Narrated Uthman ibn Abul As: When the deputation of Thaqif came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he made them stay in the mosque, so that it might soften their hearts. They stipulated to him that they would not be called to participate in Jihad, to pay zakat and to offer prayer. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: You may have the concession that you will not be called to participate in jihad and pay zakat, but there is no good in a religion which has no bowing (i. e. prayer).
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi
Benefits and Issues:
➊
This narration is weak in its chain of transmission.
However, from other ahadith it is established
that with the permission of the leader of the Muslims, it is permissible for disbelievers to enter the mosque or the Sacred Precincts of Makkah or Madinah.
➋
A person who does not observe the prayer regularly
has no religion,
no matter how much good character and conduct he possesses.
Because he does not maintain a relationship of servitude with Allah.
Jihad and charity (sadaqat) are applicable at their appointed times,
and their time had not yet come.
However, prayer (salah) is obligatory every day and at its appointed time.
Therefore, concession in this matter was not accepted.
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood – Commentary by Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi, Page: 3026