The Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) used to touch our shoulders in prayer and say: Keep straight, don't be irregular, for there would be dissension in your hearts. Let those of you who are sedate and prudent be near me, then those who are next to them, then those who are next to them. Abu Mas'ud said: Now-a-days there is much dissension amongst you.
Narrated by Abu Mas'ud reported:
Context
In this hadith, Abu Mas'ud narrates how the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would align the rows of worshippers during prayer, emphasizing the importance of unity and avoiding discord among the hearts of the believers. He instructed the companions to stand straight and close together, highlighting the need for a harmonious community in worship. Abu Mas'ud reflects on the current state of division among people, indicating a concern for the community's spiritual well-being.
Modern Application
In today's daily salah, this hadith reminds us to maintain unity and focus during prayer. By standing close together and aligning ourselves properly, we foster a sense of community and shared purpose, which can help reduce feelings of discord and disconnection among worshippers.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Prophetic Etiquette because it emphasizes the importance of unity in worship and the manner in which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) guided his followers during prayer.
And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.
And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you, taking precaution and carrying their arms. Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you in one [single] attack. But there is no blame upon you, if you are troubled by rain or are ill, for putting down your arms, but take precaution. Indeed, Allah has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.
Do not make [your] calling of the Messenger among yourselves as the call of one of you to another. Already Allah knows those of you who slip away, concealed by others. So let those beware who dissent from the Prophet's order, lest fitnah strike them or a painful punishment.
And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.
Say, "I only advise you of one [thing] - that you stand for Allah, [seeking truth] in pairs and individually, and then give thought." There is not in your companion any madness. He is only a warner to you before a severe punishment.
