Friday, March 23, 2012

The Excellence Of Congregational Solāh

The Excellence Of Congregational Solāh

By Sayyid Sābiq

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-`ālameen. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam is His Messenger.

Performing the solāh in congregation is a Sunnah mu`akkadah. The fact that both, the Qur’an and Sunnah, have laid great stress on the congregational prayer and described its unique excellence, shows that the fardhu prayer is meant to be offered collectively, and no one in the Islamic community should even think of observing it individually unless one has to do so on the account of a genuine reason. The Qur'an says:

“…and bend down in ruku with those who bend down in ruku.” [Al-Baqarah, 2:43]

Arguing from this verse, the commentators are generally of the view that prayer has to be offered collectively. The importance of the congregational prayer in Islam is so great that the Muslims have been enjoined to observe it even in the battlefield where danger to life is extreme. The Qur'an has prescribed the following way:

“And when you, O Prophet, are among the Muslims and are going to lead them in salah (in a state of war), let a party stand behind you, carrying their weapons with them. When they have made their prostrations, they should fall back and let another party of them, who have not yet offered salah, say it with you and they too, should be on guard and keep their weapons with them.” [An-Nisā’, 4:102]

Many ahadith discuss the superiority and excellence of solāh s in congregation. Such ahadith include the following: 

Abdullah Ibn `Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Solāh in congregation is superior to a solāh performed individually by twenty-seven degrees.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “The solāh  of a man in congregation is twenty-five times more superior (in reward) to his solāh  in his house or market - and this is because he makes the wudu’ and perfects it and goes to the masjid with the sole purpose of performing the solāh . He does not take a step without being raised a degree and having one of his sins erased. When he prays, as long as he does not lose his wudu, the angels keep on praying [for him] ‘O Allah, bless him. O Allah, have mercy on him.’ And he is considered in solāh as long as he is waiting for the solāh.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim, and it is presented in al-Bukhari's wording. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) also reports that a blind man said to the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam): “O Messenger of Allah, I have no guide to guide me to the masjid.” He asked the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) for permission to pray in his house and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) gave it to him. Then, when he turned to go, the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) called him and said: “Do you hear the call to solāh?” The blind man said “yes.” The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) then said: “Then respond to it!” [By coming to the masjid] This is related by Muslim. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) also reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wa sallam) said: “By Him in whose hand is my soul! I have considered ordering a fire to be kindled and then ask someone to lead the people in solāh. And then go to the men [who did not attend the solāh] and burn their houses over them.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 

`Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “If anyone would like to meet Allah tomorrow as a Muslim, he should persevere in observing these five solāh s whenever the call for them is made, for Allah has chosen for your Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) the way of right guidance. And the [five solāh in congregation] are part of this right guidance. If you were to pray them in your houses, as this man who stays behind in his house, you would be leaving a Sunnah of your Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam). If you leave the Sunnah of your Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam), you would go astray. Verily, I have seen a time when no one stayed away from them [the congregational solāh s] except for the hypocrites who were well known for their hypocrisy. A man would be brought, supported by two people [due to his weakness] until he was placed in a row.” This is related by Muslim. 

Abu ad-Dharda’ (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “If there are three men in a village or desert and solāh is not established among them, then the Satan takes mastery over them. So be with the congregation since the wolf devours the remote (stray) sheep.” This is related by Abu Dawud with a hasan chain. 

1 - Women and congregational solāh 

It is better for women to pray in their houses than to attend congregational solāh s. However, they may go to the masjid and attend the congregational solāh if they avoid wearing or using any attractive or tempting adornment or perfume. 

Ibn `Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Do not prevent the women from going to the masajid, although their houses are better for them.” Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) relates that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Do not keep the slave girls of Allah from the masajid of Allah. And they are to go out unperfumed.” These two ahadith were related by Ahmad and Abu Dawud. Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) also reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Any woman who uses some scent should not be present with us during the night solāh.” This is related by Muslim, Abu Dawud, and an-Nasa`ie with a hasan chain. 

As stated earlier, it is better for women to pray in their houses. Ahmad and at-Tabarani record that Umm Humaid as-Sa’diyah (radiyallāhu`anha) came to the Messenger of Allah and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I love to pray with you.” The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “I am aware of that, but your solāh in your residence is better for you than your solāh in your people's masjid. And your solāh in your people's masjid is better than your solāh in the [larger] congregational Masjid.” 

2 - Praying at a larger and more distant masjid 

It is preferable to pray in a masjid that is farther away and that has a larger congregation. 

Muslim records from Abu Musa (radiyallāhu`anhu) that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “The one who gets the greatest reward for a solāh is the one who walks the farthest distance.” Muslim also records that Jabir said: “The area around the masjid became vacant and the tribe of Salamah wanted to move there. When this news reached the Messenger of Allah, he said: 'It has reached me that you want to move closer to the masjid?' They said: ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah, we desire that.’ The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: 'O tribe of Salamah, your dwellings will record your steps.” Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and others have recorded this on the authority of Abu Hurairah. 

