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 ʿUmar was the first to suggest that a man should call (the people) for the prayer; so Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the Adhan for prayers.

بَعْضُهُمْ اتَّخِذُوا نَاقُوسًا مِثْلَ نَاقُوسِ النَّصَارَى وَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ بَلْ بُوقًا مِثْلَ قَرْنِ الْيَهُودِ فَقَالَ عُمَرُ أَوَلاَ تَبْعَثُونَ رَجُلاً يُنَادِي بِالصَّلاَةِ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَا بِلاَلُ قُمْ فَنَادِ بِالصَّلاَةِ

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).

ذَكَرُوا النَّارَ وَالنَّاقُوسَ فَذَكَرُوا الْيَهُودَ وَالنَّصَارَى فَأُمِرَ بِلاَلٌ أَنْ يَشْفَعَ الأَذَانَ وَأَنْ يُوتِرَ الإِقَامَةَ

Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Whenever you hear the Adhan, say what the Mu'adh-dhin is saying.

أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمُ النِّدَاءَ فَقُولُوا مِثْلَ ما يَقُولُ الْمُؤَذِّنُ

Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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."

أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلاَةِ أَدْبَرَ الشَّيْطَانُ وَلَهُ ضُرَاطٌ حَتَّى لاَ يَسْمَعَ التَّأْذِينَ فَإِذَا قَضَى النِّدَاءَ أَقْبَلَ حَتَّى إِذَا ثُوِّبَ بِالصَّلاَةِ أَدْبَرَ حَتَّى إِذَا قَضَى التَّثْوِيبَ أَقْبَلَ حَتَّى يَخْطُرَ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَنَفْسِهِ يَقُولُ اذْكُرْ كَذَا اذْكُرْ كَذَا لِمَا لَمْ يَكُنْ يَذْكُرُ حَتَّى يَظَلَّ الرَّجُلُ لاَ يَدْرِي كَمْ صَلَّى

I saw that whenever Messenger of Allah ﷺ stood for the prayer, he used to raise both his hands up to the shoulders, and used to do the same on saying the Takbir for bowing and on raising his head from it and used to say, "Samiʿa l-lahu liman hamidah". But he did not do that (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations.

رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ إِذَا قَامَ فِي الصَّلاَةِ رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ حَتَّى يَكُونَا حَذْوَ مَنْكِبَيْهِ وَكَانَ يَفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ حِينَ يُكَبِّرُ لِلرُّكُوعِ وَيَفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ إِذَا رَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ مِنَ الرُّكُوعِ وَيَقُولُ سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ وَلاَ يَفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ فِي السُّجُودِ

I saw Malik bin Huwairith saying Takbir and raising both his hands (on starting the prayers and raising his hands on bowing and also on raising his head after bowing. Malik bin Huwairith said, "Messenger of Allah ﷺ did the same."

أَنْ يَرْكَعَ رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ وَإِذَا رَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ مِنَ الرُّكُوعِ رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ وَحَدَّثَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ صَنَعَ هَكَذَا

When Abu Huraira led us in prayer he used to say Takbir on each bowing and rising. On the completion of the prayer he used to say, "My prayer is more similar to the prayer of Messenger of Allah ﷺ than that of anyone of you."

أَنَّهُ كَانَ يُصَلِّي بِهِمْ فَيُكَبِّرُ كُلَّمَا خَفَضَ وَرَفَعَ فَإِذَا انْصَرَفَ قَالَ إِنِّي لأَشْبَهُكُمْ صَلاَةً بِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ

Whenever Messenger of Allah ﷺ stood for the prayer, he said Takbir on starting the prayer and then on bowing. On rising from bowing he said, "Samiʿa llahu liman hamidah," and then while standing straight he used to say, "Rabbana laka-l hamd" (Al- Laith said, "(The Prophet ﷺ said), 'Wa laka l-hamd'." He used to say Takbir on prostrating and on raising his head from prostration; again he would Say Takbir on prostrating and raising his head. He would then do the same in the whole of the prayer till it was completed. On rising from the second rakʿa (after sitting for at-Tahiyyat), he used to say Takbir.

أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ يَقُولُ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ إِذَا قَامَ إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ يُكَبِّرُ حِينَ يَقُومُ ثُمَّ يُكَبِّرُ حِينَ يَرْكَعُ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لَمِنْ حَمِدَهُ حِينَ يَرْفَعُ صُلْبَهُ مِنَ الرَّكْعَةِ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ قَالَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ {بْنُ صَالِحٍ عَنِ اللَّيْثِ} وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ ثُمَّ يُكَبِّرُ حِينَ يَهْوِي ثُمَّ يُكَبِّرُ حِينَ يَرْفَعُ رَأْسَهُ ثُمَّ يُكَبِّرُ حِينَ يَسْجُدُ ثُمَّ يُكَبِّرُ حِينَ يَرْفَعُ رَأْسَهُ ثُمَّ يَفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ فِي الصَّلاَةِ كُلِّهَا حَتَّى يَقْضِيَهَا وَيُكَبِّرُ حِينَ يَقُومُ مِنَ الثِّنْتَيْنِ بَعْدَ الْجُلُوسِ

ʿImran bin Husain and I offered the prayer behind ʿAli bin Abi Talib. When ʿAli prostrated, he said the Takbir, when he raised his head, he said the Takbir and when he got up for the third rakʿa he said the Takbir. On completion of the prayer ʿImran took my hand and said, "This (i.e. ʿAli) made me remember the prayer of Muhammad" Or he said, "He led us in a prayer like that of Muhammad."

صَلَّيْتُ خَلْفَ عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ ؓ أَنَا وَعِمْرَانُ بْنُ حُصَيْنٍ فَكَانَ إِذَا سَجَدَ كَبَّرَ وَإِذَا رَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ كَبَّرَ وَإِذَا نَهَضَ مِنَ الرَّكْعَتَيْنِ كَبَّرَ فَلَمَّا قَضَى الصَّلاَةَ أَخَذَ بِيَدِي عِمْرَانُ بْنُ حُصَيْنٍ فَقَالَ قَدْ ذَكَّرَنِي هَذَا صَلاَةَ مُحَمَّدٍ ﷺ أَوْ قَالَ لَقَدْ صَلَّى بِنَا صَلاَةَ مُحَمَّدٍ ﷺ

Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid."

أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ لاَ صَلاَةَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَقْرَأْ بِفَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ

The Qur'an is recited in every prayer and in those prayers in which Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited aloud for us, we recite aloud in the same prayers for you; and the prayers in which the Prophet ﷺ recited quietly, we recite quietly. If you recite "Al-Fatiha" only it is sufficient but if you recite something else in addition, it is better.

أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ؓ يَقُولُ فِي كُلِّ صَلاَةٍ يُقْرَأُ فَمَا أَسْمَعَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ أَسْمَعْنَاكُمْ وَمَا أَخْفَى عَنَّا أَخْفَيْنَا عَنْكُمْ وَإِنْ لَمْ تَزِدْ عَلَى أُمِّ الْقُرْآنِ أَجْزَأَتْ وَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ

The Prophet, Abu Bakr and ʿUmar used to start the prayer with "Al hamdu li l-lahi Rabbi l-ʿalamin (All praise is but to Allah, Lord of the Worlds).

أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ وَأَبَا بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ ؓ كَانُوا يَفْتَتِحُونَ الصَّلاَةَ بِ {الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ}

When we prayed with the Prophet ﷺ we used to say: As-Salam be on Allah from His worshipers, As- Salam be on Gabriel, As-Salam be on Michael, As-Salam be on so-and-so. When the Prophet ﷺ finished his prayer, he faced us and said, "Allah Himself is As-Salam (Peace), so when one sits in the prayer, one should say, 'at-Tahiyatu-li l-lahi Was-Salawatu, Wat-Taiyibatu, As-Salamu 'Alaika aiyuhan- Nabiyyu wa Rah-matul-iahi wa Barakatuhu, As-Salamu 'Alaina wa 'ala 'Ibadillahi assalihin, for if he says so, then it will be for all the pious slave of Allah in the Heavens and the Earth. (Then he should say), 'Ash-hadu an la ilaha illalllahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ʿAbduhu wa rasulu-hu,' and then he can choose whatever speech (i.e. invocation) he wishes " (See Hadith No. 797, Vol. 1).

