Bukhari

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has, from this point, begun to mention the separate times for the prayers. He has first described the time for the Dhuhr prayer, because the sequence of prayers begins with Dhuhr. This is evident from the hadith regarding the leadership (imamat) of Jibril alayhis salam.

(2)
It should be clear that to "cool" the Dhuhr prayer and then perform it means to offer it at a time when the heat is relatively less, because prayer is a form of supplication (munajat) with the Lord, and it is necessary to observe the etiquettes and rules of supplication. Thus, performing the prayer in intense heat involves facing two matters that are contrary to the spirit of supplication:
* In such a situation, tranquility of the heart will not be attained, whereas concentration of the heart is essential in worship.
* The intensity of the heat is due to the steam of the Fire of Hell, which is a sign of Allah’s wrath; to engage in supplication at such a time is against the etiquettes of supplication.

Takhrij al-Hadith: [وأخرجه ابن ماجه 677، من حديث مالك به وروه البخاري 533 من طريق صالح بن كيسان عن الاعرج عن ابي هريره رضي الله عنه]
Jurisprudential Points:
➊ In [صحيح بخاري 536، وصحيح مسلم 615], there are also other chains of transmission for this from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu.
➋ The instruction to delay the Zuhr prayer until it cools down in hot weather pertains to travel. See [صحيح بخاري : 539، باب لإبراد بالظهر فى السفر]
➌ It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas radi Allahu anhu that when we used to perform the Zuhr prayers behind the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, we would prostrate on our garments to protect ourselves from the heat. [صحيح بخاري: 542، صحيح مسلم: 220]
◄ There is consensus (ijma‘) that the time for Zuhr begins immediately after the sun passes its zenith (zawal). [الافصاح لا بن هبيره 76/1]
➍ The eminent and trustworthy Tabi‘i Suwayd ibn Ghaflah rahimahullah was so steadfast in performing the Zuhr prayer at its earliest time that he was ready to die rather than accept performing Zuhr late, and he informed people that we used to perform the Zuhr prayer at its earliest time behind Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and ‘Umar radi Allahu anhuma. [مصنف ابن ابي شيبه 323/1 ح 3271 وسنده حسن]
● According to Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu, the time for Zuhr prayer is at midday, at the decline of the sun (zawal al-shams). [مصنف ابن ابي شيبه 323/1 ح 3270 وسنده صحيح، حبیب بن شہاب بن مدلج العنبری وابوہ ثقتان]
➎ There is no doubt that the intensity of heat is due to the exhalation of Hellfire, but if there are obstacles in a region, such as high mountains, snow, trees, or air conditioners, then this intensity is not felt. To reject an authentic hadith due to exceptional circumstances is the practice of those who are guilty of denying hadith and claim to understand the Qur’an without the Messenger!
➏ Also see [الموطأ حديث 376، مسلم 617/186]