Nasai

1537. Commentary:

➊ The situation described in Hadith number 1535 and 1536 will occur when the enemy is in the direction of the qiblah. At that time, even while standing behind the imam, it is possible to keep an eye on the enemy. However, if the fear is greater, then one may act upon Hadith 1535, and if the fear is less, then one may act upon Hadith number 1536. The mentioned hadith (1537) will be applicable when the enemy is not in the direction of the qiblah, and it is not possible to keep an eye on him while standing behind the imam. At that time, the congregation will be divided into two groups: one group will stand behind the imam and the other will stand facing the enemy, and they will perform the prayer according to the described method.

➋ In this hadith, the detail of performing one rak‘ah individually has been mentioned. One method is that the second group, after the imam completes the prayer with salam, should perform one rak‘ah on their own and then say salam, after which they go to face the enemy, and the first group returns and performs their one rak‘ah on their own. This method is more appropriate because in this way, both rak‘ahs of the second group are performed together. The second method is that the second group prays one rak‘ah with the imam and then leaves, and the first group comes and performs one rak‘ah on their own, then they leave and the second group comes and performs their rak‘ah. This method is also mentioned in some ahadith.