Table of Contents
Introduction
This is the sixth part in a series of articles that discuss the prayer in Islam, its correct form, how it should be performed correctly, reflecting on how the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) conducted their prayers and demonstrated devotion in prayer. You can click here to read the full series, ALLAH willing.
Mother of Believers Aisha’s Unwavering Devotion in Prayer
Aisha, the Mother of believers (may ALLAH be pleased with her), herself exhibited an incredible level of devotion in prayer that is hard to fathom. Once, Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad visited her early in the day to check on her well-being. He found her standing in prayer—early morning after Fajr—performing the Duha prayer.
She was reciting the words of ALLAH Almighty:
“Then they will approach one another, inquiring of each other.
They will say, ‘Indeed, we were previously among our people fearful [of displeasing ALLAH].
So ALLAH conferred favor upon us and protected us from the punishment of the Scorching Fire.
Indeed, we used to supplicate HIM before. Indeed, it is HE Who is the Beneficent, the Merciful‘”1
(Suurat ‘At-Tuur, 52:25-28)
She was weeping as she recited. Al-Qasim thought to leave her for a while, hoping she might have finished her prayer when he returned. He said, “I went to the market and stayed for a while, then I returned”.
He continued, “I stayed for a while, then I returned and found her still standing, repeating the verse and weeping:
“So ALLAH conferred favor upon us and protected us from the punishment of the Scorching Fire“
She kept repeating it and weeping. I waited for her until midday, and she had not moved beyond the verse, still weeping:
“So ALLAH conferred favor upon us and protected us from the punishment of the Scorching Fire“
She stood for approximately four or five hours, from after Fajr until midday, standing in prayer, reciting, and weeping.
The Profound Salah of Abu Bakr
This was the essence of their religion, their worship, and the consistent practice of many Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet). People loved to see Abu Bakr (may ALLAH be pleased with him) when he prayed. Even the disbelievers loved to watch him pray. How so?
When he was under the protection of Ibn Al-Daghinna and was given shelter by him, Abu Bakr would go out to the courtyard of his house to pray. The disbelievers gathered around the fence of the courtyard. In Sahih Al-Bukhari, it is mentioned:
“The women and children of the pagans began to gather around him in great number. They used to wonder at him and look at him“2
They would help each other to climb over and watch Abu Bakr as he prayed. How was Abu Bakr’s devotion in prayer?
Aisha, the Mother of believers (may ALLAH be pleased with her), said:
“Abu Bakr is a softhearted man and if he stands in your place, he would not be able to make the people hear him“3
The disbelievers loved to look at him while he prayed.
Tamim Al-Dari’s Night-Long Prayer
Tamim Al-Dari (may ALLAH be pleased with him) spent the entire night standing in prayer, reciting the words of ALLAH Almighty:
“Or do those who commit evils think WE will make them like those who have believed and done righteous deeds—[make them] equal in their life and their death? Evil is that which they judge [i.e., assume]“4
(Surah ‘Al-Jaathiyah, 45:21)
He would weep and repeat it, weep and repeat it. This was his devotion in prayer.
They felt they were standing directly before ALLAH Almighty, addressing HIM, speaking to HIM, conversing with HIM, and privately supplicating to HIM. This profound sense of presence fueled their sincere worship.
Salah as a Gateway to ALLAH
What caused them to have such deep experiences? The companions treated Salah (Prayer) as the gateway to ALLAH Almighty. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) was the one who taught them this understanding.
Did He not say:
“When you pray you are talking confidentially to your LORD. So look to what you confide to HIM…”5
In some narrations, the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said:
“…And his LORD is between him and the Qibla…”6
The Sahabah practiced this literally and implemented it practically.
A person loves to prolong the conversation with their beloved in this world. So, how about when you enter into a conversation with the Greatest Beloved, the Most Majestic One? You will not find anyone more generous in kindness and blessings upon you than HIM, Exalted and Glorious.
The Prophet’s Example in Devotion
When you enter upon HIM, how will you speak to HIM? How will you address HIM? How do you wish your standing before HIM to be?
This was the practice of the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) and the Sahabah. They learned these profound aspects from the Prophet himself (Peace be upon Him).
The Prophet (Peace be upon Him) spent an entire night repeating:
“If YOU punish them — indeed they are YOUR servants; but if YOU forgive them — indeed it is YOU Who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise”7
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:118)
He did not go beyond it, nor did He recite anything else, weeping and repeating it all night.
Prayer is a state of being on its own. The Sahabah exemplified the highest levels of devotion in prayer, serving as a timeless inspiration for us to deepen our own prayers. Their sincere worship was not just ritualistic but a profound connection with ALLAH Almighty.
Sources:
- Dr. Ahmed ElAraby. فاهم 36 | سلسلة تذوق العبادات – (1) الصلاة | مع د. أحمد العربي. YouTube Video.
