Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … In this blessed hadith, the mention is of that man who is distant from people and for whom reaching any mosque is impossible. That act of goodness is most beloved to Allah Ta’ala which is performed in seclusion, where there is no observer except Allah Ta’ala, where the foundation of obedience and submission is solely and purely the fear of Allah (khawf-e-ilahi). May Allah Ta’ala also grant us the ability that there be consistency between our private and public lives. (Ameen) However, it should be kept in mind that in this matter, the decisions of Allah Ta’ala should be given precedence. For example, performing the congregational prayer (salat al-jama‘ah) is not related to seclusion. Now, if someone begins to say that he will perform even the obligatory prayer (fard salah) in seclusion, then this statement of his would not be correct, because the legal ruling (shar‘i decision) is in favor of congregation. Yes, if someone fears showing off (riya’) and ostentation due to congregational prayer, then he should recite ta‘awwudh (seeking refuge with Allah) and ask Allah Ta’ala for sincerity, not that he should abandon the congregation altogether. Imam al-Albani rahimahullah says: The jurisprudential understanding (fiqh al-hadith) is that even a single person should give the call to prayer (adhan). Imam al-Nasa’i has established this very chapter upon this hadith. According to some chains of the hadith of the man who performed prayer incorrectly (hadith of Musi’ al-Salah), the Prophet…