Ubayy Ibn Ka`ab (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “The solāh of a man with another man is purer than the solāh of a man by himself. [In the same way,] his solāh with two men is purer than his solāh with only one man, and what is more, it is most dear to Allah.” This is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa`ie, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban. Ibn as-Sakin, al-'Uqaily and al-Hakim classify it as sahih. 

3 - Going to the masjid with calm and dignity 

It is preferred for one to walk to the masjid with calm and dignity and not in hurry or rushing. This is because the person is considered to be in solāh when he is going to the solāh (and also while he is waiting for it). Abu Qatadah (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “We were praying with the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) when we heard the clamoring of some men. When they had prayed, the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) inquired: ‘What was the matter with you?’ They answered: ‘We were hurrying for the solāh.’ He said: ‘Do not do that...when you come to the solāh  come in peace and calm, and pray what you can with congregation and complete what you have missed’.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrates that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “When you hear the iqamah, proceed to the solāh with calm and dignity and do not rush. Pray what you can (with congregation) and complete what you miss.” This is related by the group except for at-Tirmidzi. 

4 - The imam should be “easy” on his followers 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “If one of you leads the people in solāh, he should be “easy,” on them for among the people are the weak, sick, and aged. If one prays by himself, one may make it as long as one wishes.” This is related by the group. It is narrated from Anas (radiyallāhu`anhu) that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Sometimes I enter solāh and I intend to prolong it, but then I hear a child crying, and I shorten my solāh thinking of the distress of the child's mother.” 

Al-Bukhari and Muslim record that Anas bin Malik(radiyallāhu`anhu) said: “I have not prayed behind anyone who prayed a lighter solāh or a more complete solāh r than that of the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam).” Abu 'Umar ibn Abdul Barr said: The scholars agree that it is preferable for an imam to make the solāh  light while preserving the minimum without which solāh  is incomplete and without leaving off any part of the solāh  or shortening part of it [not performing it properly]. The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) prohibited the pecking like a crow. Once he saw a man who did not complete his ruku' and he told him: ‘Go back and pray for you have not prayed.’ And he said: ‘Allah does not look to one who does not straighten his back during ruku' and sujud.’ I do not know of any difference of opinion among the scholars concerning the fact that it is preferred for an imam to be ‘easy’ on his followers while making the solāh properly. It is related that `Umar said: ‘Do not make people dislike Allah, by making the solāh  so long that it should become hard on those praying behind you’.”
 
5 - The imam may prolong the first rak`ah to allow others to join 

It is permitted for the imam to prolong the first rak`ah while waiting for others to join the congregation. In the same way, it is preferred for him to wait for people who are coming during the bowings and during the final sitting. 

Abu Qatadah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) would prolong the first rak`ah and the people suspected that he did it to allow the late-comers to join the first rak`ah. Abu Sa`id says: “If the (congregational) solāh was begun, one could go to al-Baqi', relieve himself, make wudhu', and return and find the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) still in the first raka`ah for he would prolong it (first raka`ah).” This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, Ibn Majah, and an-Nasa`ie. 

6 - It is obligatory to follow the imam and forbidden to precede him 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “The imam is selected to be followed; therefore, do not differ with him. When he makes the takbir, make the takbir, when he goes into ruku’, make ruku’. When he says ‘Allah hears him who praises Him, say 'O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs the Praise.' When he goes into sajdah, make sajdah. If he prays sitting, then all should be sitting.” This is related by the group. In the version by Ahmad and Abu Dawud, the wording is “the imam is to be followed. If he makes the takbir, make the takbir, and do not make the takbir until he does so. When he goes into ruku', make ruku', and do not perform ruku’ until he does so. When he goes into sajdah, make sajdah, and do not make sajdah until he does so.” 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Do you not fear that if you raise your head before the imam Allah may change your head into that of a donkey!” This is related by the group. 

Anas reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “O people, I am your imam, so do not precede me in ruku' or in sujjud or in qiyam or in sitting or in finishing.” This is related by Ahmad and Muslim. 

Al-Bara’ ibn `Azib (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “We prayed with the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) and when he said ‘Allah hears him who praises Him,’ none of us would bend his back until the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) had put his forehead upon the ground.” This is related by the group. 

7 - Constitution of a congregation 

One person with the imam would constitute a congregation even if the other person is a child or a woman. 

Abdullah Ibn `Abbas (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “I stayed with my Aunt Maimunah and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) got up to pray during the night. I got up to pray with him and stood on his left and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) took me by my hand and put me on his right side.” 

