Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
DOWNLOAD SALAAH PART ONE PDF HERE
DOWNLOAD SALAAH PART TWO PDF HERE
Salaah – Part One
On one occasion, a person came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and posed the following question, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! In this entire deen of Islam, which action is most beloved to Allah Ta‘ala?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded to him saying, “The most beloved action in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala is to perform the fardh salaah on its prescribed time.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then said, “The one who omits and neglects his salaah, then such a person has no deen.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) thereafter mentioned, “And salaah is the main pillar of Deen (i.e. the most important pillar after imaan is salaah).”[1]
From this Hadith, we understand the exalted position of salaah in deen. If a person does not have salaah in his life, and does not establish salaah in the manner Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had taught the ummah, then his Islam is deficient. In the words of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – “Such a person does not have deen.”
Short but Comprehensive Advice
On one occasion, a Sahaabi came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and requested some short but comprehensive advice through which he will be able to practice upon Islam in its entirety. In other words, he wanted such advice that if he held onto the advice, it would be the means for him bringing deen in totality into his life.
The Sahaabi mentioned, “O Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala! Teach me deen, and give me some advice, but make it brief and concise.” The reason for the Sahaabi asking Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to keep the advice brief and concise was so that it will be easy for him to remember it and practice upon it.
The first thing Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) told the Sahaabi was, “When you stand up to perform your salaah then perform the salaah of a person bidding farewell (to the world i.e. perform the salaah as though it is the last salaah of your life).” Hence, the very first advice that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gave him was concerning his salaah.
The salaah should have the noor and barakaat in it, and the qualities which will draw the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala towards a person – and this will only happen when a person’s heart is in the salaah, and he fulfils it how Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) wanted. If a person knows that he is performing the last salaah of his life, then imagine with what heart he will perform that salaah!
Then Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) advised him that before he speaks, he should first ponder over what he wants to say. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Do not utter something for which you will have to give an excuse tomorrow (in this world or in the next).” In other words, a person should be in full control of his speech, language and conversation.
The last advice which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gave him was, “Ensure that you never place your hopes upon the wealth of people (i.e. turn your heart away from the wealth of people, and do not desire that which is in the hands of someone else).”[2]
In essence, Allah Ta‘ala will grant you barakah if you are particular regarding your salaah, you watch your relationships with people and your heart is always turned towards Allah Ta‘ala.
Salaah in the Life of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Before Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) passed away, he was performing the fajr salaah, and during the salaah, he was stabbed by Abu Lu’lu, the fire worshipper. Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) passed out and fell unconscious, and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) carried him to his home.
While Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was unconscious in his home, Hazrat Miswar bin Makhramah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came and asked the Sahaabah, “Has Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) performed his fajr salaah?” They replied, “No, he is unconscious.” Hazrat Miswar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately said, “Wake him up!” When Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) spent his entire life establishing salaah in the life of the Muslims, then how could his salaah be missed?
Since Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was unconscious, they did not know how to wake him up. Hazrat Miswar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) advised them to wake him up by mentioning to him that it is the time of salaah. Accordingly, they called out, “O Ameerul Mu’mineen, your salaah!” On hearing these words, the eyes of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately opened. He said, “Yes! By Allah! There is no share in Islam for the one who neglects his salaah!”
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then performed his salaah, and enquired whether the other Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) had also performed their salaah. It was only when he had performed his salaah and heard that the other Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) had completed their salaah that he was happy and contented. Even at that moment, when he was on his deathbed, he showed the great importance that must be shown to this department of deen – salaah.[3]
Establishment of Salaah
When it comes to other injunctions of deen, then Allah Ta‘ala commanded the ummah to fulfil them. In regard to fasting, Allah Ta‘ala said:
فَمَنۡ شَہِدَ مِنۡکُمُ الشَّہۡرَ فَلۡیَصُمۡہُ
“The one who witnesses the month (of Ramadhaan), then he should fast.” (Surah Baarah v. 185)
In regard to discharging zakaat, Allah Ta‘ala said:
اٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ
“Discharge the zakaat.” (Surah Baqarah v. 43)
However, when it came to salaah, then Allah Ta‘ala used a different approach. Allah Ta‘ala said:
اَقِیۡمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ
“Establish salaah.” (Surah Baqarah v. 43)
The Ulama explain that there are many important aspects that must be fulfilled in order to establish the salaah. If a person just goes through the motions and performs the salaah haphazardly, then this is not the salaah which will bring the noor, barakaat and mercy of Allah Ta‘ala into his life.