كُنَّا إِذَا صَلَّيْنَا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ قُلْنَا السَّلاَمُ عَلَى اللَّهِ قَبْلَ عِبَادِهِ السَّلاَمُ عَلَى جِبْرِيلَ السَّلاَمُ عَلَى مِيكَائِيلَ السَّلاَمُ عَلَى فُلاَنٍ فَلَمَّا انْصَرَفَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ أَقْبَلَ عَلَيْنَا بِوَجْهِهِ فَقَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ السَّلاَمُ فَإِذَا جَلَسَ أَحَدُكُمْ فِي الصَّلاَةِ فَلْيَقُلِ التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُ إِذَا قَالَ ذَلِكَ أَصَابَ كُلَّ عَبْدٍ صَالِحٍ فِي السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ثُمَّ يَتَخَيَّرْ بَعْدُ مِنَ الْكَلاَمِ مَا شَاءَ

Kaʿb bin Ujrah met me and said, "Shall I not give you a present I got from the Prophet?" ʿAbdur- Rahman said, "Yes, give it to me." I said, "We asked Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying, 'O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! How should one (ask Allah to) send blessings on you, the members of the family, for Allah has taught us how to salute you (in the prayer)?' He said, 'Say: O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious. O Allah! Send Your Blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent your Blessings on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.' "

لَقِيَنِي كَعْبُ بْنُ عُجْرَةَ فَقَالَ أَلاَ أُهْدِي لَكَ هَدِيَّةً سَمِعْتُهَا مِنَ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ فَقُلْتُ بَلَى فَأَهْدِهَا لِي فَقَالَ سَأَلْنَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ فَقُلْنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ كَيْفَ الصَّلاَةُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ عَلَّمَنَا كَيْفَ نُسَلِّمُ قَالَ قُولُوا اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

The people asked, "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! How shall we (ask Allah to) send blessings on you?" Allah's Apostle replied, "Say: O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on his wives and on his off spring, as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham's family; and send Your Blessings on Muhammad and on his offspring, as You sent Your Blessings on Abraham's family, for You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious."

أَخْبَرَنِي أَبُو حُمَيْدٍ السَّاعِدِيُّ ؓ أَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ كَيْفَ نُصَلِّي عَلَيْكَ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ قُولُوا اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَأَزْوَاجِهِ وَذُرِّيَّتِهِ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَأَزْوَاجِهِ وَذُرِّيَّتِهِ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

I went to ʿAisha and asked her to describe to me the illness of Messenger of Allah ﷺ. ʿAisha 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." ʿAisha 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 Messenger of Allah ﷺ,' 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 Messenger of Allah ﷺ! The people were in the mosque waiting for the Prophet ﷺ for the ʿIsha prayer. The Prophet ﷺ sent for Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer. The messenger went to Abu Bakr and said, 'Messenger of Allah ﷺ orders you to lead the people in the prayer.' Abu Bakr was a softhearted man, so he asked ʿUmar to lead the prayer but ʿUmar replied, 'You are more rightful.' So Abu Bakr led the prayer in those days. When the Prophet ﷺ felt a bit better, he came out for the Zuhr prayer with the help of two persons one of whom was Al-ʿAbbas. while Abu Bakr was leading the people in the prayer. When Abu Bakr saw him he wanted to retreat but the Prophet ﷺ 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." 'Ubaidullah added "I went to ʿAbdullah bin ʿAbbas and asked him, Shall I tell you what Aisha has told me about the fatal illness of the Prophet?' Ibn ʿAbbas said, 'Go ahead. I told him her narration and he did not deny anything of it but asked whether ʿAisha told me the name of the second person (who helped the Prophet ﷺ ) along with Al-Abbas. I said. 'No.' He said, 'He was ʿAli (Ibn Abi Talib).

