Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … This is a clear proof of the wisdom and sagacity of the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, that if a tribe or an individual wishes to embrace Islam but is not prepared to accept one or two components or clauses of Islam, then wisdom dictates that, keeping in view the interests of both parties, his conditions should be accepted with the hope that after some time, as his faith and conviction become firm, he will accept every component and clause of Islam. Reflect on the following hadith and its explanation:

Sayyiduna Fadala al-Laithi radi Allahu anhu says: “The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam taught me some matters, among which was that he said to me: ‘Guard the five prayers.’ I said: ‘There are times during these hours when I am occupied, so command me with a comprehensive instruction which, if I act upon it, will suffice for me.’ He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: ‘Guard the two prayers: the prayer before sunrise and the prayer before sunset.’” (Abu Dawud: 453, Sahihah: 1813)

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam taught me some matters, among which was this: “Guard the five prayers.” I said: “During those hours I am busy; give me such a comprehensive and sufficient command that I may continue to act upon it and it will suffice for me.” He sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Continue to guard the two prayers, that is, the prayer before sunrise and the prayer before sunset.” (Abu Dawud: 453, Sahihah: 1813)

Lest the thought should occur to anyone that sufficing with two prayers is also permissible, the scholars of truth have considered two possible meanings for this hadith: (1) This person was given concession to miss the congregation due to his preoccupation, not to abandon the prayer itself. This is the opinion of Imam al-Albani rahimahullah. And (2) he was a new Muslim, and the wisdom of the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam required that, for the time being, he be given a concession; when his faith became firm, performing all five prayers would become possible for him. And this is what appears to be closer to the correct view: that when a preacher encourages a non-practicing person to perform the five prayers, but he insists on performing only two or three, then in light of this hadith, it can be said to him: “Fine, continue to perform two or three.” (And Allah knows best what is correct.)

If we look at the above hadith, the second meaning appears to be more correct and preferable:

This hadith is a clear proof of the fact that, for a major benefit, someone can be temporarily exempted from some rulings of Islam. If the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had not accepted the conditions of the people of the Thaqif tribe, it was possible that they would have persisted in disbelief, which would have been a much greater harm. Compared to that harm, even an incomplete Islam—one in which there is no jihad or charity—is better, provided that the one granting the concession also hopes that soon these people will accept all the rulings of Islam. The same matter is described in the hadith of this chapter: that if all five prayers are not performed, at least performing two is better; through these two, it may gradually become possible to convince one to perform all five. How admirable is the wisdom and sagacity of the wise and discerning Prophet!