Seven Requirements for the Establishment of Salaah
The Ulama explain that there are seven requirements for the establishment of salaah:
- The first requirement for the establishment of salaah is that the preparation for the salaah must take place correctly. In this regard, the istinjaa and wudhu must be correct.
- The second is that the salaah must be performed in the musjid (not the home or workplace).
- The third is that the salaah must be performed according to the sunnah i.e. the ruku, sajdah, postures, etc. must all be correct.
- The fourth aspect is that the saffs (rows) must be straight and joined, and the children must be standing in the correct places.
- The fifth aspect is that a person’s attire must be conforming to the sunnah and the way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
- The sixth aspect is that the salaah must be performed with complete concentration and devotion.
- The seventh aspect is that when coming to the musjid, one should uphold the respect and sanctity of the musjid and avoid causing any takleef to the other musallis and the angels. The car should be parked correctly so as not to inconvenience people, and no foul odour should be perceived from one’s body or mouth while in the musjid, thereby causing inconvenience to the musallis and angels.
It is when all these seven aspects are found that the salaah will become a means of one acquiring barakah in one’s life, and the salaah will be a key to Jannah. Similarly, it will become a means of acquiring all the rewards and virtues promised in the Mubaarak Ahaadith for the one who upholds salaah in his life. This will be the salaah which Allah Ta‘ala refers to saying:
اِنَّ الصَّلٰوۃَ تَنۡہٰی عَنِ الۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَ الۡمُنۡکَرِ
“Indeed, salaah (when established correctly) stops one from shameless and evil works.” (Surah Ankaboot v. 45)
In one Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Salaah is a light.”[4] In other words, if you want to illuminate your life and home, and you want barakah in your family and business, then bring salaah into your life.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also mentioned that the differentiating factor between a believer and him falling into kufr (i.e and becoming like a disbeliever) is salaah.[5] The kaafir shows more importance to his business and does not close his business to go to the church, synagogue or temple, because the main thing in his life is money. When a believer does not invest in his salaah and close his business to go to the musjid, then he is resembling that kaafir.
The Person Most Worthy of Being Envied
Today, everybody understands the meaning of wealth and investments, and everybody envies the wealthy and rich person. However, what is the true wealth that a person should invest in according to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The person who is most worthy of envy, from among my close friends (those who are close to Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam]), is the believer (who has complete and perfect imaan), he does not have a lot of wealth (i.e. he is not too worried about the worldly things and has the basics), but he has a great share in salaah (i.e. his main investment in life is his salaah). He fulfils the ibaadah of his Rabb in an excellent manner (in the manner pleasing to Allah Ta‘ala), and even in seclusion, he remains obedient to Allah Ta‘ala. He is concealed among people. People do not indicate towards him (i.e. he is a nobody in a society, but an important person in the sight of Allah Ta‘ala). His sustenance is just enough for him, and he is patient (i.e. pleased and content) with that.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then clicked his fingers, indicating that this person passes away quickly. He does not enjoy a lengthy life, but in that short period of his life, he acquired the greatest wealth – the wealth of salaah. Since few people knew him, there were only a few people to weep over him after his demise.[6]
Performing Salaah in the Correct Manner
It is reported that Hazrat Huzaifah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) once saw a person performing salaah in a hasty manner. The man was not performing the rukoo and sajdah correctly.
When describing the man’s manner of performing salaah, the word mentioned in the narration was “Taffafa” which means to decrease e.g. to cheat the customer by giving less. In other word, the person did not perform the salaah in the correct manner, but performed the rukoo and sajdah in a deficient way.
Hazrat Huzaifah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked the man, “For how many years have you been performing salaah in this manner?” The man said, “For forty years.”
Hazrat Huzaifah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “For forty years, you have not performed salaah, and if you pass away like this, you will pass away on a path besides the path of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).”
