| 2 Hadiths


Hadith
516
It was narrated from Abu Qatadah al-Ansari that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was praying whilst carrying Umamah, the daughter of Zaynab the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and of Abu’l-‘As ibn Rabi‘ah ibn ‘Abd Shams. When he prostrated he put her down, and when he stood up, he picked her up again..

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was kind and forbearing to old and young alike. He (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) loved children and was compassionate towards them.
In this hadith, Abu Qatadah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sometimes led them in an obligatory prayer whilst carrying his granddaughter Umamah, the daughter of Zaynab the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Her father’s name was Abu’l-‘As ibn ar-Rabi‘ ibn ‘Abd Shams. When the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) stood up, he carried her on his shoulder, as is narrated in as-Sahihayn, and when he bowed and prostrated, he put her down on the ground. Then when he rose from prostration and stood up for the second rak‘ah, he picked her up again, (and continued like that) until he finished his prayer. This indicates that it is permissible to carry children whilst praying, if there are no impure substances (najasah) on them, such as urine, stools and the like.
This hadith highlights the compassion and good attitude of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
It indicates that a slight movement whilst praying, picking up a child whilst praying, and other actions, even if they are many but not consecutive – rather they are intermittent – do not invalidate the prayer..

517
It was narrated that ‘Abdullah ibn Shaddad ibn al-Had said: My maternal aunt Maymunah bint al-Harith told me: My bed was next to the place where the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed, and sometimes part of his garment would fall on me whilst I was on my bed..

Commentary : Among the Jews, when a woman menstruated, they would expel her from the house; they would not eat with her, or drink with her or be with her in the same room. In Islamic teachings, however, the menstruating woman is not blamed for something that Allah has decreed for her; her entire body is pure (tahir) apart from the place where the hurt (i.e., menses) is.
This hadith is a brief part of a longer hadith in which the Mother of the Believers Maymunah (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to pray in her apartment, and the place where he prayed was next to her bed on which she would be sleeping, and when she was menstruating – as is mentioned in a report in al-Sahihayn – sometimes the garment of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would touch her whilst he was praying.
This indicates that the menstruating woman is not impure (najis) and it indicates that her garment that she wears whilst menstruating is pure (tahir). It also indicates that the menstruating woman may be close to one who is praying, and that does not affect his prayer or interrupt it. This is an example of the ways in which Islam makes things easier for women in all circumstances, and honours women, especially at the time of menses, whereas the Jews used to regard the menstruating woman as impure, so no one would go near her or eat with her..

520
It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: Whilst the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was standing in prayer at the Kaaba, and a group of Quraysh were sitting in one of their gatherings, one of them said: Look at this show-off! Which of you will go the recently slaughtered camel of the family of So-and-so, and bring its dung, blood and intestines, then wait until he prostrates and put it between his shoulders? The most wretched of them jumped up [and went and brought that filth], then when the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prostrated, he put it between his shoulders. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) remained in prostration, and the polytheists fell about laughing, then someone went to Faatimah (peace be upon her) – who was still a young girl – and she came running, whilst the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was still prostrating, and she lifted [that filth] off him and cast it aside, then she turned to them and berated them. When the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) finished his prayer, he said: “O Allah, I urge You to wreak vengeance upon Quraysh; O Allah, I urge You to wreak vengeance upon Quraysh; O Allah, I urge You to wreak vengeance upon Quraysh.” Then he said: “O Allah, I urge You to wreak vengeance upon ‘Amr ibn Hisham, ‘Utbah ibn Rabi‘ah, Shaybah ibn Rabi‘ah, al-Walid ibn ‘Utbah, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu‘ayt and ‘Umarah ibn al-Walid.” ‘Abdullah said: By Allah, I saw them fallen in battle on the day of Badr, then they were dragged to the dry well, the dry well of Badr. Then the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “And the people in the dry well were followed with a curse.”.

