Haid

Haid dan Hikmahnya

Menurut bahasa, haid berarti sesuatu yang mengalir. Dan menurut istilah Syara� ialah darah yang terjadi pada wanita secara alami, bukan karena sesuatu sebab, dan pada waktu tertentu. Pembatasan pada pengertian terakhir ini sangat diperlukan, untuk dapat membedakan antara darah haid, istihadhah dan nifas. Dimana ketiganya lazim dialami oleh kaum wanita. Darah haid bersifat normal, bukan disebabkan oleh suatu penyakit, luka, keguguran atau pun kelahiran.

Seperti yang kita ketahui, darah haid berasal dari penebalan dinding rahim untuk mempersiapkan proses pembentukan janin yang nantinya berfungsi sebagai sumber makanan bagi janin yang ada dalam kandungan seorang ibu. Oleh karenanya, seorang wanita yang hamil, tidak akan mendapatkan haid lagi, Begitu juga dengan wanita yang menyusui, biasanya tidak akan mendapatkannya terutama diawal masa penyusuan. Adapun hikmah yang bisa kita petik didalamnya adalah Maha Mulia Allah, Dialah sebaik-baiknya pencipta, yang telah menciptakan gumpalan darah di rahim seorang ibu sebagai sumber makanan instant bagi janin didalamnya, yang tentu saja dia belum bisa mencerna makanan apalagi mendapatkan makanan dari luar kandungan. Maha Bijaksana Allah Subhanahu wa ta�ala yang telah mengeluarkan darah tersebut dari rahim seorang wanita yang tidak hamil melalui siklus haid karena memang tidak membutuhkannya. Dengan begitu, kondisi rahim seorang wanita akan selalu siap bila ada janin didalamnya.

Usia dan Masa Haid

Haid pada umumnya dialami oleh seorang wanita pada usia antara 12 sampai dengan 50 tahun, walaupun hal ini bukanlah batasan yang pasti. Para ulama, rahimahullah, berbeda pendapat tentang hal ini. Ad-Darimi, setelah menyebutkan perbedaan pendapat dalam masalah tersebut, menyatakan: “Hal ini semua, menurut saya, keliru. Sebab yang menjadi acuan adalah keberadaan darah. Seberapapun adanya, dalam kondisi bagaimanapun, dan pada usia berapa pun, darah tersebut wajib dihukumi sebagai darah haid. Wallahu a�lam.” Pendapat ini didukung oleh Syaikhul Islam Ibnu Taimiyah. Jadi usia haid tergantung dengan keberadaan darah haid itu sendiri, tidak dibatasi usia tertentu. Dan ini menjadi sandaran hukum atasnya karena memang tidak ada dalil yang memastikan pembatasan usia wanita yang mengalami haid.

Adapun masa terjadinya haid, para ulama juga berbeda pendapat. Ibnu Mundzir mengatakan: “Ada kelompok yang berpendapat bahwa masa haid tidak mempunyai batasan berapa hari minimal atau maksimalnya”. Pendapat ini didukung juga oleh Syaikhul Islam Ibnu Taimiyah. Dan memang itulah yang benar berdasarkan Al Qur�an, Sunnah dan logika. Dalil-dalilnya sebagai berikut:

“Mereka bertanya kepadamu tentang haid. Katakanlah:”Haid itu adalah suatu kotoran”. Oleh sebab itu, hendaklah kamu menjauhkan diri dari wanita di waktu haid; dan janganlah kamu mendekati mereka sebelum mereka suci�” (Al-Baqarah:222)


Yang dimaksud “jangan mendekati” disini adalah dilarang jima�/senggama ketika wanita tersebut sedang mendapatkan haid.

Dalam ayat diatas diterangkan oleh Allah bahwa yang menjadi batas akhir larangan adalah “kesucian”, bukan berlalunya waktu sehari, dua hari, atau pun lima belas hari. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa batasan masa haid tergantung pada ada tidaknya darah tersebut, karena setelah darah tersebut berhenti mengalir maka wanita dikatakan telah masuk masa suci.


Dalam Shahih Muslim disebutkan bahwasannya Rasulullah Shalalahu �alaihi wassalam bersabda kepada Aisyah yang mendapatkan haid ketika ihram untuk umrah:


“Lakukanlah apa yang dilakukan jamaah haji, hanya saja jangan melakukan thawaf di ka�bah sebelum kamu suci”.


Dan berkata Aisyah:”Setelah masuk hari raya kurban, barulah aku suci”.


Hadist ini juga menyatakan bahwa yang menjadi batas akhir larangan (karena haid) adalah “kesucian” itu sendiri.


Adapun dalil secara logika adalah, jika Allah menerangkan bahwa haid itu kotoran, maka pada waktu kotoran itu ada, maka haid itu pun ada. Tidak tergantung pada hukum kepastian berapa lama masanya. Jika terjadi silang pendapat diantara ulama yang memberikan batasan berapa masa haid, hal ini justru menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada dalil yang menjadi patokan adanya pembatasan masa tersebut. Namun, semua itu adalah ijtihad yang bisa benar dan juga bisa salah. Sehingga tidak ada yang menjadi lebih baik daripada yang lainnya diantara pendapat-pendapat tersebut. Dan kembali kepada hukum awal, jika ada perselisihan dalam penentuan hukum syar�i maka penyelesaiannya adalah kembali kepada kitabullah dan sunnah yang memang tidak menjelaskan adanya dalil pembatasan masa haid. Jika memang Allah menentukan masa yang pasti untuk haid, maka Allah dan Rasul-Nya pasti akan menjelaskan secara gamblang, hal ini penting sekali, sebab masa haid berkaitan dengan hukum-hukum ibadah yang lain seperti shalat, puasa, haji, nikah, talak, warisan. Ini lah pendapat yang paling rajih di kalangan ulama. Syaikhul Islam Ibnu Taimiyah berkata:


“Pada prinsipnya, setiap darah yang keluar dari rahim adalah haid. Kecuali jika ada bukti yang menunjukkan bahwa darah itu Istihadhah.”


Mengenai darah istihadhah dan juga nifas akan dibahas lebih lanjut. Sehingga alangkah perlunya bagi kaum wanita untuk dapat membedakan antara darah haid, istihadhah dan juga nifas.



Masa Haid yang Tidak Teratur

Ada beberapa wanita yang mengeluh masa haidnya biasanya enam sampai tujuh hari, tetapi tiba-tiba berubah sampai lebih dari masa kelaziman tersebut. Ada juga yang mengeluh, biasanya waktu haidnya diawal bulan, berubah menjadi diakhir bulan. Sebagian lagi mengalami masa haid yang terputus-putus, sehari haid, kemudian sehari berhenti, besoknya haid lagi dan seterusnya. Untuk lebih detail akan dibahas dibawah ini tentang kondisi-kondisi tak lazim diatas.


a. Bertambah, berkurang, maju dan mundurnya masa haid

Para ulama berbeda pendapat dalam menghukumi ketidaklaziman ini. Namun, bertolak dari pendapat yang paling rajih bahwa hukum haid dikaitkan dengan keberadaan haid itu sendiri, maka pendapat yang benar adalah seorang wanita jika mendapatkan darah (haid) maka dia berada dalam masa haid, dan jika tidak mendapatkannya maka dia dalam keadaan suci, meskipun masa haidnya melebihi atau kurang dari kebiasaannya serta maju atau mundur dari waktu kebiasaannya.