Sa'id and Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) both reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Whoever gets up during the night and wakes up his spouse and they pray two raka`at together, they both will be recorded among those (men and women) who remember Allah much.” This is related by Abu Dawud. Abu Sa`id (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrates that a man entered the Masjid, and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) and his companions had already prayed. The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Who will give charity to him by praying with him?” So, a man from the people stood and prayed with him. This is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and at-Tirmidzi who call it hasan. Ibn Abi Shaibah relates that it was Abu Bakar who stood and prayed with the man. At-Tirmidzi uses this hadith as proof that a group can pray in congregation in a masjid in which the congregational solāh had already been made. He says that this is the opinion of Ahmad and Ishaq. Other scholars say that they should each pray individually and this is the opinion of Sufyan, Malik, Ibn al-Mubarak and ash-Shafi`ie. 

8 - An imam may change his place and become a follower 

If the regular imam or appointed imam is not present, it is permissible to appoint someone else to perform the duty of imam. If the regular imam appears during the solāt, the substitute imam may move back to the rows and allow the regular imam to take over. Al-Bukhari and Muslim record that Sahl ibn Sa`ad(radiyallāhu`anhu) said: “The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) went off to take care of the affairs of the tribe of `Amr ibn `Awf. The time for solāh came and the mu`azzin went to Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu)and said: 'Will you lead the people in solāh and I shall make the iqamah?' Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu)agreed. [While he was] leading the solāh, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) appeared and joined the rows. The people clapped [their thighs with their hands] but Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu)would not turn around during the solāh. When most of the people began clapping, he turned and saw the Prophet... [who] pointed to Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu)to stay in his place. Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu)raised his hands and praised Allah because of what the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) had told him. Then, Abu Bakar moved back until he joined the rows and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) stepped forward [to lead]. After he had prayed, he went to Abu Bakar and said: O Abu Bakar, what prevented you from staying there when I told you to do so?’ Abu Bakar(radiyallāhu`anhu) said: ‘It is not fit for the son of Abu Quhafah to lead the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) in solāh.’ Then the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: ‘Why did I see most of you clapping? If you find something in the solāh you should say Subhānallāh, for when you say it, it will attract his (i.e. imam's) attention and clapping [thighs with hands] is for the women’.” 

9 - Catching up with imam or the congregation 

Whoever joins a congregation, he should perform the opening takbir while standing and then move directly to the act that the congregation may be performing, for instance, if the congregation is prostrating one should perform the opening takbir and then join it in the prostration. However, such a person is not considered as having performed the rak'ah unless he performs the ruku' (bowing), even if he just bows and puts his hands on his knees, when the imam is finishing his ruku'. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “If you come to the solāh and we are in sajdah, then make sajdah with us but do not count it [as a raka`ah]. And whoever 'catches' the ruku’, he catches the solāh.” This is related by Abu Dawud, Ibn Khuzaimah in his Sahih, and by al-Hakim, who considers it sahih, in his Al-Mustadrak. 

10 - When it is permissible to not attend Congregation 

Ibn 'Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrated that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) ordered the mu'azzin to say: “Pray in your places,” on a cold, stormy night during a journey. This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 

Jabir (radiyallāhu`anhu) said: “We went on a journey with the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) and it rained upon us, so he said: ‘Whoever wishes may pray in his stopping place’.” This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud, and at-Tirmidzi. 

Ibn `Abbas  (radiyallāhu`anhu) said to the mu'azzin, on a rainy day: “When you say ‘I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,’ do not say ‘Come to the solāh ,’ but instead say ‘Pray in your houses’.” The people didn’t seem to like it, so he asked: “Are you surprised by that? One better than me did it [the Allah’s Messenger]. The congregational solāh is a strict order but I hated that you should go out and walk in the mud and on slippery ground.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim. According to Muslim's version, this occurred on a Friday. 

What applies in case of cold would also apply in cases of extreme heat, darkness, and fear of an oppressor. Ibn Batal writes: “The scholars are agreed on the permissibility of not attending the congregation due to heavy rain, darkness, wind, and so on.” 

Ibn 'Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “If the food is presented to one of you, do not rush but fulfill your need of it even if the solāh  has begun.” This is related by al-Bukhari. 

'Aishah (radiyallāhu`anha) narrates that she heard the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) say: “There is neither solāh when the meal is presented nor when one needs to answer the call of nature.” This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, and Abu Dawud. 

Abu ad-Darda' (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “It is a sign of the understanding of a person that he fulfills his needs first in order to make his solāh  with a clear mind.” This is related by al-Bukhari. 

11 - The one who should be imam is the one who is the most versed in the Qur'an 

If two or more are equal in this, then it is the one who has the most knowledge of the Sunnah. If they are equal in that, then it is the one who performed the migration first. If they are equal in that, then it should be the eldest. 