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was sorely mistreated by the polytheists, but he persevered in the face of many difficulties for the sake of spreading his call and conveying the message of his Lord. The polytheists persecuted him in Makkah and elsewhere, but he remained steadfast, seeking reward for that with Allah, in the hope that Allah (may He be glorified) would guide them to enter Islam.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) speaks of one of the kinds of mistreatment that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) endured at the hands of the disbelievers of Quraysh. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was standing in prayer at the Kaaba, and some of the disbelievers of Quraysh were sitting in one of their gatherings, when one of them said: Do you not see this showoff? referring to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). He falsely claimed that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was praying at the Kaaba in order to show off, so that people would see his worship. Then that man said: Which of you will go to the recently slaughtered camel of the family of So-and-so …? What is meant is that a specific person had recently slaughtered a camel; the word translated here as camel refers to an animal that has been slaughtered and is being cut up. He wanted someone to go and take the dung, blood and intestines of that camel and bring it to them, then wait until the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prostrated, then place that filth between his shoulders. The most wretched of the people, whose name was ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu‘ayt, went and did what they had agreed on. The polytheists laughed so much at the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that they found themselves leaning on one another in their laughter. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) remained in prostration, and someone – it may have been Ibn Mas‘ud himself (may Allah be pleased with him) – went to Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) and told her what had happened. At that time she was still very young. Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) came quickly, removed the filth from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), then turned to the polytheists and berated them.
When the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) finished his prayer, he prayed against them, saying: “O Allah, I urge You to wreak vengeance upon Quraysh; O Allah, I urge You to wreak vengeance upon Quraysh; O Allah, I urge You to wreak vengeance upon Quraysh.” In other words, destroy Quraysh. What is meant is the disbelievers among them, or those whom he named after that. The words were general in meaning but what was meant was specific individuals. Then he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed against specific individuals, as he said: “O Allah, I urge You to wreak vengeance upon ‘Amr ibn Hisham, ‘Utbah ibn Rabi‘ah, Shaybah ibn Rabi‘ah, al-Walid ibn ‘Utbah, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu‘ayt and ‘Umarah ibn al-Walid.” On the day of the battle of Badr – which took place in 2 AH, and was the first and greatest battle – all of those whom the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) had prayed against were killed, and were thrown into a dry well. When they were thrown into the dry well, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “And the people in the dry well were followed with a curse,” meaning that Allah followed them with a curse, so that just as they were killed in this world, they will be cast out from the mercy of Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) in the hereafter.
This hadith highlights a clear miracle of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), as his supplication was answered and each of those against whom he had prayed was killed..

521
It was narrated from Ibn Shihab that ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz delayed the prayer one day. ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr went to him and told him that al-Mughirah ibn Shu‘bah delayed the prayer one day when he was in Iraq, then Abu Mas‘ud al-Ansari came to him and said: What is this, O Mughirah? Do you not know that Jibril (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) came down and prayed, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed; then he prayed, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed; then he prayed, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed; then he prayed, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed; then he prayed, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed – then he said: Thus I have been commanded? ‘Umar said to ‘Urwah: Watch what you are saying! Are you saying that Jibril was the one who defined the times of prayer for the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)? ‘Urwah said: That is what Bashir ibn Abi Mas‘ud used to narrate from his father.
‘Urwah said: ‘A’ishah told me that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to pray ‘Asr when the sun was shining into her apartment, before the apartment became shady..