دَخَلْتُ عَلَى عَائِشَةَ فَقُلْتُ أَلاَ تُحَدِّثِينِي عَنْ مَرَضِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَتْ بَلَى ثَقُلَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ فَقَالَ أَصَلَّى النَّاسُ قُلْنَا لاَ هُمْ يَنْتَظِرُونَكَ قَالَ ضَعُوا لِي مَاءً فِي الْمِخْضَبِ قَالَتْ فَفَعَلْنَا فَاغْتَسَلَ فَذَهَبَ لِيَنُوءَ فَأُغْمِيَ عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ أَفَاقَ فَقَالَ ﷺ أَصَلَّى النَّاسُ قُلْنَا لاَ هُمْ يَنْتَظِرُونَكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ضَعُوا لِي مَاءً فِي الْمِخْضَبِ قَالَتْ فَقَعَدَ فَاغْتَسَلَ ثُمَّ ذَهَبَ لِيَنُوءَ فَأُغْمِيَ عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ أَفَاقَ فَقَالَ أَصَلَّى النَّاسُ قُلْنَا لاَ هُمْ يَنْتَظِرُونَكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ ضَعُوا لِي مَاءً فِي الْمِخْضَبِ فَقَعَدَ فَاغْتَسَلَ ثُمَّ ذَهَبَ لِيَنُوءَ فَأُغْمِيَ عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ أَفَاقَ فَقَالَ أَصَلَّى النَّاسُ فَقُلْنَا لاَ هُمْ يَنْتَظِرُونَكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَالنَّاسُ عُكُوفٌ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ يَنْتَظِرُونَ النَّبِيَّ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ لِصَلاَةِ الْعِشَاءِ الآخِرَةِ فَأَرْسَلَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ إِلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ بِأَنْ يُصَلِّيَ بِالنَّاسِ فَأَتَاهُ الرَّسُولُ فَقَالَ إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَأْمُرُكَ أَنْ تُصَلِّيَ بِالنَّاسِ فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَكَانَ رَجُلاً رَقِيقًا يَا عُمَرُ صَلِّ بِالنَّاسِ فَقَالَ لَهُ عُمَرُ أَنْتَ أَحَقُّ بِذَلِكَ فَصَلَّى أَبُو بَكْرٍ تِلْكَ الأَيَّامَ ثُمَّ إِنَّ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ وَجَدَ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ خِفَّةً فَخَرَجَ بَيْنَ رَجُلَيْنِ أَحَدُهُمَا الْعَبَّاسُ لِصَلاَةِ الظُّهْرِ وَأَبُو بَكْرٍ يُصَلِّي بِالنَّاسِ فَلَمَّا رَآهُ أَبُو بَكْرٍ ذَهَبَ لِيَتَأَخَّرَ فَأَوْمَأَ إِلَيْهِ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ بِأَنْ لاَ يَتَأَخَّرَ قَالَ أَجْلِسَانِي إِلَى جَنْبِهِ فَأَجْلَسَاهُ إِلَى جَنْبِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ قَالَ فَجَعَلَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ يُصَلِّي وَهْوَ يَأْتَمُّ بِصَلاَةِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ وَالنَّاسُ بِصَلاَةِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَالنَّبِيُّ ﷺ قَاعِدٌ قَالَ عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ فَدَخَلْتُ عَلَى عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبَّاسٍ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ أَلاَ أَعْرِضُ عَلَيْكَ مَا حَدَّثَتْنِي عَائِشَةُ عَنْ مَرَضِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ قَالَ هَاتِ فَعَرَضْتُ عَلَيْهِ حَدِيثَهَا فَمَا أَنْكَرَ مِنْهُ شَيْئًا غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ أَسَمَّتْ لَكَ الرَّجُلَ الَّذِي كَانَ مَعَ الْعَبَّاسِ قُلْتُ لاَ قَالَ هُوَ عَلِيٌّ

Ubaidullah bin ʿAbdullah told me that ʿAisha had said, "When the Prophet ﷺ became sick and his condition became serious, he requested his wives to allow him to be treated in my house, and they allowed him. He came out leaning on two men while his feet were dragging on the ground. He was walking between Al-ʿAbbas and another man." 'Ubaidullah said, "When I informed Ibn ʿAbbas of what ʿAisha had said, he asked me whether I knew who was the second man whom ʿAisha had not named. I replied in the negative. He said, 'He was ʿAli bin Abi Talib."

عَائِشَةُ ؓ لَمَّا ثَقُلَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ فَاشْتَدَّ وَجَعُهُ اسْتَأْذَنَ أَزْوَاجَهُ أَنْ يُمَرَّضَ فِي بَيْتِي فَأَذِنَّ لَهُ فَخَرَجَ بَيْنَ رَجُلَيْنِ تَخُطُّ رِجْلاَهُ الأَرْضَ وَكَانَ بَيْنَ الْعَبَّاسِ وَبَيْنَ رَجُلٍ آخَرَ فَقَالَ عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ فَذَكَرْتُ لاِبْنِ عَبَّاسٍ مَا قَالَتْ عَائِشَةُ فَقَالَ لِي وَهَلْ تَدْرِي مَنِ الرَّجُلُ الَّذِي لَمْ تُسَمِّ عَائِشَةُ قُلْتُ لاَ قَالَ هُوَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَبِي طَالِبٍ

ʿAisha added, "I argued with Messenger of Allah ﷺ repeatedly about that matter (i.e. his order that Abu Bakr should lead the people in prayer in his place when he was ill), and what made me argue so much, was, that it never occurred to my mind that after the Prophet, the people would ever love a man who had taken his place, and I felt that anybody standing in his place, would be a bad omen to the people, so I wanted Messenger of Allah ﷺ to give up the idea of choosing Abu Bakr (to lead the people in prayer).