Hazrat Huzaifah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter taught the man how to perform salaah correctly in accordance to the sunnah. [7]
(NB: See Salaah Part Two After Footnotes Below)
[1] عن عمر، قال: جاء رجل، فقال: يا رسول الله أي شيء أحب عند الله في الإسلام؟ قال: الصلاة لوقتها، ومن ترك الصلاة فلا دين له، والصلاة عماد الدين قال أبو عبد الله: عكرمة لم يسمع من عمر وأظنه أراد، عن ابن عمر (شعب الإيمان، الرقم: 2550)
[2] عن أبي أيوب، قال: جاء رجل إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقال: يا رسول الله، علمني وأوجز. قال: إذا قمت في صلاتك، فصل صلاة مودع، ولا تكلم بكلام تعتذر منه، وأجمع اليأس عما في أيدي الناس (سنن ابن ماجة، الرقم: 4171)
وعن أبي أيوب الأنصاري رضي الله عنه قال: جاء رحل إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: عظني وأوجز. فقال: إذا قمت في صلاتك فصل صلاة مودع ولا تكلم بكلام تعتذر منه غدا وأجمع الإياس مما في أيدي الناس (مسند أحمد، الرقم: 23498)
[3] وعن المسور بن مخرمة قال: دخلت على عمر بن الخطاب وهو مسجى فقلت: كيف ترونه؟ قالوا: كما ترى. قلت: أيقظوه بالصلاة فإنكم لن توقظوه لشيء أفزع له من الصلاة. فقالوا: الصلاة يا أمير المؤمنين؟ فقال: ها الله إذا! ولا حق في الإسلام لمن ترك الصلاة، فصلى وإن جرحه ليثعب دما. رواه الطبراني في الأوسط، ورجاله رجال الصحيح. (مجمع الزوائد، الرقم: 1636)
[4] عن أبي مالك الأشعري قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: الطهور شطر الإيمان … والصلاة نور … (صحيح مسلم، الرقم: 223)
[5] عن جابر، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: بين العبد وبين الكفر ترك الصلاة (سنن الترمذي، الرقم: 2620)
[6] عن أبي أمامة، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال: إن أغبط أوليائي عندي لمؤمن خفيف الحاذ ذو حظ من الصلاة، أحسن عبادة ربه وأطاعه في السر، وكان غامضا في الناس لا يشار إليه بالأصابع، وكان رزقه كفافا فصبر على ذلك، ثم نقر بإصبعيه فقال: عجلت منيته قلت بواكيه قل تراثه وبهذا الإسناد عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال: عرض علي ربي ليجعل لي بطحاء مكة ذهبا، قلت: لا يا رب ولكن أشبع يوما وأجوع يوما، أو قال ثلاثا أو نحو هذا، فإذا جعت تضرعت إليك وذكرتك، وإذا شبعت شكرتك وحمدتك, هذا حديث حسن. (سنن الترمذي، الرقم: 2347)
[7] عن حذيفة، أنه رأى رجلا يصلي فطفف، فقال له حذيفة: منذ كم تصلي هذه الصلاة؟ قال: منذ أربعين عاما، قال: ما صليت منذ أربعين سنة، ولو مت وأنت تصلي هذه الصلاة لمت على غير فطرة محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم، ثم قال: إن الرجل ليخفف ويتم ويحسن (سنن النسائي، الرقم: 1312 ، وفي مسند أحمد، الرقم: 23258 قال: ثم أقبل عليه يعلمه)
Salaah – Part Two
Introduction:
Previously, with the grace of Allah Ta‘ala, the topic of preparation for salaah, istinjaa, etc was discussed. This week, the method of performing salaah will be discussed, and this is relatively more important.
The Key to Jannah
We all know that every door has a key, and if a person wishes to open a particular door, then he will require the correct key for that door. Allah Ta‘ala has made it such that the key to His mercy is dua. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned:
الدعاء مفتاح الرحمة
Dua (i.e. turning to Allah Ta‘ala earnestly, in humility) is the key to the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala.
After mentioning the above, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
والوضوء مفتاح الصلاة
And the key to open the door of salaah is wudhu.