Pendapat diatas merupakan madzab Imam Syafi�i dan menjadi pilihan Syaikhul Islam Ibnu Taimiyah. Ibnu Qudamah Al-Hanbali (pengarang kitab Al-Mughni) pun ikut menguatkan pendapat ini dan membelanya dengan menyatakan:”Andaikata adat kebiasaan menjadi dasar pertimbangan menurut yang disebutkan dalam madzab, niscaya dijelaskan oleh Nabi Shalalllahu �alaihi wassalam kepada umatnya dan tidak ditunda-tunda lagi penjelasannya, karena tidak mungkin beliau menunda-nunda penjelasan pada saat dibutuhkan. Istri-istri beliau dan kaum wanita lainnya pun mebutuhkan penjelasan tersebut, maka beliau tidak akan mengabaikannya. Namun, ternyata tidak ada riwayat yang menyatakan Rasulullah shalallahu �alaihi wassalam pernah menyebutkan tentang adat kebiasaan ini atau menjelaskannya kecuali yang berkenaan wanita yang istihadhah saja”.

b. Darah haid yang keluar terputus-putus,
 misalnya, hari ini keluar, besok tidak keluar, atau yang sejenisnya. Dalam hal ini terdapat 2 kondisi:

Kondisi pertama, jika hal tersebut selalu terjadi pada seorang wanita setiap waktu (bukan masa haid), maka darah itu adalah darah istihadhah, dan berlaku baginya hukum istihadah.

Kondisi kedua, jika hal tersebut tidak selalu terjadi atau kadangkala saja datang dan mempunyai saat suci yang tepat (berdasarkan kebiasaannya setiap bulan), maka menurut pendapat yang paling shahih, jika belum keluar lendir putih sebagai tanda masa haid berakhir, masa tersebut (masa darah terputus) masih dihukumi masa haid. Karena jika masa terputus tersebut dihukumi masa suci hal itu pastilah akan menyulitkan penghitungan masa iddah berdasarkan quru� (haid dan suci), dan juga akan memberatkan karena harus keramas beberapa kali. Padahal tiadaklah syari�at itu menyulitkan.

c. Terjadi pengeringan darah,
yakni, seorang wanita tidak mendapatkan selain lembab atau basah saja di kemaluannya. Jika hal ini terjadi pada saat masa haid atau bersambung dengan haid sebelum suci, maka dihukumi sebagai haid. Tetapi jika terjadi setelah masa suci, maka tidak termasuk haid.

Sifat Darah Haid

Darah haid pada umumnya berwarna merah kehitaman dan berbau tidak sedap dan keluarnya tidak mengucur seperti keluarnya urine, serta terjadi pada kelaziman masa haid. Seorang wanita yang mendapati darahnya berwarna kuning seperti nanah atau keruh antara kekuning-kuningan dan kehitam-hitaman, jika hal itu terjadi pada saat masa haid atau bersambung dengan haid sebelum suci, maka itu adalah haid dan berlaku baginya hukum-hukum haid.Tetapi jika terjadi sesudah masa suci, maka hal itu bukan lah darah haid. Hal ini berdasarkan riwayat dari Ummu Athiyah Radhiyallahu �anha:

“Kami tidak menganggap apa-apa darah yang berwarna kuning atau keruh sesudah suci”. (HR Abu Dawud)

Demikian juga diriwayatkan oleh Al-Bukhari tentang hadist yang menceritakan bahwa kaum wanita pernah mengirimkan kepada Aisyah sehelai kain berisi kapas yang terdapat padanya darah berwarna kuning. Maka Aisyah berkata:

“Janganlah tergesa-gesa sebelum kamu melihat lendir putih”, yaitu cairan putih yang keluar saat habis masa haid.

Aqeedah at Tawheed – Nifaq (Hypocrisy) page 4

a. Definition:

Linguistically, Nifaq is derived from the hole of rats or mice that is, articles holes in the grounds, when that animal is chased from one hole he would exit from another one, or it means a tunnel or a subterranean excavation used for hiding.

In the Sharee'ah: Nifaq (hypocrisy) means a pretense of loving Islam while concealing Kufr and evil. A hypocrite is given this appellation because he enters the religion from one door and exits from another. Hence, Allah, the Exalted, cautioned against hypocrites saying: "Verily, hypocrites are the rebellious." [Soorah at-Tawbah (9): 67]

The rebellious are those who rebel against the Islamic laws, Allah considers the hypocrites as more evil than the infidels saying: "Verily, the hypocrites shall be in the lowest level of fire." [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 145]

And Allah, the Exalted, says: "The hypocrites (think) that they deceive Allah when in fact it is Allah who deceives them." [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 142]

Allah also says: "They (think) that they deceive Allah and the believers, but they deceive only themselves, but they do not know. In their hearts is a disease, and Allah has increased their disease to them; and for them is a grievous punishment." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 9-10]




B. Types of Hypocrisy:


Hypocrisy is of two types:

The first type: Doctrinal hypocrisy which is major hypocrisy; the one who upholds it displays Islam and conceals infidelity. This type constitutes absolute apostasy, and condemns those who uphold it to the lowest level of Hell-Fire. Allah has described its people as possessing evil characteristics; such as Kufr, lack of Eemaan, derision of faith and its people and inclining entirely to the enemies of Islam for sharing their hostility. Such people exist in every age, particularly when Islam prevails and they cannot resist it publicly, therefore they pretend to be Muslims in order to plot against it and its people privately. And because they live with the Muslims, they ensure the safety of their blood and properties. A hypocrite displays his belief in Allah and His Angels and His Books and His Messengers and the Final Day, while in fact, he is far from believing in all that, rather the denies all that and does not believe in Allah.

Allah has uttered a speech which He revealed to a human and made him a messenger to mankind to guide them with His permission, threaten them, and warn them against His punishment. Allah has revealed those hypocrites and exposed their secrets in the Qur'aan and unveiled to His slaves the conditions of the hypocrites in order to be cautious against them.

In the beginning of Soorah al-Baqarah, Allah, the Exalted, classifies mankind into three categories; the believers, the infidels and the hypocrites. He revealed four verses with respect to the believers and two verses with respect to the infidels while he revealed thirteen verses with respect to the hypocrites due to their large number and severity of their affliction and commonness of their deception, and severity of their hostility against Islam and its people. For the affliction Islam suffers through them is intensive because they are counted as Muslims and supporters of Islam, while in fact they are it enemies. They express their enmity to Islam in every form which the ignorant thinks of it as knowledge and reform, while in fact it is utter ignorance and corruption. [Excepts from an epistle on the traits of the hypocrites by Ibn al-Qayyim]

Doctrinal hypocrisy is of six kinds



1. Denying the Messenger (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam)



2. Denying part of what the Messenger (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam) was sent with



3. Hating the Messenger (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam)



4. Hating some of what the Messenger (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam) was sent with.



5. Rejoicing over the decline of the deen of the Messenger (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam).



6. Resenting the prevalence of the deen of the Prophet (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam).

The second type: Practical hypocrisy; (that is) possessing a trait of the hypocrites while retaining Eemaan in the heart. This does not constitute apostasy, but it is considered as a means to it. A person who upholds it combines both, Eemaan and hypocrisy. When the latter prevails, he becomes a sheer hypocrite. The proof of this is the statement of the Prophet (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam): "Four traits, whoever possesses them is a sheer hypocrite. And whoever possesses one of them would possess a trait of hypocrisy until he relinquishes it. When he is entrusted, he betrays trust, and when he speaks, he lies, when he enters into a treaty, he behaves treacherously, and when he disputes with others, he behaves immorally." [Agreed upon]

A person who combines these four traits, has indeed combined all evil and all the traits of hypocrisy. But he who has one of them, he possesses a trait of hypocrisy. A person may possess traits of both goodness and evil, as well as Eemaan, Kufr and hypocrisy, he would deserve rewards and punishment in accordance with the traits which necessitates either of them, such as being lazy to attend congregational prayer in the Masjid, for this is a hypocrite's behavior. Hypocrisy is evil and very dangerous of which the Companions were scared. Ibn Abi Malikah said: "I have met thirty of the Companions of the Messenger (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam), all of whom were afraid of falling into hypocrisy."



