Nasai

1046. Commentary:

➊ These statements are from the last days of the blessed life of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

➋ A Prophet can be given glad tidings through revelation (wahy), but for ordinary followers (ummah), glad tidings can only be given through dreams or, on rare occasions, through inspiration (ilham). Since the passing of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was near and the cessation of revelation was imminent, he spoke in this manner.

➌ In bowing (ruku‘), the declaration of Allah’s greatness and glorification (tasbih) are more appropriate, so greater attention should be given to them. In prostration (sujud), there is an opportunity for supplication (du‘a), because this is the utmost state of humility, submission, and lowliness for a human being. Among the pillars of prayer, this is the greatest objective; therefore, one should strive and exert oneself fully in supplication during prostration. “Every statement has its own appropriate place.” Although prostration is also a place for glorification (tasbih).

1121. Commentary: For benefits, see Hadith number: 1046.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues:

➊ In this hadith, it is indicated that the time of the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) passing was near, and since after him no other prophet is to come, prophethood and messengership have been concluded with him (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Therefore, the coming of revelation will cease; only good dreams will remain, which may be seen by someone for the benefit of another.

➋ The proper time and place for recitation (qira’ah) is while standing (qiyam), and bowing (ruku‘) and prostration (sujud), which indicate humility and submissiveness, are occasions for expressing one’s weakness and neediness before Allah. (The further details and prescribed supplications for these will be discussed in the next chapter.) Therefore, the Qur’an is not to be recited in these positions.

876. Commentary:
➊ The standing of Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu on the prayer place (musalla) of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam became a source of reassurance and comfort for the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. And this has been considered as an indication of Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu’s greater entitlement (being the most deserving) to the caliphate.
➋ A good dream is a cause of glad tidings for a Muslim. Sometimes a person sees it himself, or it is shown to another Muslim.
➌ From this, some scholars have made the subtle inference that one Muslim can perform istikhara (prayer for guidance) for another Muslim. (Also, please see the benefits of the next hadith.)
➍ Recitation of the Qur’an is not permissible in bowing (ruku‘) and prostration (sujud).
➎ Supplication (du‘a) should be made abundantly in prostration (sujud); there is great hope for its acceptance.

Lexical Explanation: «فَقَمِنٌ» in this, «فا» is a jaza’iyyah (particle of consequence), in «قَمِنٌ» the qaf has a fatha and the meem has a kasrah beneath it, meaning: he is deserving of this, he is worthy of it.

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The prayer (salah) consists of various pillars (arkan), each of which has a distinct form. For each, specific supplications (adhkar) are prescribed and established from the Sunnah.
➋ The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam has prohibited the recitation of the Qur’an during bowing (ruku‘) and prostration (sujud). Instead, he instructed that in ruku‘, one should declare the greatness of the Lord, i.e., «سُبْحان ربِّي الْعَظيم», and in sujud, one should supplicate (make du‘a).
➌ According to some hadith scholars and Imam Ahmad rahimahullah, declaring the greatness of the Lord in ruku‘ and supplicating in sujud is obligatory (wajib), whereas the majority of scholars have deemed it recommended (mustahabb).
➍ Prostration (sujud) is one of the most important positions for the acceptance of supplication (du‘a), which is why the Prophet encouraged supplication in it. He himself used to make various supplications in sujud. One such supplication will be mentioned in the following hadith.

Benefit:
From this hadith, it is understood that a good dream is a part of prophethood and a sign of a believer. It is prohibited to recite the Noble Qur’an during bowing (ruku‘) and prostration (sujud); in these positions, only the greatness of Allah Ta‘ala should be declared, and in prostration, the prescribed (masnun) supplication should be made, because Allah Ta‘ala accepts the supplication made in prostration to a great extent.