Commentary : Praying at the beginning of the time for the prayer, and hastening to do so, is among the best of deeds by means of which one may draw closer to Allah (may He be exalted). The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained the times of prayer in both his words and his actions. The Sahabah after him were careful to offer the prayers on time, and they encouraged one another to do that.
In this hadith, it says that when ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr saw ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz – who at that time was the governor of Madinah, during the caliphate of ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan – delaying the prayer, namely ‘Asr prayer, one day, he went to him and told him that al-Mughirah ibn Shu‘bah (may Allah be pleased with him) delayed the prayer one day when he was in Iraq, and Abu Mas‘ud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) went to him and objected to his doing that. He said to him: Do you not know that Jibril came down and prayed, and the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed? He was referring to the time when Jibril came down to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and led him in prayer at the times of all five daily prayers; thus he taught the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) when the times for the prayers began and when the prayers are to be performed. In other words, he explained the times of prayer to him, and that delaying the prayer from that time to the time when ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz prayed was something that was not narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). The words “Thus I have been commanded” are the words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz said to ‘Urwah: Watch what you are saying! In other words, verify what you are narrating; are you saying that Jibril was the one who defined the times of prayer for the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)? From this question of ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz – was it Jibril who taught the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) the times of the prayers? – it seems that he was not aware of this hadith. So ‘Urwah said to him: That is what Bashir ibn Abi Mas‘ud used to narrate from his father, meaning that this was the isnad (chain of narrators) of the report, so that he would know that it was sahih (sound), with an uninterrupted isnad.
Then ‘Urwah said, as further confirmation: ‘A’ishah the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her) told me that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to pray ‘Asr when the sun was shining into her apartment, before the apartment became shady. What is meant is that the sun was still high; in other words, he used to offer the prayer at the beginning of its time.
This hadith urges the Muslim to pray at the beginning of the time for the prayer, especially in the case of ‘Asr prayer, and that delaying the prayer may take it to the time when it is not allowed and it is makruh (disliked) to pray.
It also indicates that it is prescribed for the scholar to advise one who is in a position of authority.
And it indicates that one may request verification of a hadith from the one who narrates it..

526
It was narrated from Ibn Mas‘ud that a man kissed a woman, then he came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and told him about that. Then Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) revealed the verse: {And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds} [Hud 11:114]. The man said: O Messenger of Allah is this for me? He said: “It is for all of my ummah.”.

Commentary : One of the means that help a person to repent is being keen to increase the number of righteous deeds that he does, so that most of his time will be spent in worshipping Allah and his heart will always be thinking of doing righteous deeds. One of these means of expiating sin is prayer.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a man kissed a woman who was not permissible for him. Then he came to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and told him what had happened. Then Allah revealed this verse: {And establish prayer at the two ends of the day} [Hud 11:114]. That is, establish the obligatory prayers at the beginning and end of the day, namely Fajr, Zuhr and ‘Asr; {and in some hours of the night} that is, and establish prayer during the night hours, namely Maghrib and ‘Isha’; {Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds} – righteous deeds, such as prayer and other actions, expiate minor sins. The man asked the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): O Messenger of Allah, is this ruling for me alone? The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “It is for all of my ummah.” This was affirmation after affirmation from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that this included both those who were present and those who were absent. In other words, it is for them, and you are one of them.
This expiation is only for minor sins. In the case of major sins, complete repentance is required, fulfilling all the necessary conditions.
This hadith highlights the extent of Allah’s mercy to His slaves, and that He accepts the repentance of those who repent..

527
It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: I asked the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): Which deed is most beloved to Allah? He said: “Prayer offered on time.” He said: Then which? He said: “Then honouring one’s parents.” He said: Then which? He said: “Jihad in Allah’s cause.” He told me these, and if I had asked for more, he would have told me more..