The Differences between Major and Minor Hypocrisy:


1. Major hypocrisy constitutes apostasy, while minor hypocrisy does not.


2. Major hypocrisy signifies dissimilarity between the inner and outer beliefs, while minor hypocrisy signifies dissimilarity between public and private actions, not beliefs.


3. Major hypocrisy does not belong to a believers, while minor hypocrisy may belong to a believer.



4. A person who upholds major hypocrisy does not usually repent, but even if he does so, scholars are at variance with regards to accepting his repentance by a judge. Whereas minor hypocrisy when one upholds it and repents to Allah, Allah will accept his repentance. Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "Many a times a believer would possess a trait of hypocrisy and Allah would forgive him, and he may be subject to what may dictate hypocrisy, but Allah guards him against it.


A believers may be subject to Shaytaanic and Kufr suggestions with which his chest becomes straitened. A Companion said: "O Messenger of Allah! One of us would have some thoughts in his mind that he would rather fall down to earth from the sky than to utter them." The Prophet (sallallahu alihe wa-sallam) said: "That is the pure Eemaan." In another version, "When one feels it is terrifying to utter those thoughts, he should say, "All praise is due to Allah, who reduced the plotting of Shaytaan into mere suggestions." That is to say, having such suggestions along with intensive abhorrence of them and repulsing them from the heart is an expression of pure Eemaan."


As for those who uphold major hypocrisy, Allah describes them saying: "They are deaf, dumb, blind, so they will not return." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 18]

This is to say, they will not return to Islam internally.

Allah, the Exalted, also says: “And whenever there comes down a Sûrah (chapter from the Qur'ân), some of them (hypocrites) say: Which of you has had his Faith increased by it? As for those who believe, it has increased their Faith, and they rejoice.
But as for those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy), it will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt; and they die while they are disbelievers.
See they not that they are put in trial once or twice every year (with different kinds of calamities, disease, famine)? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it).” [Soorah at-Tawbah (9): 124 to 126] Click Here to read Part 5 of this article.

This is taken from the book " Aqeedah at Tawheed" by Shaikh Saaleh Al Fawzaan

Aqeedah at Tawheed – Kufr (Infidelity) page 3

a. Definition: Kufr, linguistically means covering or concealing. Legally (in the Sharee'ah): antonym of Eemaan, is Kufr or infidelity is disbelieving in Allah and His Messenger, whether the disbelief is associated with denial or not, rather with doubts, suspicion, aversion, jealousy, arrogance, or following some whims which deters from adhering to the Message. Even though the denier's infidelity is worse than others, so is the one who disbelieves and denies out of jealousy while he recognizes in his heart the veracity of the Messengers. [Majmoo al-Fatawa, Shaikhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, vol. 12, p. 335]

b. The types of Kufr are two:


The first type: The greater Kufr which constitutes apostasy and is of five kinds:

1. Kufr of denial, as referred to in the following verse: "And who is more unjust that he who forges a lie against Allah, or rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is there not an abode in Hell for those who disbelieve?" [Soorah (29): 68]

2. Kufr of arrogance with acknowledgement, as proven by the words of Allah, the Exalted:"And when We said to the angels: 'Prostrate yourselves before Adam,' and they all prostrated except Iblees (Shaytaan), he refused and was proud and was on of the Kafireen (arrogant, disobedient to Allah)." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 34]

3. Kufr of doubtfulness, as mentioned in the Words of Allah: "And he entered his garden while he was wronging himself (through arrogance). He said, 'I do not think this will ever perish; not do I think the Hour will ever come. And even if I am ever brought back to my Rabb, I shall, surely, find a better resort than this. His companion said to him while he was arguing with him, 'Do you disbelieve (Kafarta) in Him Who created you from soil, then from a sperm-drop, then fashioned you into a perfect man? But as for me, I believe that Allah Alone is my Rub, and I will not ascribe a partner to my Rab." [Soorah (18): 35-38]

4. Kufr of aversion. Its proof: "And those who (kafaru) disbelieve turn away from what they have been warned with aversion." [Soorah (46): 3]

5. Kufr of hypocrisy, as proven by the Words of Allah: "This is because they first believed, then (kafaru) disbelieved. So a seal was set upon their hearts and consequently they do not understand." [Soorah al-Munafiqeen (63): 3]




Second Type: The minor Kufr, or the practical Kufr, does not constitute apostasy, but it can lead to major kufr if one remains totally careless about it.

This type of Kufr comprises of sins that are referred to in the Book and the Sunnah as Kufr, but do not reach the level of major Kufr, such is expressing ungratefulness to the favors of Allah, as Allah say: "And Allah sets forth for you a parable of a city which enjoyed security and peace; its provision came to it easefully from everywhere; but it (Kafarat) denied the favors of Allah." So Allah made it taste hunger and fear which were made to cleave to it because of what they used to do. [Soorah an-Nahl (16): 112]

And fighting of Muslims against each other, which is referred to in the Hadeeth of the Prophet (salallahu alaihe wa-sallam), "Reviling of a Muslim is an act of disobedience and fighting him is Kufr." [Bukhari and Muslim]

And in his saying: "Do not revert after me (Kufran) like the infidels killing each other." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Likewise, swearing by other than Allah. The Prophet * said: "He who swears by other than Allah, commits an act of Kufr, or Shirk." [Tirmidhee]

Allah, the Exalted, declared a Muslim who commits a major sin as a believer. He says: "O you who believe! Al-Qisas (the Law of Equality in punishment) is prescribed for you in case of murder." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 178]

Hence, Allah, the Exalted, did not exclude the murderer from the believers, rather He referred to him as the brother of the slain's guarding saying (in continuation of the verse): "Therefore, one who is granted remission by one's brother, then he should pursue that matter in a kind manner and pay the blood-money with kindness (when he excepts blood-money) with fairness."

'Brotherhood' which is referred to in the above verse, doubtlessly means brotherhood in faith. Allah, the Exalted, says: "And if two parties of believers fight against each other, make peace between them." [Soorah al-Hujurat (49): 9]

And if after that one of them transgresses against the other, fight the party that transgresses until it returns to the command of Allah. Then if it returns, make peace between them with equity, and act justly. Allah loves the just.

"Surely all believers are brothers. So make peace between brothers." [Soorah al-Hujurat (49): 10]

End of the Abridged Commentary from al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah.

Summary of the Differences between the major and minor Kufr:

1. The major Kufr constitutes apostasy, and nullifies the good deeds. While the minor Kufr neither constitutes apostasy nor nullifies good deeds, but it diminishes them.

2. The major Kufr condemns one who commits it to eternal abode in Fire. While one who commits the minor Kufr, he commits a major crime or sin, if he enters Fire, he would not remain in it eternally. It may be that Allah forgives him later.

by Shaikh Saalih Al Fawzaan
Click Here to read Page 4 of this article

Aqeedah At – Tawheed : Shirk Definition and Types page 2

Shirk


a) Definition:
Shirk is ascribing a partner to Allah in terms of His Rububiyyah (Lordship), Asma wa Sifaat (Names and Attributes) and Uloohiyyah (Worship). The common type of Shirk is the Shirk in Uloohiyyah, which entails supplicating others along with Allah, or dedicating to them worships such as, offerings, vows, reverence, fear, hope, and devotional love.
Shirk is the gravest of all sins due to the following:
1. It is resembling the creatures with the Creator in terms of the attributes of Divinity, for he who ascribes a partner to Allah; he in effect resembles him with Him (Allah). This is the gravest injustice. Allah says: "Verily, Shirk is gross injustice." [Soorah Luqman (31): 13] Injustice signifies putting a thing in a wrong place. Thus, he who worships other than Allah, he places the worship in a place other than its own, and dedicates it to one who does not deserve it; hence, it is gross injustice.

