“I
heard
‘Uthman bin Abul-‘As say: “The last thing that the Prophet
(ﷺ)
enjoined on me when he appointed me governor of Ta’if was
that he
said: “O ‘Uthman! Be tolerable in prayer and estimate the
people based
upon the weakest among them, for among them are the
elderly, the
young, the sick, those who live far from the mosque, and
those who
have pressing needs.”
Narrated by It was
narrated that Mutarrif bin ‘Abdullah bin Shikhkhir said:
Context
In this narration, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advises that when leading prayer, one should be considerate of the congregation, particularly the weakest among them. This guidance emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in communal worship, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can participate in prayer comfortably.
Modern Application
In daily Salah, this principle can be applied by leaders of prayer to be mindful of the needs of their congregation, such as accommodating the elderly or those with physical limitations, fostering an inclusive environment for worship.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Prophetic Conduct because it emphasizes the importance of consideration and compassion in leading prayer, reflecting the Prophet's (ﷺ) approach to community worship.
So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].
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.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
This hadith is #721 from Sunan Ibn Majah, in the Book of Establishing the Prayer and the Sunnah Regarding Them. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was
narrated that Mutarrif bin ‘Abdullah bin Shikhkhir said:.