Commentary : The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) – because of their keenness to do that which would bring them closer to the pleasure of Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) – often asked the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) about the best deeds and those which would bring them closest to Allah (may He be exalted). The responses of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) varied from one person to another, according to their character and situation, and what would be most beneficial for each of them.
In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) asks the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): Which deed is most beloved to Allah? The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) answered that the most beloved of deeds to Allah (may He be exalted) and the most pleasing to Him is prayer offered at the beginning of its time. That means that the Muslim regularly offers the prayer after hearing the adhan. Mentioning the best time to pray serves to urge and encourage the Muslim to hasten to pray, and not be lazy or delay offering the prayer, because offering the prayer at the beginning of its time indicates that one is keen to do it, and that the Muslim acknowledges the rights of Allah and honours them, that he offers the prayer at the time when it becomes obligatory, without delaying or procrastinating, and that he is not among those of whom Allah (may He be exalted) says: {So woe to those who pray, [But] who are heedless of their prayer} [al-Ma‘un 107:4-5] – they are the ones who delay the prayer from the best time to offer it, or even until its time has ended. Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told him that the next most beloved deed to Allah is honouring one’s parents, by treating them kindly and serving them, and not defiantly disobeying them. That was because Ibn Mas‘ud had a mother, so he needed to be reminded about honouring his parents after the prayer, because prayer is the right of Allah and the rights of parents come after the rights of Allah (may He be glorified and exalted, as He says: {Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination} [Luqman 31:14]. Then Ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) asked which deed was most beloved to Allah (may He be exalted) after honouring one’s parents, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told him that it is jihad in Allah’s cause, to make the word of Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) supreme, offering one’s life and wealth, so that the symbols and rituals of Islam may be practised openly.
What is meant is that the best of deeds is fulfilling the rights of Allah that He has enjoined upon His slaves, the best of which is prayer offered on time, then fulfilling the rights of His slaves, the most important of which is honouring one’s parents. And the pinnacle of deeds is jihad in Allah’s cause.
It was said that the wisdom behind singling out these three things for mention – prayer on time, honouring one’s parents, and jihad – is because these three are the best of deeds after faith. The one who neglects the prayer – which is the foundation of faith – at the time when he is aware of its virtue, is more likely to neglect other matters of religion, be careless about them and take them lightly. Similarly, the one who fails to honour his parents is more likely to neglect other rights of people. By the same token, the one who neglects jihad in Allah’s cause – even though he is able to do it when it becomes an individual obligation for him –is more likely to neglect other deeds by means of which he may draw closer to Allah (may He be exalted).
Then Ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that if he had asked the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to tell him about more deeds, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would not have refused to tell him of the best deeds.
This hadith highlights the keenness of the Sahabah and of Ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) to seek out the most sublime of deeds.
It also indicates that Muslims are urged to pray when the time for the prayer begins, to honour their parents, and to strive in jihad in Allah’s cause..

528
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that he heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “Do you think, if there were a river at the door of one of you in which he bathed five times every day, would there be any trace of dirt left on him?” They said: There would be no trace of dirt left on him. He said: “That is the likeness of the five daily prayers; Allah erases sins by means of them.”.

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was the best teacher and the most eloquent of the people in speech. One of the effective ways in which he educated and taught people was by making knowledge straightforward and easy to understand, by giving tangible likenesses to make things clearer.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) gives the likeness of how sins are erased by means of the five daily prayers, as he likened the five daily prayers to a river at the door of a person in which he bathes five times every day. Just as all dirt would be removed from him, so that there would be no trace of dirt left on him, in like manner the five daily prayers erase sins and misdeeds until there is nothing left of them.
The reason for that is that just as a person may become contaminated with physical dirt on his body and clothes, which he cleanses by means of abundant water, by the same token, the prayers cleanse a person of the dirt of sin, until there is no sin left that has not been expiated and removed, so long as he avoids major sins, as it was narrated in a sahih report by Muslim that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The five daily prayers, one Jumu‘ah to the next, and one Ramadan to the next, are expiation for what comes between them, so long as major sins are avoided.”
The view of many scholars is that the prayers expiate all minor sins, so long as one does not persist in them, because by persisting in them they become major sins. As for major sins, they require complete repentance, fulfilling all the necessary conditions..

529
It was narrated that Anas said: I cannot recognize anything of what you do that is the same as it was at the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). It was said: What about prayer? He said: Are you not neglecting what you are neglecting in it?.