2. Allah has stated that He does not forgive the one who does now disavow Shirk. He says:

"Surely, Allah will not forgive (the sins of) ascribing partners to Him, but He will forgive whatever is short of that to whoever He wishes." [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 48]
3. Allah has stated that a Mushrik (one who commits Shirk) shall be banned from Jannah (Paradise) and that he shall live in Hell-fire forever. Allah, the Exalted, says: "Surely, whoever ascribes a partner to Allah, Allah shall bar him from Jannah and Hell-fire shall be his abode, and the wrongdoers shall have no helpers." [Soorah al-Maidah (5): 72]

4. Shirk nullifies all good deeds. Allah, the Exalted, says: "Were they to commit Shirk, then the good deeds, which they accomplish, would have been nullified." [Soorah al-Anam (6): 88] And Allah says: "It has been revealed to you and to those before you, if you commit Shirk your good deeds shall be nullified and you shall certainly be of the losers." [Soorah az-Zumar (39): 65]

5. The Shirk is the graves of all major sins. The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: "Shall I inform you about the graves of all major sins?" We (Sahabah) said:"Certainly, O Messenger of Allah." He said: "Ascribing partners to Allah, and disobeying parents."


Ibn al-Qayyim said: "Allah has asserted that the purpose of the creation and the commands is that He should be recognized by His Names and Attributes and be worshiped alone, with no partners ascribed to Him, and that people should maintain justice through which the heavens and the earths were established. Allah, the Exalted, says: "Verily, We sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (justice) that people may establish justice." [Soorah al-Hadid (57): 25]
Allah informed us that He sent the Messengers and revealed the Books for people to establish justice. The greatest form of justice is Tawheed, which is its spearhead and backbone, andShirk is injustice. Allah says: "Surely, Shirk is the greatest Zulm (wrong) indeed."[Soorah Luqman (31): 13]

Shirk is the gravest form of injustice, and Tawheed is the best form of justice. Hence, whatever opposes this purpose most is considered as the gravest of all major sins. Ibn al-Qayyim went on to say: "And since Shirk in particular opposes that purpose, it is absolutely the gravest of all major sins,… Allah, Glory be to Him, neither accepts a good deed performed by a Mushrik, not an intercession made in his favor. He does not respond to his supplication, or accepts his hope for having it fulfilled. The Mushrik is the most ignorant of Allah for setting a rival from creatures to the One Who created them, which is the worst type of ignorance and the worst type of injustice on the part of the Mushrik. Even though the Mushrik does not wrong his Rabb (Lord) by his Shirk, but in reality he wrongs his own self."

7. Shirk is defaming and derogatory from which Allah declared Himself far removed. He who ascribes a partner to Allah, he in effect asserts to Allah what Allah declares Himself free from, and this is the worst form of opposition and defiance to Allah, the Exalted.
B. The Types of Shirk: Shirk is of two types:
THE FIRST TYPE: Greater Shirk, which constitutes apostasy, and condemns the person who practices it to Hell-Fire, and to live therein eternally if he does not relinquish it before death. Shirk is devoting an act of worship to other than Allah, such as; supplication, vows, offerings that are made to jinn, graves or Shaytaan.

Fear of dead, jinn and Shaytaan that they may harm or sicken him and hope for things from others that only Allah can provide such as fulfilling needs and granting relief as practiced nowadays around tombs that are built on graves of pious people. Allah says: "and they worship, instead of Allah that which neither harm nor profit them, and they say, 'These are our intercessors with Allah.'" [Soorah Yunus (10): 18]
THE SECOND TYPE: Lesser Shirk, which does not constitute apostasy, but defects the Tawheed, and is conducive to greater Shirk. It is of two kinds:

1) The first kind: Obvious Shirk which constitutes of UTTERANCES and ACTIONS.

As for the UTTERANCES, such as swearing by other than Allah; the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: "He who swears by other than Allah, commits Kufr, or Shirk." [At-Tirmidhee and others]
Or making a statement such as: "Whatever Allah wills and you will."

This statement was made by a man to the Prophet (salallahu alaihe wa-sallam) who objected his statement saying: "Have you made me a rival to Allah? Say: 'Whatever Allah Alone wills."

Or a statement like this, 'Had it not been for Allah and so and so.'

The correct statements are: "Whatever Allah wills and then you will." Because the participle 'then' denotes sequence as well as delay, thus to signify that the will of the slave is subservient to the will of Allah. Allah says: "And you will do nothing unless Allah, the Rabb of the worlds wills it to be done." [Soorah at-Takwir (81): 29]

As for 'and' it signifies absolute combination and association, it does not necessitate order or sequence. Similar to those statement are: 'I have none to resort to except Allah and you' or, 'This is from the blessings of Allah and your blessings.'

As for ACTIONS, such as wearing a ring or a thread for the purpose of warding-off evil, or wearing talismanic outfit or other items for fear of bad eye, or otherwise, if the person who wears them believes that such things are the means of warding-off evil or bringing relief. In that case, wearing them is considered as lesser Shirk, because Allah does not make things as means of protection. But if he believes that these things themselves ward-off evil, then such belief constitutes a major Shirk because he depends on other than Allah.

2) The second kind: The hidden Shirk pertains to intentions and wills such as acting hypocritically and fame – that is, to do a thing which usually is done as a means for seeking nearness to Allah, but does it only so that people commend him for it; such as performing Salat in a perfect manner, or giving charitable gift to be praised, or raising his voice with the Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) or reciting Qur'aan for people to hear him and praise him. When an act of worship is done in Riya (doing an act of worship in order to make people see it or hear it), it would be nullified. Allah, the Exalted, says: "So let him who hope to meet his Rabb do good deeds without ascribing a partner to Allah in worshipping his Rabb." [Soorah al-Kahf (18): 110]

The Prophet (salallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: "The thing I fear most that you may commit is the lesser Shirk." They asked: 'O Messenger of Allah, what is the lesser Shirk?' He replied: "Riyaa." [Ahmed and at-Tabaranee]

Under this kind falls doing acts of worship for worldly gains, such as performing Hajj, calling our the Adhan (the call for prayer), leading Salaat for money, fame, etc or acquiring knowledge, or fighting in the cause of Allah for money, fame, etc. The Prophet * said: "May the slave of dinar be degraded, may the slave of dirham be degraded, may slave of garment be degraded, for if he is given, he would be satisfied, and if he is not given he is dissatisfied." [Saheeh al-Bukharee] Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: "As for Shirk which is pertinent to will and intention, it resembles a sea without coast; very few of those who escape it. He who intends by doing good deeds to please other than Allah, and intends to do a thing not for the sake of coming near to Allah,and requested the reward from other than Allah, commits Shirk in terms of intention.

While sincerity is to dedicate all acts of worship and utterances and intentions sincerely to Allah and this is the genuine Hanifiyyah, the deen of Ibraheem which Allah commands all of his slaves to follow. Allah does not accept any other deen from anyone. It is the essence of Islam, as Allah, the Exalted, says: "And he who wants a deen other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the world to come he shall be among the losers."[Soorah Al-Imran (3): 85]
It is the deen of Ibraheem, that Allah saved from evil and only the light-witted turns away from it. The Differences between Greater Shirk and Lesser Shirk .

The following differences between the Greater Shirk and the Lesser Shirk are deduced from the above mentioned:

1. The greater Shirk constitutes apostasy, while the lesser Shirk does not constitute apostasy.

2. The greater Shirk condemns the one who practices it to eternal life in the Fire. Whereas the lesser Shirk does not condemn the one who practices it to eternal life in the Fire if he enters it.