Thereafter, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
والصلاة مفتاح الجنة
And Salaah is the key to Jannah.[1]
If a person does not have the key of Jannah, then he will not be able to open it and enter it. Hence, Allah Ta‘ala has given salaah such a lofty position in deen that there is no other action from the fundamental actions of deen which has been referred to as the key to Jannah besides salaah.
The First Question on the Day of Qiyaamah
Salaah holds such great importance in a believer’s life that the Hadith mentions that it is the first thing regarding which a person will be questioned on the Day of Qiyaamah. If he passes the test of salaah then there is hope that he will pass the other tests regarding the other departments of deen. However, if he fails the test in this department of deen, then there is great concern that he will fail the test in the other departments of deen as well.
Allah Ta‘ala will say to the angels, “Examine his salaah.” If he performed his salaah correctly then he will be rewarded accordingly. However, if he did not fulfil the obligation correctly and performed the salaah in a deficient manner, then Allah Ta‘ala will tell the angels to look at the sunnah and nafl salaah that he performed during his life. Thereafter, the sunnah and nafl salaah will be taken to make up and compensate for the deficiency in the fardh. If all his sunnah and nafl can compensate for the deficiency in his fardh, then he will pass the test and he will be successful. However, if he did not fulfil the fardh correctly, and his sunnah and nafl salaah cannot compensate for the deficiency in his fardh salaah, then he will be in severe constraints and difficulties on the Day of Qiyaamah.[2]
From this Hadith, we understand that the benchmark for a person’s success is his salaah.
The Salaah Either Making Dua for One or Cursing Him
It is mentioned in the Hadith that when a person performs his salaah on the prescribed time (according to the sunnah in the musjid), with a proper wudhu, he performs the postures correctly (qiyaam, rukoo, sajdah, etc.) and he performs the salaah with devotion and concentration, then that salaah becomes a means of mercy for him.
The Hadith mentions that this salaah will rise up in a most beautiful form and it will make dua for him. It will make dua saying, “May Allah Ta‘ala safeguard you as you have safeguarded me.” The salaah will then rise up to Allah Ta‘ala and gain acceptance.
On the contrary, if a person performs the salaah in a haphazard manner, not fulfilling the requirements for the completion and perfection of the salaah (e.g. the wudhu was performed incorrectly, the postures were not carried out correctly, there is no concentration and devotion, etc.), then on completing the salaah, it rises up in a dark and ugly form. It begins to curse him saying, “May Allah Ta‘ala destroy you as you have destroyed me!”
Thereafter, it rises slightly, to the extent that Allah Ta‘ala wishes, and is then turned into an ugly form and flung onto his face like an old, dirty rag. This salaah is rejected by Allah Ta‘ala, and instead of becoming a means for his mercy, acceptance and reward, it becomes a means for him being cursed and a means for his destruction.[3]
Importance of Performing Salaah in the Sunnah Manner
The most important obligation in this entire structure of Islam is salaah. Thus, we must invest in our salaah and learn how to perform our salaah according to the sunnah. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) took this very seriously and instilled the importance of salaah into the hearts of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) saying:
صلوا كما رأيتموني أصلي
Perform salaah as you see me performing salaah.[4]
In other words, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not merely tell the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to perform salaah. Rather, he told them to ensure that their salaah conformed to his sunnah manner of performing salaah.
In the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala commands us to establish salaah. This can be understood through the example of a person opening a business. When opening the business, he will not merely run the business, but he will work hard to establish the business, as it is when the business is established that it will make money for him.
In the same way, when salaah is established and deeply rooted in the life of a believer, it will transform his life into gold. When he does anything, he will find barakah and blessings, as his entire life will be engulfed and infused with the noor of the salaah in his life.
Salaah is a Light
In the Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned:
الصلاة نور
Salaah is a light.[5]
In other words, salaah has the power to illuminate your heart, life, business, domestic life, social life, etc – but this is provided that one honours the salaah by fulfilling the rights of the salaah.
Salaah with Jamaat in the Musjid being from the Sunan-e-Huda
In one Hadith, Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned, “If you want to meet Allah Ta‘ala on the Day of Qiyaamah in the state that Allah Ta‘ala is pleased with you, then the way to acquire this success is to perform your five daily salaah in the musjid.”