Commentary : Prayer is the foundation and basis of faith, on which the rest is built. Whoever upholds it as the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did it, will uphold other things, but whoever neglects it will be more neglectful with regard to other duties.
In this hadith, Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) says: I cannot recognize anything of what you do that is the same as it was at the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). According to another report, that was in Damascus, and what he was referring to was the neglect of some sunnahs and much of what was done at the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Some of those who heard him were astonished, and it was said: What about the prayer? Meaning that prayer is something that was known at the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and was still practised. Anas said: Are you not neglecting what you are neglecting in it? What he meant was: that they delayed it from its proper time, or until the time for it ended.
According to a report narrated by Ahmad: “You prayed when the sun was setting.” His aim was to warn them against delaying ‘Asr prayer from the beginning of its time, until the time when prayer is not allowed and it is disliked (makruh) to pray.
This hadith highlights the keenness of the Sahabah to uphold the sunnahs of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and to warn against being heedless with regard to prayer..

532
It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Prostrate properly, and do not rest your forearms on the ground as a dog does. If you spit, then do not spit in front of you or to your right, for you are conversing with your Lord.”.

Commentary : The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to teach his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) how to pray, and the etiquette and sunnahs of prayer.
In this hadith, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructs the Muslim to prostrate properly when praying, by resting on his feet (toes), knees, hands and face. The worshipper should not rest his forearms on the ground when prostrating, as a dog rests, which means placing the hands and the elbows on the ground.
Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) forbade spitting – which means ejecting mucus from the mouth or nose – whilst praying or whilst one is in the mosque. Thus he forbade the worshipper to spit in front of him, which is the direction of the qiblah, or to spit to his right, because that is the honourable side, and all honourable actions are started on the right. That is because the person – whether he is praying or is in the mosque – is standing before his Lord, so he must adhere to proper etiquette and not do anything that it is not appropriate to do before Him (may He be glorified and exalted). Other reports explain that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructed the worshipper, if he cannot help but spit, to spit to his left or under his foot, in order to bury it, or to spit into the edge of his garment if he cannot spit in any of those directions. The Muslim should take precautions to avoid contaminating the mosque with spittle on the ground, especially if the mosque is carpeted, and he is able to use a handkerchief or the edge of his garment to spit into if he is praying. But if he is not praying, then he can exit the mosque and go somewhere else where he can clean his mouth and nose. This comes under the heading of proper etiquette and respecting the mosque..

539
It was narrated that Abu Dharr al-Ghifari said: We were with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) on a journey, and the mu’adhdhin wanted to give the call to prayer for Zuhr, but the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Wait until it cools down.” Then he wanted to give the call to prayer, but the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to him: “Wait until it cools down.” Then when we saw the shadow of the high ground begin to appear, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Intense heat is from the exhalation of Hell, so when it is intensely hot, wait until it cools down before you pray.”.

Commentary : There are many examples that illustrate the easy-going nature of Islamic teachings. One example of that is that for each prayer there is a considerable amount of time during which the prayer may be offered, so as to avoid hardship and difficulty.
In this hadith, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) tells us that they were with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) on a journey, and the mu’adhdhin wanted to give the call to prayer for Zuhr, but the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told him to delay it until it had cooled down and the heat had dissipated, so he sat down. Then after a while he wanted to give the call to prayer, but the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to him: “Wait until it cools down.” Then when they saw the shadow of the high ground begin to appear, as a result of the delay, at that point the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Intense heat is from the exhalation of hell – meaning from its scorching heat – so when it is intensely hot, wait until it cools down before you pray.” In the case of Zuhr, waiting until it cools down means delaying going out to offer the prayer until it has cooled down and the heat has reduced in comparison to the heat at the beginning of the noontime..

541
It was narrated from Abu Barzah that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and one of us could recognize the person next to him, and in the prayer he would recite between sixty and one hundred verses. He would pray Zuhr when the sun passed the meridian, and he would pray ‘Asr then one of us would go to the furthest part of the city and come back when the sun was still bright – and I forgot what he said about Maghrib – and we would not mind if ‘Isha’ was delayed until one third of the night had passed. Then he said: until half of the night had passed. Mu‘adh said: Shu‘bah said: I met him once, and he said: or one third of the night..

