Bukhari

Hadith Footnote:
Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib Abu ‘Umara al-Ansari al-Harithi.
He conquered Rayy in the year 24 AH.
He participated in the Battle of Nahrawan alongside Ali.
He passed away in Kufa during the time of Mus‘ab ibn al-Zubayr.
Radi Allahu anhu wa ardah.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
From this hadith, it is understood that during congregational prayer, the imam should recite the Noble Qur’an with a pleasant voice and according to the rules of tajwid (correct pronunciation and recitation).
Our respected scholars need to pay special attention to this matter.
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to recite the Qur’an aloud and with a melodious voice.

➋
Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has established from this that the voice and recitation are the actions of the servant, which are created by Allah Ta’ala, whereas that which is being recited is the speech of Allah, uncreated.
Since Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) had to endure severe trials regarding the issue of the creation of the Qur’an, he has explained this matter with evidences and proofs, and has also titled each proof accordingly, as will become evident in the following chapters.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
This (Hadith: 767) has already been mentioned previously. In it, it is clarified that this incident took place during a journey. Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah has written that most people ask this question: Did the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam recite Surah at-Tin in the first rak‘ah of the ‘Isha prayer or in the second rak‘ah? Or did he recite it in both rak‘ahs, i.e., did he repeat it in the second rak‘ah as well? If he recited another surah, then which one was it? I did not recall this until I saw the compilation "Kitab as-Sahabah" by Allamah Abu ‘Ali Ibn as-Sakan. In it, under the biography of Zur‘ah bin Khalifah radi Allahu anhu, it is written that he said: When we heard mention of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam in our region of Yamamah, we came to him in Madinah Munawwarah. He presented Islam to us, so we became Muslim. At that time, in prayer, he recited ﴿وَالتِّينِ﴾ (at-Tin) and ﴿إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ﴾ (al-Qadr). If the ‘Isha prayer specified by Hazrat Bara’ bin ‘Azib radi Allahu anhu is the same, then it is possible that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam recited ﴿وَالتِّينِ وَالزَّيْتُونِ﴾ (at-Tin) in the first rak‘ah of this prayer and Surah al-Qadr in the second rak‘ah. However, according to the explicit statement of Hazrat Bara’ bin ‘Azib, this incident occurred during a journey, whereas the incident of Hazrat Zur‘ah bin Khalifah took place in Madinah Munawwarah. And Allah knows best.

(2)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah has written at this point that we will explain this hadith at the end of Kitab at-Tawhid. However, in Kitab Sujud al-Qur’an and Kitab at-Tawhid, it is written that the explanation of this hadith has already passed in Kitab as-Salat. (Fath al-Bari: 8/911)

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
In the narration of Sunan al-Nasa’i, it is mentioned that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) recited Surah al-Tin in the first rak‘ah. Since he was on a journey, and during travel brevity is desired, therefore he recited short surahs in the ‘Isha prayer. The earlier hadith of Abu Hurayrah will be understood as referring to a non-travel (residential) situation, where the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) recited the middle-length surahs of the Mufassal in the ‘Isha prayer. (Fath al-Bari: 2/324)
(2)
These ahadith are clear evidence that there is no fixed amount prescribed for recitation in the prayers. The imam should determine the recitation while taking into account the circumstances and conditions; in any case, it is extremely important to consider the state of the followers (muqtadis). (Umdat al-Qari: 4/472)

Hadith Commentary:
➊
In one narration, it is stated that Hazrat Bara’ bin Azib radi Allahu anhu said:
I have not seen anyone with a more beautiful voice than him.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tawhid, Hadith: 7546)
➋
Hafiz Ibn Hajar rahimahullah writes that from other verses it is known that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam recited Surah al-Qadr in the second rak‘ah of the ‘Isha prayer.
(Fath al-Bari: 8/911)

1221. Commentary:
The imam should pay special attention to the conditions of his followers. Likewise, during travel, it is recommended (mustahabb) to keep the recitation in prayer brief.