He then said, “In the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) would ensure that all their five daily fardh salaah would be performed behind Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the musjid. The fardh salaah is among the sunan-e-huda practices of deen.”
The sunan-e-huda are the prescribed acts of deen which Allah Ta‘ala has prescribed as part of the actual deen of Islam. Without practising upon the sunan-e-huda practices, one’s deen will remain incomplete and one will be punished by Allah Ta‘ala for leaving them out. Furthermore, practising on the sunan-e-huda is a means for a person to receive guidance from Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, in this Hadith, Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentions that performing the fardh salaah with jamaat in the musjid is among the sunan-e-huda practices.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then mentioned that though every Sahaabi had a designated place in his home where he performed his tahajjud salaah and other nafl salaah, they all ensured that they performed the fardh salaah in jamaat in the musjid. Even if a Sahaabi was extremely weak and sick, he never performed his fardh salaah at home. Rather, he would take support from two people, one on either side, and come to the musjid in this manner to perform his salaah.
Hazrat Ibnu Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter said that the only people who would omit coming to the musjid for the congregational salaah were the munaafiqeen – the open hypocrites. They were not believers, so they would not come to the musjid for salaah – especially the esha and fajr salaah.
In the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), there were no electrical lights, and so it was dark at the time of esha and fajr. This made it difficult to come for esha and fajr. Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) gave glad tidings for the person who comes for esha and fajr in the darkness saying, “Give the glad tidings of complete noor on the Day of Qiyaamah for those people who walk in darkness (coming to the musjid to perform their fardh salaah with jamaat).”[6]
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then mentioned, “Performing the fardh salaah with jamaat in the musjid is the way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and if you leave out the way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), you will be astray.”[7]
Hence, to acquire the full benefit and virtue of the salaah, we must perform it in the manner, place and time taught to us by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
The Burning Desire in the Heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for the Males and Females of His Ummah
It was the heartfelt desire of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that the males of his ummah should perform their fardh salaah with jamaat in the musjid, and the females should perform their salaah in the confines of their homes.
Hazrat Ummu Humaid (radhiyallahu ‘anha), the wife of Hazrat Abu Humaid As-Saa’idi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), once came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and said, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), I long to perform salaah behind you.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “I am aware that you long and desire to perform salaah behind me. However, your salaah in the inner portion of your bedroom is more rewarding than your salaah in your bedroom. Your salaah in your bedroom is more rewarding than your salaah in any other part of your home. Your salaah in your home is more rewarding than your salaah in the musjid of your locality. Your salaah in the musjid of your locality is more rewarding than your salaah in my musjid (i.e. Musjidun Nabawi).”
Hazrat Ummu Humaid (radhiyallahu ‘anha) (in compliance and obedience with the mubaarak desire of Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) instructed that a small area be reserved for her salaah in the innermost and darkest portion of her bedroom, and she would devotedly perform all her salaah in that area until the end of her life.[8]
Hadith Regarding First Saff and Azaan
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that if people only knew the immense reward for performing salaah in the first saff and for calling out the azaan, they would fight among themselves and draw lots to decide who will acquire this honour and reward.[9]
In this regard, it is mentioned that when Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was conquering the land of Qaadisiyyah, then during the battle, the mu’azzin was injured. Since he was injured and could not call out the azaan, the other Muslims began to fight with one another over who would receive the honour of calling out the azaan.
Hence, when they came to Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) for him to decide who should call out the azaan, then in keeping with this Hadith, he instructed them to draw lots, and the person whose lot was drawn received the honour of calling out the azaan.[10]
Admonition for Preceding the Imaam in Salaah
It is not permissible for any muqtadi to precede the imaam in salaah by going into any posture before the imaam. Preceding the imaam in salaah is a major sin. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned in the Hadith that if a person does this, there is fear that Allah Ta‘ala will change his face into the face of a donkey.[11]
In this regard, it is mentioned that in one era, there was a person teaching Hadith. When teaching this Hadith, he doubted this Hadith, so he decided to test it out. Since he was an Aalim, his conducting in this manner was far worse than a normal person who conducts in this manner.