By Shaikh Saalih Al Fawzaan

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Aqeedah At – Tawheed : Deviation in Human Life Part 1

"What's the solution to the problems of Muslims? What should we do?


Should we follow the path of our ancestors, or should we make our own path or should we follow the Path shown by our CREATOR through his messengers. All the messengers of ALLAH came with the central message of believing in Only One ALLAH and directing all forms of worship to HIM Alone, and teaching the ways to worship HIM. All the messengers showed the path of ALLAH's liking which leads to the gate of eternal bliss. All the prophets warned against all the other paths that earns ALLAH's wrath, which leads to the gate of eternal sorrow and pain. Our Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him)) was the last and seal of all prophethood and messengership, and we Muslims are his ummah (nation). Hence, we Muslims should strictly follow the path that ALLAH shown us through him and reject all other paths.


The first point of rectification is Aqeedah, and at iloveAllaah.com we have a weekly segment devoted to Aqeedah alone every Saturday. Come, join and take benefit... insha Allaah... about the most important part of Islam our beliefs... our Aqeedah.

Allah has created the creatures to worship Him, and provided them with provisions to enable them to do that. Allah, the Exalted, said: "And I have created jinn and men only to worship Me. I want no sustenance from them, not do I want them to feed Me. Surely, it is Allah, Who is the Provider, The Powerful." [Soorah Az-Zariyat (51): 56-58]


Man naturally acknowledges Allah's divinity, loves Him, worships Him, and ascribes no partner to Him. But human and jinn devils who suggest to each other polished speech out of deception, corrupt his natural disposition, and lead them astray.[1]


Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of Allah) is firmly instilled in human nature, while polytheism is accidental and intrusive Allah says: "And remain steadfast on the religion of hanifan (Islamic Monotheism), Allah's fitrah [2] with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in khalq-illah (i.e. the religion of Allah), that is the straight religion." [Soorah ar-Rum (30): 30]


And the Prophet (salallahu alaihe wasallam) said: "Every infant is born with fitra [2] but it is his parents who make him a Jew, or a Christian or a magian (fire worshiper)." [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] Hence, the tawheed or the belief in the Oneness of Allah is man's innate belief.[3]


Islam is the faith which was upheld by Adam, whom Allah rendered safe from and those who came after him for many centuries. Allah says: "Mankind were one community, then Allah sent the Prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 213]


Polytheism and corruption in Aqeedah appeared first among the people of Noah [4] who was the first Messenger of Allah sent, as Allah says: "We have revealed to you just as We revealed to Nooh and to the Prophets after him." [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 163]
Ibn Abbas said: "There was a period of 10 centuries between Adam and Noah, during which people were Muslim." [5]


In his comment on Ibn Abbas's statement, Ibn al-Qayyim said: "This statement is definitely true, for Ubay Ibn Kaab used to recite the verse, "Then they differed (strayed from the right guidance) then Allah sent the Prophets."[6] Ubay Ibn Kab's recitation is supported by the following verse: "And mankind were but one single Ummah then they differed." [Soorah Yunus (10): 9]


Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) meant that differing over the sound deen to which mankind originally adhered was the reason for sending Prophets. Just as the Arabs were following the deen of Ibraheem, Whom Allah rendered sage from evil, until Amr bin Lahi al-Khuza'ee brought idols in the Arabian Peninsula and to Hijaz in particular. Idols were worshiped afterwards in lieu of Allah, and shirk prevailed in the sacred land and the lands adjacent to it.


Idol worship continued until Allah sent Muhammad (salallahu alaihe was-sallam) the last of His Prophets. He invited people to uphold the Aqeedah of Tawheed and to follow the deen of Ibraheem. He struggled in the cause of Allah in the best manner until he finally prevailed and destroyed the idols and put an end to paganism. Allah completed the deen through him and perfected His favor for men and jinn.


The distinguished generation of this Ummah adhered to the Prophet's Sunnah during the early stage of Islam. Later on, ignorance prevailed in the latter centuries during which new beliefs and religions emerged. Shirk appeared and was practiced by many Muslims due to the hard work of the promoters of perversion. Tombs were erected on graves of pious people for visitation, and were taken for idols that they worshiped to the exclusion of Allah. Acts of worship such as supplications, appeals for aid, and offerings were dedicated to them (the engraved). They euphemized Shirk by calling it, 'appeal to pious people' claiming that they only loved them and did not worship them. They forgot that such was the claim of the early pagans, who used to say: "We worship them only so they may bring us nearer to Allah in rank." [Soorah al-Ankabut (39): 3][7]


Despite the Shirk which appeared among the people in the past and present, the majority of them believed in Tawheed ar-Ruboobiyah (i.e. to affirm that Allah Alone is the, 'Rabb' - One Who Creates, Sustains and Commands). They committed Shirk in terms of worship as Allah says: "And most of them do not believe in Allah without being guilty of idolatry." [Soorah Yusuf (12): 106]


Only few of mankind deny existence of the Rabb, such as Fir'awn (Pharoah), the Atheists and the Communists of this age. Their denial is only out of stubbornness, for they are compelled to admit inwardly, the belief in the existence of Allah. Allah says: "And they deny Our signs, although inwardly they certainly knew them to be from Allah, wrongfully and hastily." [Soorah an-Naml (27): 14]


Their intellects recognize that every creature must have a creator and every existing thing must have an originator. And that the accurate and precise order of this universe must have One Who manages it, Who is Wise, Capable and Knowledgeable. He who denies this fact is either unintelligent or stubborn and does not apply reason and ridicules himself. Such people are worthless.

[1] Mankind in the beginning was a single nation upon true Tawheed. Subsequently and gradually shaytan misguided them towards associating partners with Allah. The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alaihe wasallam) said: Allah said: “I created all my servants upon the true Religion (Tawheed). Then the devils came to them and led them astray from their true Religion. They made unlawful to people that which I had made lawful for them, and they commanded them to associate in worship with Me, that which I had sent down no authority." [Al-Khawaakibud-Duraaree fee Tarteeb Musnadul-Imaam Ahmad'alaa Abwaabil-Bukhaaree (6/212/1), still in manuscript form.]

[2] Fitrah is the innate pure instinct inborn in every human, which recognizes the True Lord. Fitrah, if not corrupted leads one to the Belief in the Existence of Allah, the Exalted


[3] “(remember) when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their loins, their seeds and made them testify as to themselves (saying): “Am I not your Lord?”They said: “Yes! We testify.” Lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: “Verily, we have been unaware of this. Or lest you should say: “It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allah, and we were (merely their) descendants after them; will You then destroy us because of the men who practiced Al-Batil (i.e. polytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshiping others besides Allah)?” [Soorah al-A'raf (7): 172]


[4] Extremism in praise and position of Righteous Persons is the Root Cause of Infidelity of Mankind and its deviation from the True Religion: Allah said about the people of Nooh: "And they have said: You shall not forsake your gods, nor shall you forsake Wadd, nor Suwaa', nor Yaghooth, nor Ya'ooq, nor Nasr." [Surah Nooh 71:23)]


Ibn Abbas (radiallahuanhu) relates: “Indeed these are five names of righteous men from the people of Nooh. When they died Shaytaan whispered to their people to make statues of them and to place these statues in their places of gathering as a reminder of them, so they did this. However, none from amongst them worshipped these statues, until when they died and the purpose of the statues was forgotten. Then (the next generation) began to worship them.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (11/418) and Saheeh Muslim (18/52)]


Abu Ja'far (radiallahuanhu) said:"Those from the later generation saw what the (previous generation) had done and considered that...to the extent that they took him as an ilah (deity) to be worshiped besides Allah.” He then said: "This was the first idol worshiped other than Allah, and they called this idol Wadd.”
[Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (8/534)]


Aa'ishah (radhi allahu anha) reported that Umm Habeebah and Umm Salamah (radhi allahu anhuma) mentioned about a church they had seen in Ethiopia in which there were pictures. They told the Prophet (salallahu alaihe wasallam) about it, on which he said, “If any religious man died amongst those people they would build a place of worship at his grave and make these pictures in it. They will be the worst creature in the Sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection.” [Saheeh Al-Bukharee (vol..1; no.419) and Saheeh Muslim (vol.1;no.1076)]


In the above three Ahaadeeth, it has clearly been explained how polytheism gradually develops. It starts from pious intention like, building of places of gathering by the grave of pious person so that he be remembered but steadily the people begin to look upon the religious man as a demigod and ultimately elevate to a higher status of Godhood. This undermines the belief in the oneness of Allah. Similarly as known from the Hadeeth of Aa'ishah; the pictures of the pious men were displayed in the places of gatherings in order to keep alive their memories, but with the passage of time the people begin to worship them.