لَقَدْ رَاجَعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ فِي ذَلِكَ وَمَا حَمَلَنِي عَلَى كَثْرَةِ مُرَاجَعَتِهِ إِلاَّ أَنَّهُ لَمْ يَقَعْ فِي قَلْبِي أَنْ يُحِبَّ النَّاسُ بَعْدَهُ رَجُلاً قَامَ مَقَامَهُ أَبَدًا وَلاَ كُنْتُ أُرَى أَنَّهُ لَنْ يَقُومَ أَحَدٌ مَقَامَهُ إِلاَّ تَشَاءَمَ النَّاسُ بِهِ فَأَرَدْتُ أَنْ يَعْدِلَ ذَلِكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرٍ رَوَاهُ ابْنُ عُمَرَ وَأَبُو مُوسَى وَابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ ؓ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ

"We were with ʿAisha discussing the regularity of offering the prayer and dignifying it. She said, 'When Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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 softhearted man and would not be able to lead the prayer in his place. The Prophet ﷺ 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 ﷺ 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 ﷺ beckoned him to remain at his place and the Prophet ﷺ was brought till he sat beside Abu Bakr." Al-Aʿmash was asked, "Was the Prophet ﷺ praying and Abu Bakr following him, and were the people following Abu Bakr in that prayer?" Al- Aʿmash replied in the affirmative with a nod of his head. Abu Muawiya said, "The Prophet ﷺ was sitting on the left side of Abu Bakr who was praying while standing."

كُنَّا عِنْدَ عَائِشَةَ ؓ فَذَكَرْنَا الْمُوَاظَبَةَ عَلَى الصَّلاَةِ وَالتَّعْظِيمَ لَهَا قَالَتْ لَمَّا مَرِضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ مَرَضَهُ الَّذِي مَاتَ فِيهِ فَحَضَرَتِ الصَّلاَةُ فَأُذِّنَ فَقَالَ مُرُوا أَبَا بَكْرٍ فَلْيُصَلِّ بِالنَّاسِ فَقِيلَ لَهُ إِنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ رَجُلٌ أَسِيفٌ إِذَا قَامَ فِي مَقَامِكَ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ بِالنَّاسِ وَأَعَادَ فَأَعَادُوا لَهُ فَأَعَادَ الثَّالِثَةَ فَقَالَ إِنَّكُنَّ صَوَاحِبُ يُوسُفَ مُرُوا أَبَا بَكْرٍ فَلْيُصَلِّ بِالنَّاسِ فَخَرَجَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ فَصَلَّى فَوَجَدَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ خِفَّةً فَخَرَجَ يُهَادَى بَيْنَ رَجُلَيْنِ كَأَنِّي أَنْظُرُ رِجْلَيْهِ تَخُطَّانِ مِنَ الْوَجَعِ فَأَرَادَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ أَنْ يَتَأَخَّرَ فَأَوْمَأَ إِلَيْهِ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ أَنْ مَكَانَكَ ثُمَّ أُتِيَ بِهِ حَتَّى جَلَسَ إِلَى جَنْبِهِ قِيلَ لِلأَعْمَشِ وَكَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ يُصَلِّي وَأَبُو بَكْرٍ يُصَلِّي بِصَلاَتِهِ وَالنَّاسُ يُصَلُّونَ بِصَلاَةِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ فَقَالَ بِرَأْسِهِ نَعَمْ رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُدَ عَنْ شُعْبَةَ عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ بَعْضَهُ وَزَادَ أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ جَلَسَ عَنْ يَسَارِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ فَكَانَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ يُصَلِّي قَائِمًا

When Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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 Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Abu Bakr is a softhearted man and if he stands in your place, he would not be able to make the people hear him. Will you order ʿUmar (to lead the prayer)?" The Prophet ﷺ said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer." Then I said to Hafsa, "Tell him, Abu i Bakr is a softhearted man and if he stands in his place, he would not be able to make the people hear him. Would you order ʿUmar to lead the prayer?' " Hafsa did so. The Prophet ﷺ 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 Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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 Messenger of Allah ﷺ beckoned him to carry on. The Prophet ﷺ sat on his left side. Abu Bakr was praying while standing and Messenger of Allah ﷺ was leading the prayer while sitting. Abu Bakr was following the Prophet ﷺ and the people were following Abu Bakr (in the prayer).