As soon as he did this, Allah Ta‘ala transformed his face into the face of a donkey. Thereafter, out of embarrassment and shame, he would conceal his face when coming out to teach the students Hadith. After some while had passed, he one day showed his face to the students and informed them of what had happened. He told them that he had deliberately preceded the imaam in salaah to test this Hadith, and as a consequence for disrespecting the Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and doubting what Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had said, this was the outcome of his action.[12]
The Bedouin who Rushed in Salaah
On one occasion, a Bedouin entered Musjid-un-Nabawi, performed salaah very hastily, and then came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and made salaam. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied to his salaam and then said to him, “Go back and perform salaah again, for you have not performed salaah.”
The Sahaabi thus returned and performed the salaah for the second time in the same manner. Thereafter, when he came and greeted Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied and sent him back again, saying the same words, “Go back and perform salaah again, for you have not performed salaah.”
This occurred three times, until on the fourth instance, he asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to teach him how to perform the salaah correctly and to show him his mistake. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then taught him to perform salaah with ta’deel-e-arkaan – remaining in ease in each posture, without any movement, before proceeding to the next posture.
Thereafter, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) told him that if he rushes in salaah and omits the ta’deel-e-arkaan, then his salaah will be deficient. Since ta’deel-e-arkaan is waajib, sajdah sahw will have to be performed in the end.[13]
[1] عن ابن عباس قال: الدعاء مفتاح الرحمة والوضوء مفتاح الصلاة والصلاة مفتاح الجنة (الفردوس بمأثور الخطاب، الرقم: 3086 ، وإسناده ضعيف كما في فيض القدير، الرقم: 4657)
وعن ابن عباس قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم الدعاء مفتاح الرحمة والوضوء مفتاح الصلاة والصلاة مفتاح الحنة رواه الديلمى (إتحاف السادة المتقين 5/29)
عن ابن عباس قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : الدعاء مفتاح الرحمة، والوضوء مفتاح الصلاة، والصلاة مفتاح الجنة (الغرائب الملتقطة من مسند الفردوس، الرقم: ١٥٤١)
[2] عن أبي هريرة ذكره عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إن أول ما يحاسب الناس به يوم القيامة من أعمالهم الصلاة قال: يقول ربنا عز وجل لملائكته وهو أعلم: انظروا في صلاة عندي أتمها أم نقصها فإن كانت تامة كتبت له تامة وإن كان انتقص منها شيئا قال: انظروا هل لعبدي من تطوع فإن كان له تطوع قال: أتموا لعبدي فريضته من تطوعه ثم تؤخذ الأعمال على ذاكم (سنن أبي داود، الرقم: 864)
[3] عن أنس بن مالك قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من صلى الصلاة لوقتها وأسبغ لها وضوءها وأتم لها قيامها وخشوعها وركوعها وسجودها خرجت وهي بيضاء مسفرة تقول: حفظك الله كما حفظتني ومن صلى الصلاة لغير وقتها فلم يسبغ لها وضوءها ولم يتم لها خشوعها ولا ركوعها ولا سجودها خرجت وهي سوداء مظلمة تقول: ضيعك الله كما ضيعتني حتى إذا كانت حيث شاء الله لفت كما يلف الثوب الخلق ثم ضرب بها وجهه (المعجم الأوسط للطبراني، الرقم: 3095)