Commentary : The best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). He taught his ummah everything having to do with religious matters, including prayer, its timings and how to do it, because of its great importance in Islamic teachings.
In this hadith, Abu Barzah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and one of us would recognize the person next to him. This indicates that the dawn had grown so light that a worshipper could recognize the person next to him. That was at the end of the prayer; he would make the prayer lengthy and would not finish it until things had become visible and faces had become recognizable. In the prayer he would recite between sixty and one hundred verses.
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would pray Zuhr straight after the sun had passed the meridian in the middle of the day, when the sun started to decline from the middle of the sky.
He (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would pray ‘Asr at such a time that one of them would be able to go to the furthest part of Madinah and come back, and the sun would still be shining strongly, very hot and bright. This indicates that he offered the prayer at the beginning of its time.
Then the narrator, Abu’l-Minhal, says that he forgot what Abu Barzah (may Allah be pleased with him) told him about the time when they used to pray Maghrib.
Abu Barzah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: we would not mind if ‘Isha’ was delayed until one third of the night had passed. Then he said: until half of the night had passed. In other words, sometimes they would pray ‘Isha’ after one third, or one half, of the night had passed, because of its virtue. Concerning the virtue of delaying it there is a report narrated by Abu Dawud, according to which the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Offer this prayer when it is very dark, for you have been given precedence over other nations because of it; no nation before you ever had a prayer like it.”.

542
It was narrated that Anas ibn Malik said: When we prayed Zuhr behind the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), we would prostrate on our garments to protect ourselves from the heat..

Commentary : Islam is a religion of mercy and ease in all its laws and teachings, and in the application of its teachings, as it takes into consideration an individual’s ability, without causing undue hardship.
In this hadith, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) says: When we prayed Zuhr behind the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), we would pray on our garments. They used to use the edges of their garments when prostrating, placing the cloth between their foreheads and the ground, to protect themselves from the intense heat. That is because in the summer, when temperatures are high, Zuhr prayer is offered during the hottest time of the day, as a result of which the ground is extremely hot.
This hadith indicates that it is permissible to take measures to help one do acts of worship without facing any harm or difficulty..

543
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed seven [rak‘ahs] and eight [rak‘ahs] in Madinah: Zuhr and ‘Asr, and Maghrib and ‘Isha’. Ayyub said: Perhaps that was on a rainy night? He said: Perhaps..

Commentary : In this hadith, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that when he was in Madinah, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) prayed seven [rak‘ahs], meaning that he put ‘Maghrib and ‘Isha’ together, so he delayed Maghrib until the end of its time, when he prayed it with three rak‘ahs, and when he finished it, the time for ‘Isha’ began and he prayed it with four rak‘ahs.
And he prayed eight [rak‘ahs], meaning that he put Zuhr and ‘Asr together in a similar manner. So he delayed Zuhr until the end of its time, and when he had prayed it with four [rak‘ahs], its time had ended and the time for ‘Asr began, so he prayed ‘Asr with four rak‘ahs.
Ayyub – namely Ayyub al-Sakhtiyani, the narrator of the hadith, and the one to whom he spoke was Jabir ibn Zayd – said: Perhaps this delay was on a very rainy night? Jabir ibn Zayd said: Perhaps that was on a rainy night. This was an expression of hope on his part that that had happened on a rainy night, because usually the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did not delay a prayer from the beginning of its time except for a valid reason and hardship that required the concession allowing a delay.
This hadith indicates that Islam aims to make things easy and avoid causing difficulty, and that it is permissible to avail oneself of concessions with regard to acts of worship..