So, the first Shirk on the earth occurred due to the confusion spread by Shaytaan regarding righteous persons and mixing truth with falsehood; first, exaggeration in the love of the righteous and then innovative practices of the people intending to do good (i.e. Bidah: newly invented practice in the religion). Therefore, all means that lead to Shirk are prohibited in Islam, such as innovations, exaggeration in status of righteous men even the Prophets, building shrines over graves and intending to specifically travel to them, taking them as places of festivity and gathering and swearing an oath by the inmate of a grave and other acts that should only be directed towards Allah.


This confirms the sayings of righteous predecessors that Bid'ah (innovations in the religion) is the main cause leading to Kufr (disbelief) and that Bid'ah is more beloved to Iblees than sinfulness because one may repent from sins but he will not repent from Bid'ah for he performs Bid'ah thinking it to be a means of closeness to Allah and achieving rewards from Him.


This teaches us,


a) Hanging pictures on walls and setting up statues and sculptured images lead people to idolatry because excessive exaltation of these pictures and statues gradually develops into a belief that they bring good and prevent harm, as evidenced in the example of the people of Nooh.


b) Shaytan is (waiting) to deceive mankind. He will try every trick to exploit man's sentiments. When satan observed among the people of Nooh their emotional liking for pious people, he tempted them to exceed their love and finally made them place statues in their dwellings in order to make the common people stray from the right path.


c) Not only does shaytan try to deceive the present generation, he also keeps his eye on the future generations. When he could not plunge the present generation of the people of Nooh into idolatry, he anticipated the coming generation to be misled and set a trap for them.
d) Negligence must not be shown toward evil, but it must be eradicated and all its doors must be closed.


e) The presence of diligent and learned men is a blessing because Shaytan can only deceive the people after the learned men among them have passed away. This also explains the value of the presence of knowledge and harm of losing it. Allah’s Messenger (salallahu alaihe wasallam) said: "Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray." [Saheeh al-Bukharee (vol: 1, Book: 3, no: 100)]


[5] Ibn Abbas (radiallahuanhu) said: “Between Nooh and Adam were ten generations, all of them were upon Sharee'ah (law) of the truth, then they differed. So Allah sent prophets as bringers of good news and as warners.” [Tahdheerus-Saajid min Ittikhaadhil-Quboori Masaajid (pp.101-106)]


[6]The verse which Ibn al-Qayyim refers to is verse no. 213 in Soorah al-Baqarah, "Mankind were one Ummah, then Allah sent the Prophets." Ubay Ibn Kab used to add the above words after the word Ummah, which explains the reason for sending Prophets to mankind. [Translator]


[7] Imam Ibn Katheer writes in the Tafseer of this verse, "meaning what motivates them to worship them is the fact that they made their idols in the image of angels - or so they claim - and when they worship those images it is like worshipping the angels, so that they will intercede with Allah for them to help and give them provision and other worldly needs…. Qatadah, As-Suddi and Malik said, narrating from Zayd Ibn Aslam and Ibn Zayd: "only that they may bring us near to Allah." Means, 'So that they may intercede for us and bring us closer to Him.' [At-Tabari 21: 251, 252] During Jahiliyyah, they used to recite the following for their Talbiyah when they performed Hajj, 'At Your service, You have no partner except the partner You have; he and all that he owns belongs to You.' This pretentious argument which the idolaters of all times, ancient and modern, used as evidence is what the Messengers came to refute and forbid, and to call people to worship Allah Alone with no partner or associate. This something that the idolaters themselves invented, Allah did not give them permission for it, not does He approve of it, He hates it and forbid it..." [See Tafseer Ibn Katheer]


A similar practice in also found in today's times, which has been given the name of Waseelah (or Tawassul) when people invoke upon the engraved for help claiming it to be a 'means of closeness to Allah' while misinterpreting the verse of the Qur'aan: “Seek the means of approach (al-waseelah) to Him.” [Soorah al-Maaidah (5): 35] Whereas Waseelah in this verse means to draw closer to Allah by (a) invoking Allah by His Beautiful Names, (b) means of Righteous Deeds of the Supplicant and (c) Supplication made by a Living Righteous Man as is known from the practice of Allah's Messenger (salallahu alaihe wasallam) and the Sahabah.

Note: All footnotes which mention, [Translator] at the end are by the translator, Mahmoud Ridha Murad.


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Call to Prayers (Adhaan)

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 577:

Narrated Anas:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 578:
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 579:
Narrated Anas:

Bilal was ordered to repeat the wording of the Adhan for prayers twice, and to pronounce the wording of the Iqamas once except "Qad-qamat-is-Salat".

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 580:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 581:
Narrated Abu Qilaba:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 582:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 583:
Narrated 'Abdul Rahman:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 584:
Narrated Humaid:

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

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 585:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Allah's Apostle said, "Whenever you hear the Adhan, say what the Mu'adhdhin is saying.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 586:
Narrated 'Isa bin Talha:

that he had heard Muawiya repeating the words of Adhan up to "Wa ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan Rasulul-lah (and I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle.)"

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 587:
Narrated Yahya as above (586) and added:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 588:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 589:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 590:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Al-Harith:

Once on a rainy muddy day, Ibn 'Abbas delivered a sermon in our presence and when the Mu'adhdhin pronounced the Adhan and said, "Haiya ala-s-sala(t) (come for the prayer)" Ibn 'Abbas ordered him to say 'Pray at your homes.' The people began to look at each other (surprisingly). Ibn 'Abbas said. "It was done by one who was much better than I (i.e. the Prophet or his Mu'adhdhin), and it is a license.'

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 591:
Narrated Salim bin Abdullah:

My father said that Allah s Apostle said, "Bilal pronounces 'Adhan at night, so keep on eating and drinking (Suhur) till Ibn Um Maktum pronounces Adhan." Salim added, "He was a blind man who would not pronounce the Adhan unless he was told that the day had dawned."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 592:
Narrated Hafsa:

When the Muadh-dhin pronounced the Adhan for Fajr prayer and the dawn became evident the Prophet ordered a two Rakat light prayer (Sunna) before the Iqama of the compulsory (congregational) prayer.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 593:
Narrated 'Aisha:

The Prophet used to offer two light Rakat between the Adhan and the Iqama of the Fajr prayer.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 594:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:

Allah's Apostle said, "Bilal pronounces the Adhan at night, so keep on eating and drinking (Suhur) till Ibn Um Maktum pronounces the Adhan."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 595:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 596:
Narrated 'Aisha:

The Prophet said, "Bilal pronounces the Adhan at night, so eat and drink (Suhur) till Ibn Um Maktum pronounces the Adhan."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 597:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal Al-Muzani:

Allah's Apostle said thrice, "There is a prayer between the two Adhans (Adhan and Iqama)," and added, "For the one who wants to pray."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 598:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