[4] عن مالك أتينا إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ونحن شببة متقاربون فأقمنا عنده عشرين يوما وليلة وكان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم رحيما رفيقا فلما ظن أنا قد اشتهينا أهلنا أو قد اشتقنا سألنا عمن تركنا بعدنا فأخبرناه قال: ارجعوا إلى أهليكم فأقيموا فيهم وعلموهم ومروهم وذكر أشياء أحفظها أو لا أحفظها وصلوا كما رأيتموني أصلي فإذا حضرت الصلاة فليؤذن لكم أحدكم وليؤمكم أكبركم (صحيح البخاري، الرقم: 631)
[5] عن أبي مالك الأشعري قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: الطهور شطر الإيمان … والصلاة نور … (صحيح مسلم، الرقم: 223)
[6] عن بريدة عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: بشر المشائين في الظلم إلى المساجد بالنور التام يوم القيامة (سنن أبي داود، الرقم: 561)
[7] عن عبد الله بن مسعود قال: حافظوا على هؤلاء الصلوات الخمس حيث ينادى بهن فإنهن من سنن الهدى وإن الله شرع لنبيه صلى الله عليه وسلم سنن الهدى ولقد رأيتنا وما يتخلف عنها إلا منافق بين النفاق ولقد رأيتنا وإن الرجل ليهادى بين الرجلين حتى يقام في الصف وما منكم من أحد إلا وله مسجد في بيته ولو صليتم في بيوتكم وتركتم مساجدكم تركتم سنة نبيكم صلى الله عليه وسلم ولو تركتم سنة نبيكم صلى الله عليه وسلم لكفرتم (سنن أبي داود، الرقم: 550 ، وفي صحيح مسلم، الرقم: 654: لضللتم بدل لكفرتم)
[8] عن أم حميد امرأة أبي حميد الساعدي أنها جاءت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقالت: يا رسول الله إني أحب الصلاة معك قال: قد علمت أنك تحبين الصلاة معي وصلاتك في بيتك خير من صلاتك في حجرتك وصلاتك في حجرتك خير من صلاتك في دارك وصلاتك في دارك خير من صلاتك في مسجد قومك وصلاتك في مسجد قومك خير من صلاتك في مسجدي قالت: فأمرت فبني لها مسجد في أقصى بيت في بيتها وأظلمه فكانت تصلي فيه حتى لقيت الله عز وجل (مجمع الزوائد، الرقم: 2106)
[9] عن أبي هريرة: أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: لو يعلم الناس ما في النداء والصف الأول ثم لم يجدوا إلا أن يستهموا عليه لاستهموا ولو يعلمون ما في التهجير لاستبقوا إليه ولو يعلمون ما في العتمة والصبح لأتوهما ولو حبوا (صحيح البخاري، الرقم: 615)
[10] قوله ويذكر أن قوما اختلفوا أخرجه سعيد بن منصور والبيهقي من طريق أبي عبيد كلاهما عن هشيم عن عبد الله بن شبرمة قال تشاح الناس في الأذان بالقادسية فاختصموا إلى سعد بن أبي وقاص فأقرع بينهم وهذا منقطع وقد وصله سيف بن عمر في الفتوح والطبري من طريقه عنه عن عبد الله بن شبرمة عن شقيق وهو أبو وائل قال افتتحنا القادسية صدر النهار فتراجعنا وقد أصيب المؤذن فذكره وزاد فخرجت القرعة لرجل منهم فأذن (فتح الباري: 2/96)
[11] عن أبي هريرة عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: أما يخشى أحدكم أو: لا يخشى أحدكم إذا رفع رأسه قبل الإمام أن يجعل الله رأسه رأس حمار أو يجعل الله صورته صورة حمار (صحيح البخاري، الرقم: 691)
[12] حكي عن بعض المحدثين أنه رحل إلى دمشق لأخذ الحديث عن شيخ مشهور بها، فقرأ عليه جملة، لكنه كان يجعل بينه وبينه حجابا ولم ير وجهه، فلما طالت ملازمته له رأى حرصه على الحديث كشف له الستر، فرأى وجهه وجه حمار فقال له: احذر يا بني أن تسبق الإمام، فإني لما مر بي في الحديث استبعدت وقوعه فسبقت الإمام فصار وجهي كما ترى (مرقاة المفاتيح: 3/879)
[13] عن أبي هريرة: أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم دخل المسجد فدخل رجل فصلى فسلم على النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فرد وقال: ارجع فصل فإنك لم تصل فرجع يصلي كما صلى ثم جاء فسلم على النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: ارجع فصل فإنك لم تصل ثلاثا فقال: والذي بعثك بالحق ما أحسن غيره فعلمني فقال: إذا قمت إلى الصلاة فكبر ثم اقرأ ما تيسر معك من القرآن ثم اركع حتى تطمئن راكعا ثم ارفع حتى تعدل قائما ثم اسجد حتى تطمئن ساجدا ثم ارفع حتى تطمئن جالسا وافعل ذلك في صلاتك كلها (صحيح البخاري، الرقم: 757، وفي الترمذي الرقم: 302 إذ جاءه رجل كالبدوي)