Abu Sa`eed (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrates that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “If you are three in number, then one of you should be the imam. And the one who has the most right to it is the one who is the most versed in the Qur'an.” This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, and an-Nasa`ie. The meaning of “most versed in the Qur'an” is the one who has more of the Qur'an memorized. This interpretation is based on the hadith from Amr ibn Salamah which says: “Your imam should be the one who is most versed in the Qur'an.” 

Ibn Mas`ud (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “The imam of a people should be the one who is the most versed in the Book of Allah. If they are equal in their recital, then the one who is most knowledgeable of the Sunnah. If they are equal in the Sunnah, then [it is] the one who migrated first. If they are equal in that, then [it is] the eldest. And no man should be an imam for another man if the other holds authority [i.e., a leader in any capacity or ruler of the Muslim people]. And one should not occupy his place of honor in his house without his permission.” In another narration it is stated: “No man should be the imam for another while with the other's family or where the other is in authority.” This is related by Ahmad and Muslim. 

As stated earlier, it is better for women to pray in their houses. Ahmad and at-Tabarani record that Umm Humaid as-Sa’diyah (radiyallāhu`anha) came to the Messenger of Allah and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I love to pray with you.” The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “I am aware of that, but your solāh in your residence is better for you than your solāh in your people's masjid. And your solāh in your people's masjid is better than your solāh in the [larger] congregational Masjid.” 

Sa`id ibn Mansur says: “A person should not be an imam for another where the other is in authority except with his permission.” The meaning of this is that the one in authority, owner of a house, leader of a meeting, and so on, has more right than others to be the imam if he has not granted the permission to any of the others. Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “It is not allowed for a man who believes in Allah and the last day to be an imam for a people, except with their permission, nor may he specifically make supplications for himself without including them. If he does so, he is disloyal to them.” This is related by Abu Dawud. 

12 - Whose imamate is acceptable? 

The imamate of all the following is acceptable: a discerning boy, a blind person, a standing person for those who are sitting, a sitting person for those who are standing, a person praying fard for people who are praying nawafil, a person praying nawafil for people who are praying fard. Likewise, a person who has performed ablution can be imam for people who have performed tayammum, as can be a person who has performed tayammum for people who have performed ablution, a traveler for the resident, a resident for the travelers, and a less qualified person for people who are more qualified. 

`Amr ibn Salamah led his people in solāh while he was six or seven years old. The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) twice appointed Ibn Umm Maktum, a blind man, to lead the people of Medinah in solāh. The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam), during his last illness, prayed behind Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu)in a sitting position. And he prayed in his house in a sitting position while those behind him were standing. He pointed to them to sit and when he had finished the solāh he said: “The imam has been appointed to be followed. If he goes into ruku', then make ruku'. When he raises his head, raise your head. If he prays sitting, then pray sitting behind him.” 

Mu`adz would pray `Isha’ with the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) and then return to his people and lead them in the same solāh , it being nawafil for him and fardhu for the others. 

Muhjan Ibn Al-Adra' reports: “I came to the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) in the masjid and they prayed and I did not. He said to me: ‘Why didn't you pray?’ I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I prayed in my place and then came here.’ He then said: ‘When you come [to the masjid], pray with them and make it supererogatory.’” 

The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) saw a man praying by himself and said: “Who will give charity to this person by praying with him?” `Amr ibn al-'Aas led others in solāh when he had made tayammum only and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) approved of it. 

The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam), after the conquest of Makkah, led the people in solāh by praying two raka`at (except for Maghrib) and said: “O people of Makkah, stand and pray the last two raka`at as we are travelers.” 

If a traveler prays behind a resident, he must complete the whole four raka`at even if he only prayed part of a rak`ah behind the resident imam. Ibn `Abbas (radiyallāhu`anhu) was asked: “Why is the traveler to pray two rak`at if he prays by himself and four raka`at if he prays behind a resident?” He answered: “That is the sunnah.” In another version, Musa ibn Salamah said to him: “If we pray with you, we pray four raka`at otherwise we pray two?” He told him: “That is the sunnah of Abu al-Qasim [the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam)].” This is related by Ahmad. 

13 - Whose imamate is not acceptable? 

It is not allowed for one who has a health problem which does not allow him to remain in a state of purity to be an imam for others who do not have such a problem. This is the opinion of the majority of the scholars. According to the Maliki School, such a person's imamate will be valid, but it is disliked to make such a person the imam. 

14 - It is preferred to have a woman imam for women 

`Aishah (radiyallāhu`anha) used to lead the women in solāh and stand with the women in the middle of the first row. Umm Salamah (radiyallāhu`anha) would also do so. The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) appointed Waraqah to go and make the adzan for her while he instructed her to lead the women of her household in the obligatory solāhs. 

15 - A man leading a group of women in solāh  

Abu Ya’la and at-Tabarani, in al-Awsat, record, with a hasan chain, that Ubayy ibn Ka`ab came to the Messenger of Allah and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I did something last night.” The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) asked: “What was that?” He said: “The women in my house said, ‘You recite and we do not recite so lead us in solāh.’ So I prayed eight rak`at and Witr (with them).” The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) remained silent, and Ka'b said: “We took his silence as a sign of his approval.” 

