”

‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Ali bin Shaiban narrated that his father, ‘Ali bin Shaiban, who was part of the delegation, said: “We set out until we came to the Prophet (ﷺ). We gave him our oath of allegiance and performed prayer behind him. Then we offered another prayer behind him. He finished the prayer and saw a man on his own, praying behind the row.” He said: “The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) stood beside him and when he finished he said: ‘Repeat your prayer; there is no prayer for the one who is behind the row.’”