"When the Mu'adhdhin pronounced the Adhan, some of the companions of the Prophet would proceed to the pillars of the mosque (for the prayer) till the Prophet arrived and in this way they used to pray two Rakat before the Maghrib prayer. There used to be a little time between the Adhan and the Iqama." Shu'ba said, "There used to be a very short interval between the two (Adhan and Iqama)."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 599:
Narrated 'Aisha:

Allah's Apostle used to pray two light Rakat before the morning (compulsory) prayer after the day dawned and the Mu'adhdhin had finished his Adhan. He then would lie on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin came to pronounce the Iqama.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 600:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal:

The prophet said, "There is a prayer between the two Adhans (Adhan and Iqama), there is a prayer between the two Adhans." And then while saying it the third time he added, "For the one who wants to (pray)."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 601:
Narrated Malik bin Huwairth:

I came to the Prophet with some men from my tribe and stayed with him for twenty nights. He was kind and merciful to us. When he realized our longing for our families, he said to us, "Go back and stay with your families and teach them the religion, and offer the prayer and one of you should pronounce the Adhan for the prayer when its time is due and the oldest one amongst you should lead the prayer."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 602:
Narrated Abu Dhar:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 603:
Narrated Malik bin Huwairth:

Two men came to the Prophet with the intention of a journey. The Prophet said, "When (both of) you set out, pronounce Adhan and then Iqama and the oldest of you should lead the prayer."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 604:
Narrated Malik:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 605:
Narrated Nafi:

Once in a cold night, Ibn 'Umar pronounced the Adhan for the prayer at ,Dajnan (the name of a mountain) and then said, "Pray at your homes", and informed us that Allah's Apostle used to tell the Mu'adhdin to pronounce Adhan and say, "Pray at your homes" at the end of the Adhan on a rainy or a very cold night during the journey."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 606:
Narrated 'Aun bin Abi Juhaifa:

My father said, "I saw Allah's Apostle at a place called Al-Abtah. Bilal came and informed him about the prayer and then came out with an Anza and planted it in front of Allah's Apostle at Al-Abtah and pronounced the Iqama."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 607:
Narrated 'Aun bin Abi Juhaifa:

My father said, "I saw Bilal turning his face from side to side while pronouncing the Adhan for the prayer."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 608:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 609:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "When you hear the Iqama, proceed to offer the prayer with calmness and solemnity and do not make haste. And pray whatever you are able to pray and complete whatever you have missed.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 610:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada:

My father said. "Allah's Apostle said, 'If the Iqama is pronounced then do not stand for the prayer till you see me (in front of you).' "

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 611:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi:

Qatada, My father said, "Allah's Apostle said, 'If the Iqama is pronounced, then do not stand for the prayer till you see me (in front of you) and do it calmly.' "

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 612:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 613:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

Once iqama was pronounced and the people had straightened the rows, Allah's Apostle went forward (to lead the prayer) but he was Junub, so he said, "Remain in your places." And he went out, took a bath and returned with water trickling from his head. Then he led the prayer.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 614:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 615:
Narrated Anas:

Once the Iqama was pronounced and the Prophet was talking to a man (in a low voice) in a corner of the mosque and he did not lead the prayer till (some of) the people had slept (dozed in a sitting posture) .

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 616:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Once Iqama was pronounced a man came to the Prophet and detained him (from the prayer).

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 617:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 618:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar:

Allah's Apostle said, "The prayer in congregation is twenty seven times superior to the prayer offered by person alone."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 619:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

The Prophet said, "The prayer in congregation is twenty five times superior to the prayer offered by person alone."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 620:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 621:
Narrated Abu Salama bin 'Abdur Rahman:

Abu Huraira said, "I heard Allah's Apostle saying, 'The reward of a prayer in congregation is twenty five times greater than that of a prayer offered by a person alone. The angels of the night and the angels of the day gather at the time of Fajr prayer.' " Abu Huraira then added, "Recite the Holy Book if you wish, for "Indeed, the recitation of the Qur'an in the early dawn (Fajr prayer) is ever witnessed." (17.18).

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 622:
Narrated Salim:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 623:
Narrated Abu Musa:

The Prophet said, "The people who get tremendous reward for the prayer are those who are farthest away (from the mosque) and then those who are next farthest and so on. Similarly one who waits to pray with the Imam has greater reward than one who prays and goes to bed. "

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 624:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 625:
Narrated Humaid:

Anas said, "The Prophet said, 'O Bani Salima! Don't you think that for every step of yours (that you take towards the mosque) there is a reward (while coming for prayer)?" Mujahid said: "Regarding Allah's Statement: "We record that which they have sent before (them), and their traces" (36.12). 'Their traces' means 'their steps.' " And Anas said that the people of Bani Salima wanted to shift to a place near the Prophet but Allah's Apostle disliked the idea of leaving their houses uninhabited and said, "Don't you think that you will get the reward for your footprints." Mujahid said, "Their foot prints mean their foot steps and their going on foot."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 626:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 627:
Narrated Malik bin Huwairith:

Prophet said (to two persons), "Whenever the prayer time becomes due, you should pronounce Adhan and then Iqama and the older of you should lead the prayer."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 628:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 629:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 630:
Narrated Humaid:

Anas was asked, "Did Allah's Apostle wear a ring?" He said, "Yes. Once he delayed the 'Isha' prayer till mid-night and after the prayer, he faced us and said, 'The people prayed and have slept and you remained in prayer as long as you waited for it.' " Anas added, "As if I were just now observing the glitter of his ring."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 631:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "Allah will prepare for him who goes to the mosque (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer) an honorable place in Paradise with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 632:
Narrated Malik Ibn Buhaina:

Allah's Apostle passed by a man praying two Rakat after the Iqama (had been pronounced). When Allah's Apostle completed the prayer, the people gathered around him (the Prophet) or that man and Allah's Apostle said to him (protesting), Are there four Rakat in Fajr prayer? Are there four Rakat in Fajr prayer?"

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 633:
Narrated Al-Aswad:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 634:
Narrated 'Aisha:

"When the Prophet became seriously ill and his disease became aggravated he asked for permission from his wives to be nursed in my house and he was allowed. He came out with the help of two men and his legs were dragging on the ground. He was between Al-Abbas and another man."

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 635:
Narrated Nafi':

Once on a very cold and stormy night, Ibn 'Umar pronounced the Adhan for the prayer and then said, "Pray in your homes." He (Ibn 'Umar) added. "On very cold and rainy nights Allah's Apostle used to order the Mu'adhdhin to say, 'Pray in your homes.' "

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 636:
Narrated Mahmuid bin Rabi' Al-Ansari:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 637:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Al-Harith:

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

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 638:
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:

A cloud came and it rained till the roof started leaking and in those days the roof used to be of the branches of date-palms. Iqama was pronounced and I saw Allah's Apostles prostrating in water and mud and even I saw the mark of mud on his forehead.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 639:
Narrated Anas bin Sirin:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 640:
Narrated 'Aisha:

The Prophet said, "If supper is served, and Iqama is pronounced one should start with the supper."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 641:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Allah's Apostle said, "If the supper is served start having it before praying the Maghrib prayer and do not be hasty in finishing it."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 642:
Narrated Nafi':

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 643:
Narrated Ja'far bin 'Amr bin Umaiya:

My father said, "I saw Allah's Apostle eating a piece of meat from the shoulder of a sheep and he was called for the prayer. He stood up, put down the knife and prayed but did not perform ablutilon.''