16 - Evildoer or innovator forbidden to lead solāh  

Al-Bukhari records that Ibn `Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu) prayed behind al-Hajjaj. Muslim records that Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (radiyallāhu`anhu) prayed salatul `Eid behind Marwan. 

Ibn Mas`ud (radiyallāhu`anhu) once prayed four raka`at of Fajr, behind al-Walid ibn `Uqbah ibn Abu Ma`it who used to drink wine, and `Uthman ibn `Affan had him flogged. The companions and their successors prayed behind Ibn `Ubaid who was accused of propagating heresies. According to the scholars, anyone whose solāh is valid on an individual basis, his imamate is also valid for others. However, they dislike praying behind an evildoer or innovator. 

As-Sa`ib ibn Khilad relates that a man was leading the people in solāh and he spat in the direction of the qiblah. The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wa sallam) saw this and said: “Do not let him lead you in solāh.” After this, the man wanted to lead the people in solāh but they prevented him and told him what the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) had said. The man went to the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam), to ask him about that, and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) said: “Yes, [it is true] for you have offended Allah and His Messenger.” This is related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Hibban. Abu Dawud and al-Munzhiri are silent about it. 

17 - Permission to leave the congregational solāh  

If the imam makes the solāh too long, it is permissible, under certain circumstances, to leave the solāh with the intention of performing it individually. The following are examples of when this may be done: becoming ill, fearing that one's wealth may be lost or destroyed, missing one's companions or traveling group, being overcome by sleep, and so on. This is based on the following hadith related by Jabir (radiyallāhu`anhu): “Mu`adz would pray `Isha’ with the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam), and then go and lead his people in solāh. One night, the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) delayed Solatul `Isha’ and Mu`adz prayed with him and then went to his people and led them in the night solāh by reciting al-Baqarah. One man left the solāh and prayed by himself. The people said to him: ‘O so and so, you have become a hypocrite.’ He said: ‘I have not become a hypocrite but I shall surely go to the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wa sallam) and inform him of what has happened.’ He told the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) what had happened and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said to Mu`adz: 'You put people to trials, Mu`adz! You put people to trials, Mu'adz. Recite such and such surah’.” This is related by the group. 

18 - Repeating a solāh with a congregation 

Yazid al-Aswad says: “We prayed Dawn Solāh (Fajar) with the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wa sallam) at Mina and two men came and stopped at their resting places. The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) ordered for them to be brought and they came shaking with fear. The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said to them: 'What prevented you from praying with the people? ...Are you two not Muslims?' They answered: ‘Certainly we are, O Messenger of Allah, but we had prayed in our resting place.’ The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) told them: ‘If you pray in your resting places and then come upon an imam, pray with him, and it will be nafil for you.’” This is related by Ahmad and Abu Dawud. An-Nasa`ie and at-Tirmidzi records it in these words: “lf you pray in your resting places and then you come to a masjid with a congregation, pray with them, and it will be nafil for you.” At-Tirmidzi calls it hasan sahih and Ibn as-Sakin says it is sahih. 

This hadith shows that it is correct for one to repeat a solāh as a nawafil with a congregation even if he has already performed it, individually or with a congregation. 

It is related that Huzhaifah repeated the Dzuhur, `Asar, and Maghrib solāh s although he had prayed them in congregation. It is also related that Anas prayed fajar behind Abu Musa at the place where fruits are dried and then he went to the congregational masjid and repeated the solāh behind al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah. Nevertheless, this action contradicts authentic hadith of the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) in which he reportedly said: “Do not pray the same solāh twice in one day.” The apparent conflict has been resolved by Ibn 'Abdul-Barr who writes, “Ahmad and Ishaq agree that this refers to praying an obligatory solāh and then, after a while, repeating it as the obligatory solāh. Now, as for the one who repeats the solāh with a congregation with the intention that the second solāh is not a repeat of the obligatory solāh but that it is simply a voluntary solāh, he obeys the Prophet's order of not making the same solāh twice, as the first solāh was obligatory and the second was nafil; hence, there is no repetition.” 

19 - Imam’s leaving the place after the solāh  
It is preferred for the imam to turn to the right or to the left after the solāh and then to leave the place of solāh. 

Qabaidah Ibn Halb relates that his father said: “The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) would lead us in solāh and then turn to both of his sides, to his right and to his left.” This is related by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmidzi. The latter calls it hasan. People who are informed on this subject act accordingly by turning to any side they wish. Both acts have been authenticated from the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam). 'Aishah (radiyallāhu`anha) says: “After the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) made the taslim, he would not sit except for the amount of time it takes to say: 'O Allah, You are the Peace, and from You comes the Peace. Blessed are You, Possessor of Majesty and Honor.’” This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, at-Tirmidzi, and Ibn Majah. 

