Praying Behind Him | Meeting Muhammad ﷺ Episode 4

Summary

The video highlights the deep spiritual significance of prayer in Islam, drawing parallels between the believer's connection with Allah and the Prophet Muhammad’s (Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) own prayer experience. It emphasizes the beauty and sincerity of his recitation, his emotional connection to the Quran, and the impact his prayer had on those around him. The Prophet’s compassion for those praying behind him, including parents and children, is also discussed, illustrating his understanding of their needs. Ultimately, the video invites reflection on the intimate nature of prayer and the lessons we can learn from the Prophet's example.

Takeaways

• 😀 Salah is the Miraj of the believer, a connection with Allah and a spiritual ascent, similar to the Prophet's night journey during Isra' wal-Mi'raj.
• 😀 The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam had a unique, beautiful, and clear voice when reciting the Quran, with pauses and a natural melody.
• 😀 The Prophet's recitation was slow, articulate, and profound, often causing him to weep deeply, though quietly, while reading the Quran.
• 😀 The Prophet's crying was dignified and sincere, described as a soft, chest-driven weeping with tears flowing continuously.
• 😀 When the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam prayed, he ensured the prayer was neither too long nor a burden on those praying behind him, keeping it manageable for the elderly, sick, and parents with children.
• 😀 The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam demonstrated great patience when children disrupted prayers, speeding up his Salah without reprimanding the parents.
• 😀 The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's voluntary prayers, like Taraweeh, were long, with his companions longing to hear his recitation throughout the night.
• 😀 The Prophet stopped leading long Taraweeh prayers to prevent it from becoming an obligation on the people, urging them to pray in their homes instead.
• 😀 The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's long voluntary prayers were awe-inspiring, with companions such as Ibn Mas'ud and Huzaifah ibn al-Yamman noting the difficulty in keeping up with the extended recitations and prostrations.
• 😀 The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's voluntary prayers included reciting long surahs in one rak'ah, with intense and lengthy prostrations, emphasizing his deep connection with Allah during these times.

Q & A

What does Imam Hasan al-Basri say about prayer?

Imam Hasan al-Basri describes prayer as the 'Miraj of the believer,' meaning that it is a form of ascension or elevation, connecting the believer directly with Allah and elevating them spiritually, similar to the Prophet's experience during Isra' wal-Mi'raj.

How did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's recitation of the Quran differ from others?

The Prophet's recitation was slow, clear, and deliberate. He would pause between verses, allowing each verse to be fully articulated. His recitation was melodic, not too loud but clear enough to be heard from a distance.

What was unique about the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's crying during Quran recitation?

The Prophet's crying was unique in that it was quiet and dignified, with a weeping sound that came from his chest, resembling the noise of a boiling kettle. His tears were sincere, flowing without loud wailing.

What was Abdullah ibn Mas'ud's experience when reading Quran to the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam?

Abdullah ibn Mas'ud was asked by the Prophet to recite Quran to him. When he reached the verse about the Prophet being a witness over all nations, the Prophet began weeping so profusely that it resembled the flow of water from a faucet, though he did not make loud weeping sounds.

How did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam ensure that his prayer was not burdensome for those praying behind him?

The Prophet would keep his obligatory prayers short to accommodate the elderly, the sick, and others with different needs. He would also speed up his prayer if children cried, understanding the challenges parents faced.

What did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam do when children, like Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn, interrupted his prayer?

The Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam showed patience when children, especially Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn, would jump on his back during prayer. He would wait for them to finish before continuing, ensuring they weren't harmed.

How did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam handle the Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan?

The Prophet initially led Taraweeh prayers in congregation, but when the people gathered in large numbers, he discontinued leading them publicly to avoid making it an obligatory prayer. He advised offering prayers in one's own home for voluntary prayers.

What was the reaction of the companions when the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam did not come out to lead Taraweeh prayers?

The companions were so eager to pray behind the Prophet that they would raise their voices, cough, or even throw pebbles at his door in hopes he would come out to lead the prayer.

What was the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam's stance on voluntary prayers in congregation?

The Prophet discouraged congregational voluntary prayers like Taraweeh becoming an obligatory practice. He recommended that voluntary prayers, in general, be performed individually or in small groups at home.

How long did the Prophet Sallalaahu 'Alayhi Wasallam’s voluntary prayers like Qiyam-ul-Lail typically last?

The Prophet's voluntary prayers, especially during Qiyam-ul-Lail, were long and intense. He would recite long surahs, such as Al-Baqarah, An-Nisa, and Ali'Imran, with long rak'ahs, rukuu, and sujud, sometimes lasting for hours.