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 644:
Narrated Al-Aswad:

That he asked 'Aisha "What did the Prophet use to do in his house?" She replied, "He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was the time for prayer he would go for it."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 645:
Narrated Aiyub:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 646:
Narrated Abu Musa:

"The Prophet became sick and when his disease became aggravated, he said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer." 'Aisha said, "He is a soft-hearted man and would not be able to lead the prayer in your place." The Prophet said again, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." She repeated the same reply but he said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. You are the companions of Joseph." So the messenger went to Abu Bakr (with that order) and he led the people in prayer in the lifetime of the Prophet.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 647:
Narrated 'Aisha:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 648:
Narrated Az-Zuhn:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 649:
Narrated Anas:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 650:
Narrated Hamza bin 'Abdullah:

My father said, "When Allah's Apostle became seriously ill, he was told about the prayer. He said, 'Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer.' 'Aisha said, 'Abu Bakr is a soft-hearted man and he would be over-powered by his weeping if he recited the Qur'an.' He said to them, 'Tell him (Abu Bakr) to lead the prayer. The same reply was given to him. He said again, 'Tell him to lead the prayer. You (women) are the companions of Joseph."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 651:
Narrated 'Urwa's father:

'Aisha said, "Allah's Apostle ordered Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer during his illness and so he led them in prayer." 'Urwa, a sub narrator, added, "Allah's Apostle felt a bit relieved and came out and Abu Bakr was leading the people. When Abu Bakr saw the Prophet he retreated but the Prophet beckoned him to remain there. Allah's Apostle sat beside Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr was following the prayer of Allah's Apostle and the people were following the prayer of Abu Bakr."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 652:
Narrated Sahl bin Sa'd As-Sa'idi:

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

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 653:
Narrated Malik bin Huwairth:

We went to the Prophet and we were all young men and stayed with him for about twenty nights. The Prophet was very merciful. He said, "When you return home, impart religious teachings to your families and tell them to offer perfectly such and such a prayer at such and such a time and such and such a prayer at such and such a time. And al the time of the prayer one of you should pronounce the Adhan and the oldest of you should lead the prayer."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 654:
Narrated Itban bin Malik Al-Ansari:

The Prophet (came to my house and) asked permission for entering and I allowed him. He asked, "Where do you like me to pray in your house?" I pointed to a place which I liked. He stood up for prayer and we aligned behind him and he finished the prayer with Taslim and we did the same.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 655:
Narrated 'Ubaid-Ullah Ibn 'Abdullah bin 'Utba:

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

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 656:
Narrated Aisha:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 657:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

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

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 658:
Narrated Al-Bara:

(and he was not a liar) When Allah's Apostle said, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida " none of us bent his back (for prostrations) till the Prophet prostrated and then we would prostrate after him.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 659:
Narrated Abu Ishaq:

as above.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 660:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "Isn't he who raises his head before the Imam afraid that Allah may transform his head into that of a donkey or his figure (face) into that of a donkey?"

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 661:
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

When the earliest emigrants came to Al-'Usba a place in Quba', before the arrival of the Prophet- Salim, the slave of Abu Hudhaifa, who knew the Qur'an more than the others used to lead them in prayer.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 662:
Narrated Anas:

The Prophet said, "Listen and obey (your chief) even if an Ethiopian whose head is like a raisin were made your chief."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 663:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "If the Imam leads the prayer correctly then he and you will receive the rewards but if he makes a mistake (in the prayer) then you will receive the reward for the prayer and the sin will be his."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 664:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet said to Abu-Dhar, "Listen and obey (your chief) even if he is an Ethiopian with a head like a raisin."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 665:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

Once I passed the night in the house of my aunt Maimuna. Allah's Apostle offered the 'Isha' prayer and then came to the house and offered four Rakat an slept. Later on, he woke up and stood for the prayer and I stood on his left side. He drew me to his right and prayed five Rakat and then two. He then slept till I heard him snoring (or heard his breath sounds). Afterwards he went out for the morning prayer.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 666:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 667:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

Once I passed the night in the house of my aunt Maimuna. The Prophet stood for the night prayer and I joined him and stood on his left side but he drew me to his right by holding me by the head.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 668:
Narrated Mu'adh bin Jabal:

I used to pray the 'Isha prayer with the Prophet and then go to lead my people in the prayer.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 669:
Narrated 'Amr:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 670:
Narrated Abu Mas'ud:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 671:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "If anyone of you leads the people in the prayer, he should shorten it for amongst them are the weak, the sick and the old; and if anyone among your prays alone then he may prolong (the prayer) as much as he wishes. "

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 672:
Narrated Abu Mas'ud:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 673:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 674:
Narrated Anas:

The Prophet used to pray a short prayer (in congregation) but used to offer it in a perfect manner.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 675:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Abi Qatada:

My father said, "The Prophet said, 'When I stand for prayer, I intend to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut it short, as I dislike to trouble the child's mother.' "

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 676:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

I never prayed behind any Imam a prayer lighter and more perfect than that behind the Prophet and he used to cut short the prayer whenever he heard the cries of a child lest he should put the child's mother to trial.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 677:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet said, "When I start the prayer I intend to prolong it, but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut short the prayer because I know that the cries of the child will incite its mother's passions."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 678:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet, said, "Whenever I start the prayer I intend to prolong it, but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut short the prayer because I know that the cries of the child will incite its mother's passions."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 679:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:

Mu'adh used to pray with the Prophet and then go and lead his people (tribe) in the prayer.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 680:
Narrated 'Aisha:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 681:
Narrated 'Aisha:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 682:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 683:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet prayed two Rakat of Zuhr prayer (instead of four) and he was told that he had prayed two Rakat only. Then he prayed two more Rakat and finished them with the Taslim followed by two prostrations.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 684:
Narrated 'Aisha:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 685:
Narrated An-Nu'man bin 'Bashir:

The Prophet said, "Straighten your rows or Allah will alter your faces."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 686:
Narrated Anas:

The Prophet said, "Straighten your rows, for I see you from behind my back.'

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 687:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Once the Iqama was pronounced and Allah's Apostle faced us and said, "Straighten your rows and stand closer together, for I see you from behind my back.'

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 688:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 689:
Narrated Abu Huraira:

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

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 690:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet said, "Straighten your rows as the straightening of rows is essential for a perfect and correct prayer. "

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 691:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

I arrived at Medina and was asked whether I found any change since the days of Allah's Apostle. I said, "I have not found any change except that you do not stand in alignment in your prayers."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 692:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet said, "Straighten your rows for I see you from behind my back." Anas added, "Everyone of us used to put his shoulder with the shoulder of his companion and his foot with the foot of his companion."

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 693:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

I prayed with the Prophet one night and stood on his left side. Allah's Apostle caught hold of my head from behind and drew me to his right and then offered the prayer and slept. Later the Mu'adh-dhin came and the Prophet stood up for prayer without performing ablution.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 694:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:

One night an orphan and I offered the prayers behind the Prophet in my house and my mother (Um Sulaim) was standing behind us (by herself forming a row).

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 695:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

One night I stood to the left of the Prophet in the prayer but he caught hold of me by the hand or by the shoulder (arm) till he made me stand on his right and beckoned with his hand (for me) to go from behind (him). (Al-Kashmaihani-Fateh al-Bari).

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 696:
Narrated 'Aisha:

Allah's Apostle used to pray in his room at night. As the wall of the room was LOW, the people saw him and some of them stood up to follow him in the prayer. In the morning they spread the news. The following night the Prophet stood for the prayer and the people followed him. This went on for two or three nights. Thereupon Allah's Apostle did not stand for the prayer the following night, and did not come out. In the morning, the people asked him about it. He replied, that he way afraid that the night prayer might become compulsory.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 697:
Narrated 'Aisha:

The Prophet had a mat which he used to spread during the day and use as a curtain at night. So a number of people gathered at night facing it and prayed behind him.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 698:
Narrated Zaid bin Thabit:

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