Ahmad and al-Bukhari record that Umm Salamah (radiyallāhu`anha) said: “Whenever the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) finished his solāh s with the taslim, the women would get up and he would stay in his place for a while before getting up.” She said: “I think, and Allah knows best, that he did that to allow the women to leave before the men [would stand to leave]. 

20 - The imam or followers being elevated 

It is disliked for the imam to be at a higher place than the followers. 

Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu`alayhi wasallam) prohibited that the imam should stand on something higher than the people behind him.” This is related by ad-Daraqutni, while al-Hafiz is silent about it in al-Talkhis. 

Hamam Ibn Al-Harith relates that Huzhaifah led the people in solāh in Mandarin (Iraq) and he stood on a bench. Abu Mas'ud pulled his shirt with a strong grip. When he finished his solāh Abu Mas'ud (radiyallāhu`anhu) said: “Do you not know that this has been prohibited?” Huzhaifah said: “Certainly, I know it. I remembered it when you pulled me.” This is related by Abu Dawud, ash-Shaf'ie, and Al-Baihaqi. Al-Hakim, Ibn Khuzaimah, and Ibn Hibban grade it sahih. 

On the other hand, if the imam has some reason for being higher than the followers, the act is not disliked. Sahl ibn Sa`ad as-Sa`adi says: “I saw the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) sitting upon the pulpit on the first day that it was set up. He made the opening takbir while he was upon it and then he performed ruku’. Afterward, he moved behind the pulpit and made sajdah at the foot of the pulpit. Then, he repeated the same. When he had finished, he tumed to the people and said: “O people, I did that for you to follow me and to teach you my solāh.’” This is related by Ahmad, al-Bukhari, and Muslim. It is permissible for the followers to be at a higher place than the imam 

Sa`id Ibn Mansur, ash-Shafi`ie, al-Baihaqi, and al-Bukhari, in his comments, relate from Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) that he prayed at the top of the masjid while following the imam. Anas (radiyallāhu`anhu) used to pray in the room of Abu Naf'i to the right of the masjid and the room was his height's high and its door faced the masjid of Basrah and Anas would pray in it, following the imam. The companions did not say anything about it. This is related by Sa'id ibn Mansur in his Sunan.

Ash-Shawkani (rahimallāh) observes: “If the follower is extremely high above the imam, for example, three hundred lengths, and he could not know what action the imam is doing then it is prohibited by consensus whether he is in a masjid or somewhere else. If it is less than that, it is permitted on the principle that unless proved otherwise a thing is permissible. This basis is supported by the above mentioned act of Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) to which no one objected.” 

21 - Following the imam with a barrier in between 

It is allowed for a follower to follow the imam, even if there is a barrier between them, as long as he or she can tell the imam's movements either by his sight or hearing. 

Al-Bukhari (rahimallāh) records: “Al-Hassan said: 'There is no problem if you pray and between you and him [the imam] there is a river.' Abu Majliz said: 'Follow the imam, even if between you and him there is a road or a wall, as long as you can hear the opening takbir.'“ We have already mentioned the hadith in which the people prayed behind the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) while they were behind the room. 

22 - When imam leaves out an essential act of solāh  

A person's imamate is valid even if he leaves out one of the obligatory acts or prerequisites provided the followers complete them and the imam is not aware of the fact that he had left out an obligatory act or prerequisite. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “If the imam leads the solāh correctly, then both you and he will get the reward. If he is mistaken, you will get the reward and he the blame.” This is related by Ahmad and al-Bukhari. 

Sahl reports that he heard the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) say: “The imam is a warrantor. If he has done well, it is for him and them. If he has done wrong, it is upon him.” This is related by Ibn Majah. 

It has been authentically reported from `Umar that he led the people in solāh while he was sexually defiled and had forgotten that fact. He repeated his solāh but those who had prayed behind him did not. 

23 - Appointing another to lead the rest of the solāh  

If the imam must leave during the solāh due to some reason, for instance, he remembers that he is in need of making ablution or he loses his ablution during the solāh, then he should appoint another to lead the remainder of the solāh. 

'Amr ibn Maimun says: “I was standing and there was no one between me and 'Umar, the morning he was killed, except `Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallāhu`anhu). He had barely pronounced the takbir when he was stabbed and he said: 'The dog has bitten or killed me.' 'Umar bade 'Abdur Rahman ibn 'Awf to lead the solāh and he led them in a short solāh.” This is related by al-Bukhari. 

Abu Razin reports: “'Ali was praying one day when his nose began to bleed. He took a man by the hand and put him in front of the congregation, and he left.” This is related by Sa'id ibn Mansur. 

