The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)

Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 800

Hattan b. 'Abdullah al-Raqiishi reported: I observed prayer with Abu Musu al-Ash'ari and when he was in the qa'dah, one among the people said: The prayer has been made obligatory along with piety and Zakat. He (the narrator) said: When Abu Musa had finished the prayer after salutation he tuined (towards the people) and said: Who amongst you said such and such a thing? A hush fell on the people. He again said.. Who amongst you has said such and such a thing? A hush fell on the people. He (Abu Musa) said: Hattan, It is perhaps you that have uttered it. He (Hattan) said No. I have not uttered it. I was afraid that you might be annoyed with me on account of this. A person amongst the people said: It was I who said it, and In this I intended nothing but good. Abu Musa said: Don't you know what you have to recite in your prayers? Verily the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) addressed us and explained to us all Its aspects and taught us how to observe prayer (properly). He (the Holy Prophet) said: When you pray make your rows straight and let anyone amongst you act as your Imim. Recite the takbir when he recites it and when be recites: Not of those with whom Thou art angry. nor of those who go astray, say: Amin. Allah would respond you. And when he (the Imim) recites the takbir, you may also recite the takbir, for the Imam bows before you and raises himself before you. Then the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: The one is equivalent to the other. And when he says: Allah listens to him who praises Him, you should say: 0 Allah, our. Lord, to Thee be the praise, for Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, has vouchsafed (us) through the tongue of His Apostle (may peace be upon him) that Allah listens to him who praises Him. And when he (the Imim) recites the takbir and prostrates, you should also recite the takbir and prostrate, for the Imim prostrates before you and raises himself before you. The Messenger' of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: The one is equi- valent to the other. And when he (the Imim) sits for Qa'da (for tashahhud) the first words of every one amongst you should be: All services rendered by words, acts of worship and all good things are due to Allah. Peace be upon you,0 Apostle, and Allah's mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the upright servants of Allah. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Mubammad is His servant and His Messenger.