لَمَّا ثَقُلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ جَاءَ بِلاَلٌ يُؤْذِنُهُ بِالصَّلاَةِ فَقَالَ مُرُوا أَبَا بَكْرٍ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ بِالنَّاسِ فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ رَجُلٌ أَسِيفٌ وَإِنَّهُ مَتَى مَا يَقُمْ مَقَامَكَ لاَ يُسْمِعُ النَّاسَ فَلَوْ أَمَرْتَ عُمَرَ فَقَالَ مُرُوا أَبَا بَكْرٍ يُصَلِّي بِالنَّاسِ فَقُلْتُ لِحَفْصَةَ قُولِي لَهُ إِنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ رَجُلٌ أَسِيفٌ وَإِنَّهُ مَتَى يَقُمْ مَقَامَكَ لاَ يُسْمِعِ النَّاسَ فَلَوْ أَمَرْتَ عُمَرَ قَالَ إِنَّكُنَّ لأَنْتُنَّ صَوَاحِبُ يُوسُفَ مُرُوا أَبَا بَكْرٍ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ بِالنَّاسِ فَلَمَّا دَخَلَ فِي الصَّلاَةِ وَجَدَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ فِي نَفْسِهِ خِفَّةً فَقَامَ يُهَادَى بَيْنَ رَجُلَيْنِ وَرِجْلاَهُ يَخُطَّانِ فِي الأَرْضِ حَتَّى دَخَلَ الْمَسْجِدَ فَلَمَّا سَمِعَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ حِسَّهُ ذَهَبَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ يَتَأَخَّرُ فَأَوْمَأَ إِلَيْهِ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ فَجَاءَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ حَتَّى جَلَسَ عَنْ يَسَارِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ فَكَانَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ يُصَلِّي قَائِمًا وَكَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يُصَلِّي قَاعِدًا يَقْتَدِي أَبُو بَكْرٍ بِصَلاَةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ وَالنَّاسُ مُقْتَدُونَ بِصَلاَةِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ ؓ

Anas bin Malik Al-Ansari, told me, "Abu Bakr used to lead the people in prayer during the fatal illness of the Prophet ﷺ till it was Monday. When the people aligned (in rows) for the prayer the Prophet ﷺ 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 ﷺ would lead the prayer. The Prophet ﷺ beckoned us to complete the prayer and he let the curtain fall. On the same day he died."

أَنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ كَانَ يُصَلِّي لَهُمْ فِي وَجَعِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ الَّذِي تُوُفِّيَ فِيهِ حَتَّى إِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ الاِثْنَيْنِ وَهُمْ صُفُوفٌ فِي الصَّلاَةِ فَكَشَفَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ سِتْرَ الْحُجْرَةِ يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْنَا وَهْوَ قَائِمٌ كَأَنَّ وَجْهَهُ وَرَقَةُ مُصْحَفٍ ثُمَّ تَبَسَّمَ يَضْحَكُ فَهَمَمْنَا أَنْ نَفْتَتِنَ مِنَ الْفَرَحِ بِرُؤْيَةِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ فَنَكَصَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ عَلَى عَقِبَيْهِ لِيَصِلَ الصَّفَّ وَظَنَّ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ خَارِجٌ إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ فَأَشَارَ إِلَيْنَا النَّبِيُّ ﷺ أَنْ أَتِمُّوا صَلاَتَكُمْ وَأَرْخَى السِّتْرَ فَتُوُفِّيَ مِنْ يَوْمِهِ

The Prophet ﷺ 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 ﷺ caught hold of the curtain and lifted it. When the face of the Prophet ﷺ appeared we had never seen a scene more pleasing than the face of the Prophet ﷺ as it appeared then. The Prophet ﷺ 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.

لَمْ يَخْرُجِ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ ثَلاَثًا فَأُقِيمَتِ الصَّلاَةُ فَذَهَبَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ يَتَقَدَّمُ فَقَالَ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ ﷺ بِالْحِجَابِ فَرَفَعَهُ فَلَمَّا وَضَحَ وَجْهُ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ مَا نَظَرْنَا مَنْظَرًا كَانَ أَعْجَبَ إِلَيْنَا مِنْ وَجْهِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ حِينَ وَضَحَ لَنَا فَأَوْمَأَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ بِيَدِهِ إِلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ أَنْ يَتَقَدَّمَ وَأَرْخَى النَّبِيُّ ﷺ الْحِجَابَ فَلَمْ يُقْدَرْ عَلَيْهِ حَتَّى مَاتَ

"The Prophet ﷺ became sick and when his disease became aggravated, he said, "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the prayer." ʿAisha said, "He is a softhearted man and would not be able to lead the prayer in your place." The Prophet ﷺ 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.

مَرِضَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ فَاشْتَدَّ مَرَضُهُ فَقَالَ مُرُوا أَبَا بَكْرٍ فَلْيُصَلِّ بِالنَّاسِ قَالَتْ عَائِشَةُ إِنَّهُ رَجُلٌ رَقِيقٌ إِذَا قَامَ مَقَامَكَ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ بِالنَّاسِ قَالَ مُرُوا أَبَا بَكْرٍ فَلْيُصَلِّ بِالنَّاسِ فَعَادَتْ فَقَالَ مُرِي أَبَا بَكْرٍ فَلْيُصَلِّ بِالنَّاسِ فَإِنَّكُنَّ صَوَاحِبُ يُوسُفَ فَأَتَاهُ الرَّسُولُ فَصَلَّى بِالنَّاسِ فِي حَيَاةِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ

Messenger of Allah ﷺ went to establish peace among Bani ʿAmr bin ʿAuf. 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. Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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 Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Messenger of Allah ﷺ beckoned him to stay at his place. Abu Bakr raised his hands and thanked Allah for that order of Messenger of Allah ﷺ and then he retreated till he reached the first row. Messenger of Allah ﷺ went forward and led the prayer. When Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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 Messenger of Allah ﷺ?" Then Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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."

أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ ذَهَبَ إِلَى بَنِي عَمْرِو بْنِ عَوْفٍ لِيُصْلِحَ بَيْنَهُمْ فَحَانَتِ الصَّلاَةُ فَجَاءَ الْمُؤَذِّنُ إِلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ فَقَالَ أَتُصَلِّي لِلنَّاسِ فَأُقِيمَ قَالَ نَعَمْ فَصَلَّى أَبُو بَكْرٍ فَجَاءَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ وَالنَّاسُ فِي الصَّلاَةِ فَتَخَلَّصَ حَتَّى وَقَفَ فِي الصَّفِّ فَصَفَّقَ النَّاسُ وَكَانَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ لاَ يَلْتَفِتُ فِي صَلاَتِهِ فَلَمَّا أَكْثَرَ النَّاسُ التَّصْفِيقَ الْتَفَتَ فَرَأَى رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ فَأَشَارَ إِلَيْهِ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ أَنِ امْكُثْ مَكَانَكَ فَرَفَعَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ ؓ يَدَيْهِ فَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ عَلَى مَا أَمَرَهُ بِهِ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ مِنْ ذَلِكَ ثُمَّ اسْتَأْخَرَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ حَتَّى اسْتَوَى فِي الصَّفِّ وَتَقَدَّمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ فَصَلَّى فَلَمَّا انْصَرَفَ قَالَ يَا أَبَا بَكْرٍ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَنْ تَثْبُتَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ مَا كَانَ لاِبْنِ أَبِي قُحَافَةَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ بَيْنَ يَدَىْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ مَا لِي رَأَيْتُكُمْ أَكْثَرْتُمُ التَّصْفِيقَ مَنْ رَابَهُ شَىْءٌ فِي صَلاَتِهِ فَلْيُسَبِّحْ فَإِنَّهُ إِذَا سَبَّحَ الْتُفِتَ إِلَيْهِ وَإِنَّمَا التَّصْفِيقُ لِلنِّسَاءِ

The Prophet ﷺ said, "The saying 'Sub Han Allah' is for men and clapping is for women." (If something happens in the prayer, the men can invite the attention of the Imam by saying "Sub Han Allah". And women, by clapping their hands).

عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ قَالَ التَّسْبِيحُ لِلرِّجَالِ وَالتَّصْفِيقُ لِلنِّسَاءِ

Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Do you consider or see that my face is towards the Qibla? By Allah, neither your submissiveness nor your bowing is hidden from me, surely I see you from my back."

أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ هَلْ تَرَوْنَ قِبْلَتِي هَا هُنَا فَوَاللَّهِ مَا يَخْفَى عَلَىَّ خُشُوعُكُمْ وَلاَ رُكُوعُكُمْ إِنِّي لأَرَاكُمْ مِنْ وَرَاءِ ظَهْرِي

The Prophet ﷺ said, "Perform the bowing and the prostrations properly. By Allah, I see you from behind me (or from behind my back) when you bow or prostrate."

عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ قَالَ أَقِيمُوا الرُّكُوعَ وَالسُّجُودَ فَوَاللَّهِ إِنِّي لأَرَاكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِي وَرُبَّمَا قَالَ مِنْ بَعْدِ ظَهْرِي إِذَا رَكَعْتُمْ وَسَجَدْتُمْ

The Prophet ﷺ 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?"

عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ قَالَ أَمَا يَخْشَى أَحَدُكُمْ أَوْ لاَ يَخْشَى أَحَدُكُمْ إِذَا رَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ قَبْلَ الإِمَامِ أَنْ يَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ رَأْسَهُ رَأْسَ حِمَارٍ أَوْ يَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ صُورَتَهُ صُورَةَ حِمَارٍ

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

عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ قَالَ سَوُّوا صُفُوفَكُمْ فَإِنَّ تَسْوِيَةَ الصُّفُوفِ مِنْ إِقَامَةِ الصَّلاَةِ

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

أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ قَالَ أَقِيمُوا الصُّفُوفَ فَإِنِّي أَرَاكُمْ خَلْفَ ظَهْرِي

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

قَالَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ لَتُسَوُّنَّ صُفُوفَكُمْ أَوْ لَيُخَالِفَنَّ اللَّهُ بَيْنَ وُجُوهِكُمْ

Messenger of Allah ﷺ 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 ʿIsha' and Fajr (morning) prayers in congregation, they would come to offer them even if they had to crawl."

أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ قَالَ لَوْ يَعْلَمُ النَّاسُ مَا فِي النِّدَاءِ وَالصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَجِدُوا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَسْتَهِمُوا عَلَيْهِ لاَسْتَهَمُوا وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي التَّهْجِيرِ لاَسْتَبَقُوا إِلَيْهِ وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي الْعَتَمَةِ وَالصُّبْحِ لأَتَوْهُمَا وَلَوْ حَبْوًا

The men used to pray with the Prophet ﷺ with their Izars tied around their necks as boys used to do; therefore the Prophet ﷺ told the women not to raise their heads till the men sat down straight (while praying).

كَانَ رِجَالٌ يُصَلُّونَ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ عَاقِدِي أُزْرِهِمْ عَلَى أَعْنَاقِهِمْ كَهَيْئَةِ الصِّبْيَانِ وَقَالَ لِلنِّسَاءِ لاَ تَرْفَعْنَ رُءُوسَكُنَّ حَتَّى يَسْتَوِيَ الرِّجَالُ جُلُوسًا

The Prophet ﷺ said, "If the wife of anyone of you asks permission to go to the mosque, he should not forbid her."

عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ إِذَا اسْتَأْذَنَتِ امْرَأَةُ أَحَدِكُمْ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ فَلاَ يَمْنَعْهَا

One of the wives of ʿUmar (bin Al-Khattab) used to offer the Fajr and the ʿIsha' prayer in congregation in the Mosque. She was asked why she had come out for the prayer as she knew that ʿUmar disliked it, and he has great ghaira (self-respect). She replied, "What prevents him from stopping me from this act?" The other replied, "The statement of Messenger of Allah ﷺ : 'Do not stop Allah's women-slaves from going to Allah's Mosques' prevents him."

كَانَتِ امْرَأَةٌ لِعُمَرَ تَشْهَدُ صَلاَةَ الصُّبْحِ وَالْعِشَاءِ فِي الْجَمَاعَةِ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَقِيلَ لَهَا لِمَ تَخْرُجِينَ وَقَدْ تَعْلَمِينَ أَنَّ عُمَرَ يَكْرَهُ ذَلِكَ وَيَغَارُ قَالَتْ وَمَا يَمْنَعُهُ أَنْ يَنْهَانِي قَالَ يَمْنَعُهُ قَوْلُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ لاَ تَمْنَعُوا إِمَاءَ اللَّهِ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ

Had Messenger of Allah ﷺ known what the women were doing, he would have forbidden them from going to the mosque as the women of Bani Israel had been forbidden. Yahya bin Saʿid (a sub-narrator) asked ʿAmra (another sub-narrator), "Were the women of Bani Israel forbidden?" She replied "Yes."

لَوْ أَدْرَكَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ مَا أَحْدَثَ النِّسَاءُ لَمَنَعَهُنَّ كَمَا مُنِعَتْ نِسَاءُ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ قُلْتُ لِعَمْرَةَ أَوَ مُنِعْنَ قَالَتْ نَعَمْ