Ahmad observes: “If the imam appoints another [it is acceptable] as 'Umar and 'Ali appointed another. If the people pray individually, [it is acceptable] as in the case of Mu'awiyyah when he was stabbed and the people prayed individually and completed their solāt.” 

24 - When the people dislike their imam 

Many hadith have been related which warn against leading a congregation while one is disliked by them. Dislike here relates to one's religious conduct and is based on a valid reason. 

Ibn `Abbas (radiyallāhu`anhu) relates that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Three people's solāh s will not raise above their head the length of a hand's span. [They are:] a man who leads a people in solāh and they do not like him, a woman who has disobeyed her husband and he is displeased with her and two brothers who are estranged.” This is related by Ibn Majah. Al-'lraqi says its chain is hasan. 

'Abdullah ibn 'Amr relates that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Allah does not accept solāh s from three [types of] people: a man who leads a people and they dislike him, a man who attends the solāh s after their time is finished, and a man who re-enslaves his freed slave.” This is related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah. 

Elaborating upon it, at-Tirmidzi says: “It is disliked that a man should lead a people in solāh while they dislike him. If the imam is not a wrongdoer, then the sin is upon those who don't like him.” 

25 - The Positioning Of The Imam And The Followers 

It is preferred for one person to stand to the right of the imam and for a “group of two (or more)” to stand behind the imam. 

Jabir reports: “The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) stood to pray and I came and stood on his left. He took me by my hand [and led me] around him until I stood on his right. Then, Jabir Ibn Sakhr came and stood on the left of the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam). He took both of us by our hands and pushed us back until we stood behind him.” This is related by Muslim and Abu Dawud. 

If a woman is present with the group, then she is to stand in a row by herself behind the men and she is not to join them in their rows. If she did not stand in a separate row, her solāh will still be valid according to the opinion of majority. Anas (radiyallāhu`anhu) said: “An orphan and I prayed behind the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) in our house and my mother prayed behind us.” In another version it is stated: “He put me and the orphan in a row behind him and the woman behind us.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim. 

26 - The position of the imam while leading the solāh  

It is preferred for the imam to stand in the center of the rows and the people closest to him should be the people of intellect and understanding. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Let the imam stand in the center, and close the gaps in the rows.” This is related by Abu Dawud and both he and al-Munzhiri make no further comment on its authenticity. 

Ibn Mas'ud reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Let those who are prudent and sedate be near me, then those who are next to them, then those who are next to them, and beware of the tumult of the market place.” This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud, and at-Tirmidzi. 

Anas (radiyallāhu`anhu) said: “The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) loved that the emigrants (muhajarin) and helpers (ansar) stand next to him so that they would learn from him.” This is related by Ahmad and Abu Dawud. The wisdom behind having such people close to the imam is that they can correct him if he makes a mistake and it is easy for the imam to appoint one of them in his place if he needs to leave. 

27 - The positioning of the young and the women 

The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) placed the men in front of the young boys and the women behind the young boys. This is related by Ahmad and Abu Dawud. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “The best rows for the men are the first rows and the worst rows for them are the last rows. The best rows for the women are the last rows and the worst for them are the front rows.” The last rows are the best for the women because they are farther away from the men as against the first rows that are nearest to men's rows. This is related by the group except al-Bukhari. 

28 - The solāh of an individual behind a row 

If a person makes his opening takbir behind a row and then he enters the row and performs the ruku' with the imam, his solāh will be valid. 

Abu Bakra reports that he came to the solāh while the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) was performing ruku' and Abu Bakra performed the ruku before he entered the row. He mentioned this to the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) and he said: “May Allah increase your love for goodness, but do not repeat that act.” This is related by Ahmad, al-Bukhari, Abu Dawud, and an-Nasa`ie. 

According to the majority, If a person prays behind the rows by himself, his solāh will be valid but disliked. Ahmad, Ishaq, Ahmad, ibn Abu Laila, Waki', al-Hassan ibn Saleh, an-Nakha'i and Ibn al-Munzhir hold that if a person prays one complete rak'ah behind the rows, his solāh  will be invalid.

Wabsah relates that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) Allah saw a man praying behind the rows by himself and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam)  ordered him to repeat his solāh . This is related by the five save an-Nasa`ie. In Ahmad's version, the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) was asked about a man who prays by himself behind the rows and he said: “He is to repeat his solāh.” At-Tirmidzi called this hadith hasan and Ahmad's chain is good. 

'Ali Ibn Shaiban relates that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) saw a man praying behind the row and he waited for him and (when he finished) told him: “Go forward (and join the row) for the solāh  of a person standing alone behind the rows is not valid.” This is related by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi. Ahmad says it is hasan. Ibn Sayyid an-Nass said its narrators are well-known, trustworthy people. 

The majority sticks to the hadith of Abu Bakra who said that he preformed part of the solāh, behind the row, and the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) did not order him to repeat his solāh. Repeating the solāh signifies over zeal in practicing what is recommended and better. 

