Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … It should be noted that this hadith of Sayyiduna Ubayy ibn Ka'b radi Allahu anhu is also narrated from Sayyiduna Jabir, Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah, and Sayyiduna Salman al-Farisi, therefore, on the basis of these various chains of transmission, it is authoritative. Imam al-Albani rahimahullah, after mentioning all the routes of this hadith, said: This is my opinion that this hadith is hasan (good), because its chains are free from severe weakness, except for the third route. (Sahihah: 887) What need could arise for a congregational prayer performer after the adhan, and how much time might be required to fulfill it? The Shari'ah has determined this as well and has also provided its solution. The natural needs and necessities of people have been taken into consideration, so that all people may attain the honor of performing prayer in congregation. From this blessed hadith, it is understood that there should be an interval of approximately 15 or 16 minutes between the adhan and the congregation. In most of our mosques, the congregation is established immediately after the adhan of Maghrib prayer, whereas in the blessed era of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, there was an arrangement to perform two units (rak‘ah) of supererogatory (nafl) prayer. By acting upon this sunnah, people can also perform two units of voluntary prayer, and those preparing for prayer after hearing the adhan can easily join the congregation. The spirit of the adhan is also that some respite should be given after the adhan, because one of the purposes of the adhan is to call the worshippers, therefore, their arrival should be awaited.