547
It was narrated that Sayyar ibn Salamah said: My father and I went to see Abu Barzah al-Aslami, and my father said to him: How did the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) offer the obligatory prayers? He said: He used to pray al-hajir [Zuhr] – which you call the first prayer – when the sun passed the zenith. He would pray ‘Asr, then one of us would be able to go to his residence in the furthest part of Madinah when the sun was still bright – and I forgot what he said about Maghrib – and he liked to delay ‘Isha’ – which you call al-‘atamah (lit. darkness) – and he did not like to sleep before it or to talk after it. He would finish Fajr prayer when a man could recognize the person next to him, and he would recite between sixty and one hundred verses..

Commentary : This hadith highlights the eagerness of the Tabi‘in to seek knowledge of the Sunnah and their keenness to follow the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). In it, Sayyar ibn Salamah, who was one of the Tabi‘in, went with his father Salamah to see Abu Barzah al-Aslami (may Allah be pleased with him). Salamah the father of Sayyar asked him about the prayer of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and how he used to offer the obligatory prayers that Allah (may He be exalted) prescribed for His slaves. Abu Barzah (may Allah be pleased with him) answered by telling him that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to offer al-hajir prayer – the word hajir refers to extreme heat; what is meant here is Zuhr prayer, and it is so called because the time for the prayer begins then. They also used to call Zuhr the first prayer, because it was the first prayer in which Jibril (peace be upon him) led the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). So the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) would offer this prayer when the sun passed the meridian and began to decline from the middle of the sky towards the west. What that implies is that he used to pray Zuhr at the beginning of its time.
Then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to hasten to pray ‘Asr; he would pray it so early in its time that one of those who had prayed with him could go to his home in the furthest part of Madinah when the sun was still bright and its light and heat had not changed. The narrator forgot what Abu Barzah said about Maghrib prayer. Then Abu Barzah said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) liked to delay ‘Isha’ prayer because of the virtue that there is in that. Concerning the virtue of delaying it there is the report narrated by Abu Dawud, which says that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Offer this prayer when it is very dark, for you have been given precedence over other nations because of it; no nation before you ever had a prayer like it.” This is the prayer you call al-‘atamah (lit. darkness); al-‘atamah refers to the darkness that appears after the red afterglow disappears. This indicates that this prayer should not be called by this name. It is disliked (makruh) to sleep before ‘Isha’, for fear that one may end up praying it after its time has ended. It is also disliked to speak about worldly matters after it, because that may lead to missing out on praying qiyam al-layl and Fajr.
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to finish praying, or turn towards the congregation after praying Fajr, when a man could recognize the person next to him. This indicates that the dawn had grown so light that a worshipper could recognize the person next to him. That was at the end of the prayer; he would make the prayer lengthy and would not finish it until things had become visible and faces had become recognizable. In the prayer he would recite between sixty and one hundred verses..

548
It was narrated that Anas ibn Malik said: We would pray ‘Asr, then one of us would go out to Banu ‘Amr ibn ‘Awf, and find them praying ‘Asr..

Commentary : The Sahabah were very keen to teach the people and the Tabi‘in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and the times of the prayer, and how it is to be done.
In this hadith, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that they used to pray ‘Asr with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), then one of them would go out to Banu ‘Amr ibn ‘Awf and find them still praying ‘Asr. This indicates that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to pray ‘Asr very early. That was because the houses of Banu ‘Amr ibn ‘Awf were in Quba’, two miles away from Madinah. They used to pray ‘Asr in the middle of its time, because they were busy working in their fields, then when they had finished their work, they would get ready to pray by purifying themselves and so on, then they would gather for the prayer. So they would delay the prayer until the middle of its time for that reason.
The beginning of the time for ‘Asr – as is stated in the reports – is when the sun is in the sky and the length of the shadow of a thing is double its height.
This hadith indicates that one may delay ‘Asr so long as the time when praying is disliked (makruh) has not yet begun, because during the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), some of the Sahabah used to offer this prayer later than he did, and what appears to be the case is that he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was aware of that and approved of it..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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