Al-Kaman Ibn Al-Hamam said: “Our scholars are of the opinion that the hadith of Wabsah refers to what is preferred while the hadith of 'Ali ibn ash-Shaiban underlines failure to practice what is the best and, as such, they are in harmony with the hadith of Abu Bakra. It is clear, then, that it is not necessary to repeat the solāh because such an act was not always ordered. 

If someone comes to the row and does not find sufficient space or a gap to stand in the row, then, according to some, he should stand by himself and it is disliked that he should pull anyone back from the row. Others say that he should pull one, who is aware of the ruling, back from the row after they have performed the opening takbir, and it is preferred for the one who is pulled to join him.” 

29 - Straightening the rows and filling the gaps 

It is preferred for the imam to order the followers to straighten the rows and fill in any gaps before he starts the solāh. 

Anas bin Malik (radiyallāhu`anhu) relates: “The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) would turn his face to us before he began the solāh and he would say: ‘Be close together and straighten your rows’.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim. He also reported that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) would say: “Make your rows straight for the straightening of the rows is part of the completion of the solāh.”
 
An-Nu’man ibn Bashir (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) would straighten us in our rows as one straightens an arrow, until he saw that we had learned from him. One day, he saw a person with his chest sticking out and he said: ‘You had better straighten your rows or Allah will cause differences among you’.” This is related by the five. At-Tirmidzi says it is sahih. 

Abu Umamah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Straighten your rows and put your shoulders close to each other and be gentle with each other and fill in the gaps for the Satan passes through what is between you like small sheep [are able to pass through gaps].” This is related by Ahmad and at-Tabarani with a chain that has no fault in it. 

Anas bin Malik (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Complete the front row, then the ones after it, and if there is any incompletion, it should be in the last row.” This is related by Abu Dawud, an-Nasa`ie, and al-Baihaqi. 

Ibn `Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “There is no step that carries a greater reward than the step a man takes to an empty gap in a row in order to fill it.” This is related by al-Bazzar with a hasan chain. 

Ibn `Umar (radiyallāhu`anhu) also related that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever connects a row, Allah will join him. Whoever cuts off a row, Allah will cut him off.” This is related by An-Nasa`ie, al-Hakim, and Ibn Khuzaimah. 

Jabir ibn Samrah (radiyallāhu`anhu) says: “The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) came to us and said: ‘Why don’t you make the rows like the angels make their rows in the presence of their Lord?’ We asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, how do the angels make their rows in the presence of their Lord?’ He replied: ‘They complete the first row and stand closely together, side by side, in the row’.” This is related by the group, save al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidzi. 

30 - Encouragement concerning being in the first row and on the right side 

Abu Dawud recorded Ubayy bin Ka`ab, (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported that the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "If the people come to know of the great rewards and benefits of the congregational prayer, they would never stay back but would rush to the masjid for it. The first row merits the highest reward. Two persons praying together merit greater reward than the same praying individually, the rule being that the bigger the congregation the higher it’s worth in the Sight of Allah." (Abu Dawud)



Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported that the Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "If the people knew what was in the Adzan and the first row (of the Solāh in virtue), and that they could not get it save by drawing lots, they would draw lots. If they knew the reward for praying the noon Solāh early in its time, they would race to it. And if they knew the reward for the night and the morning Solāh in congregation, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.” (Recorded by al-Bukhari and others)

Abu Sa`id al-Khudri (radiyallāhu`anhu) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) noticed his companions going to the back rows, and he said: “Come close and follow me and let those behind follow you. People will continue going to the back until Allah will put them in the back.” This is related by Muslim, an-Nasa`ie, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah. 

`Aishah (radiyallāhu`anha) reports that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Allah and His angels send down blessings upon those who pray on the right side of the rows.” This is related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah. 

Ahmad and at-Tabarani record, with a sahih chain, from Abu Umamah (radiyallāhu`anhu) that the Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Allah and the angels send down blessings upon the first row.” The people inquired: “O Messenger of Allah, and upon the second row?” The Allah’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) again said: “Allah and the angels send down blessings upon the first row.” The people asked again: “O Messenger of Allah, and upon the second row?” Finally he said: “And upon the second row.” 

31 -Repeating imam's words for others in the back rows 

If some people cannot hear the imam, it is preferred for one to repeat in a loud voice the imam's words for the others to hear. There is consensus among scholars that repeating aloud after the imams without there being any real need for it is an abhorrent innovation.

 And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

[Excerpted from Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 2: “Congregational Solāh” by Sayyid Sābiq ; Via http://ymsite.com/home/]



All About The Solah

4. Al-Wudhu’ ; 5. Tayammum;
29.   Solāh al-Jumu`ah; 30. The Sanctified Hour of Jumu’ah.


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