Table of Contents
Introduction
Performing a proper prayer is a vital part of a Muslim’s faith, influencing both their daily routine and their spiritual bond with ALLAH. In this eleventh part of our series, we explore the proper way to perform Salah, drawing inspiration from the exemplary practices of the righteous predecessors (Salaf). You can read the entire series by clicking here, Insha’ALLAH.
AbduLLAH ibn al-Zubayr’s Steadfast Prayer
When AbduLLAH ibn al-Zubayr stood for prayer, he appeared as still as a pillar, with even doves settling on his shoulders, mistaking him for a column. Ibn Abi Mulaika once entered while he was praying and began reciting from the Qur’an. He later recounted, “I completed the recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah, Al-Imran, An-Nisa, and Al-Ma’idah, yet he remained in his bowing position”. This is how true believers engaged in proper prayer, and how these righteous individuals performed proper salah. Prayer held immense importance for them.
Even when Al-Hajjaj attacked with catapults near the Sacred House (Kaaba), with projectiles passing between his beard and chest, he did not break his prayer. For them, prayer was an entire state of being, encompassing their whole existence.
Muslim ibn Yassar’s Unwavering Devotion
Muslim bin Yasar was once praying in the mosque when part of it collapsed. The people in the marketplace rushed in panic, but when they arrived, they found Muslim still standing in proper prayer. He remained in his position, completely unaware of the falling pillar, not sensing it at all.
Likewise, maintained such focus in his prayer that even when his family raised their voices at home, he remained undisturbed, unable to hear their conversations. This level of dedication reflects the profound connection and emotional depth in Salah, much like the story of a woman who found her husband’s bed soaked with tears from his night-long weeping in devotion. This illustrates the deep commitment to prayer, where their hearts were fully engaged.
Urwah ibn al-Zubayr’s Endurance in Trials
‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr had such a commanding presence in his home that when he entered, everyone would fall silent and compose themselves. However, when he began his prayer, they would raise their voices and speak freely, knowing he wouldn’t hear anything due to the depth of his concentration. His prayer absorbed him completely. On one occasion, a woman visited his wife and noticed the wet prayer mats. She asked, “Why don’t you stop your children from spilling water?” Unaware that these were not spills, but the tears of her friend’s husband from his night prayers. Such was the state of those who offered proper prayer.
When Urwa bin Zubair’s leg was afflicted with gangrene, he refused anesthesia for the amputation. Although they offered him something to numb the pain during the procedure, he declined. Instead, he chose to enter into proper prayer while his leg was being amputated. As they sawed through his leg, he remained firm, repeatedly reciting, “And ever is the command of ALLAH a destiny decreed“1. It was only after the amputation that he lost consciousness. When he regained consciousness, someone came to him and said, “Rejoice, for a part of you has preceded you to Paradise”. He replied, “By ALLAH (I swear), no one has offered me better consolation than this”.
For them, proper prayer was their solace, their complete state of being, above all else. Some people in our time have grasped this and found peace in the garden of prayer, while sadly, many of us have yet to truly understand its depth. May ALLAH pardon us and have mercy on us.
Proper Prayer: Two Companions’ Guard Duty
How often we find ourselves distracted from ALLAH, offering prayers that we cannot truly present before HIM. We have not followed the example of the Prophet (Peace be upon Him), His companions, or the pious predecessors in offering proper prayer. Let us conclude this profound topic with the story of Abbad Ibn Bishr and Ammar bin Yasir.
During a particular expedition, the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) asked His companions one night, “Who will guard us tonight?” Abbad bin Bishr and Ammar bin Yasir volunteered to protect the Muslims. They positioned themselves at the outpost and discussed who would take the first and second watch. Abbad said, “I’ll take the first half, and you take the second“.
Abbad began praying, reciting Surah Al-Kahf, when a polytheist approached and saw him in prayer. The enemy shot an arrow at Abbad, but he didn’t move, simply pulling out the arrow and continuing his proper prayer. This wasn’t the usual way to handle such situations, but it highlights his immense dedication. He was struck by three arrows, and each time, he removed them without interrupting his proper prayer.
Eventually, Ammar noticed and asked, “Why didn’t you alert me?” as he saw the blood flowing from Abbad. Abbad responded, “By ALLAH (I swear), if it weren’t for the duty the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) entrusted me with, I would have completed the Surah before finishing my prayer”. He didn’t want to break his prayer. If this story hadn’t reached us through authentic chains of narration, we might find it hard to believe such people existed. Glory be to ALLAH. When Ammar questioned him, it wasn’t about leaving the prayer itself, but about witnessing such an extraordinary state of devotion—truly remarkable.
Sources:
- Dr. Ahmed ElAraby. فاهم 36 | سلسلة تذوق العبادات – (1) الصلاة | مع د. أحمد العربي. YouTube Video.
- Saheeh International translation – (Surah ‘Al-‘Ahzaab, 33:38) ↩︎
