– Atifa Aimen (M.A. Punjab University)
Hazrat Mujahid (R.A.), while describing the Salah of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.), and that of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (R.A.) says: “They stood in Salah motionless like pieces of wood stuck in the ground.”
There are five pillars of Islam namely, Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage). Among these five pillars, Salah holds significant relevance. Salah is specifically highlighted as the second pillar because of its centrality in a Muslim’s daily life and spiritual practice. It serves as a direct means of communication between the individual and Allah, strengthening the bond of faith and devotion. In this era, where people think everything is a race and hurry to do every task, often they ignore the significance of Salah. Some don’t pray at all, and some people hurry to pray Salah as if it’s a race against time. They don’t have time for the one who created time. Salah should be prayed wholeheartedly by understanding every word by heart while you say it. We must seek guidance from the lives of Sahaba who prayed the Salah so devotionally that they didn’t let worldly desires come between them and Allah.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (R.A.) was known for his unwavering devotion during prayer. There are accounts of him remaining in Sajdah or Ruku’ for extended periods of time, so much so that birds would come and perch on his back. Even during dangerous situations, such as when a missile hit the wall of the Mosque where he was praying, he did not break his Salah. Similarly, when a snake fell from the ceiling and coiled around his sleeping son, he remained focused on his prayer, only inquiring about the noise after finishing. This level of dedication and concentration in prayer is truly remarkable. He serves as an inspiration for Muslims around the world. His commitment to his faith and his ability to remain focused on his prayers in the face of adversity is a testament to his strong belief in Allah and his dedication to his worship. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong connection with Allah through prayer, regardless of the circumstances.
Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan, the third caliph of Islam, was widely recognized for his piety and adherence to the principles of Islam. One of the most notable aspects of his piety was his unwavering commitment to prayer and the recitation of the Qur’an, particularly during the nighttime hours. It is documented that Hazrat Uthman would frequently dedicate a significant portion of the night to prayer, seeking proximity to Allah and contemplating the verses of the Qur’an. His affection for the Qur’an ran deep, and he would often recite extensive portions of it during his nightly prayers. On specific occasions, Hazrat Uthman’s devotion would reach such an elevated level that he would recite the entire Qur’an in a single rak’ah. This remarkable accomplishment of reciting the Qur’an in a single rak’ah during his nighttime prayers showcased Hazrat Uthman’s profound connection with the divine words of Allah and his unwavering dedication to internalizing its teachings. It exemplified his profound love for the Qur’an and his desire to fully immerse himself in its guidance. His exemplary conduct serves as a reminder to believers of the significance of sincerity, devotion, and continual engagement with the Qur’an in their spiritual journeys.
Have we reflected on our quality of Salah in light of Sahaba’s practices?
Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was known for his piety, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Islam. It is reported that Hazrat Ali would often turn pale and tremble visibly at the time of Salah. When someone inquired about the reason for his reaction, he responded with profound insight and humility. Hazrat Ali explained that he felt this way because he understood the magnitude of the trust that Allah had offered to the humans, which He had earlier offered to the heavens, the earth, and the mountains, but they declined.
Khalaf bin Ayub, known for his piety and wisdom, was once asked whether the presence of flies bothered him during his prayers. In response, Khalaf bin Ayub drew a poignant analogy. He likened the annoyance caused by flies to the lashes inflicted upon sinful individuals by governmental authorities. He remarked that even those who endure such punishment patiently often boast of their endurance afterward. His profound response highlights his deep understanding of the nature of devotion and worship. He refused to be distracted or perturbed by the presence of flies during his prayers, recognizing that standing in the presence of his Lord demanded his utmost attention and focus. He implied that if people could endure physical punishment for worldly reasons, then surely, he could bear the inconvenience caused by flies during his worship of the Divine.
Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam, is renowned for his exceptional leadership, devoutness, and adherence to Islamic principles. On the 27th of Dhul-Hijjah, in the year 23 AH (644 CE), Hazrat Umar was leading the Fajr prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina when he was viciously attacked by a Persian slave named Abu Lulu Feroze. Motivated by his animosity towards Muslims, Abu Lulu targeted Hazrat Umar’s back, inflicting multiple stab wounds. Despite the severity of his injuries, Hazrat Umar’s resilience was evident as he bravely endured the assault. Following the attack, Hazrat Umar was swiftly taken to his residence for medical treatment. Despite the gravity of his wounds, he remained composed and conscious, displaying unwavering faith and dedication to Islam. Even in his final moments, Hazrat Umar’s commitment to prayer was unwavering, as he insisted on knowing the prayer times and fulfilling his Salah punctually until his last breath. It serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to strive for the same level of concentration and mindfulness in their prayers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and focus regardless of external circumstances.
