Written by: Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai (may Allah have mercy on him)
All praise is for Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His trustworthy Messenger. To proceed:
In this research article, I present the authentic and verified traditions of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), which the proponents of Taqleed (imitation) oppose.
(Hilyat al-Awliya 5/97 with a good chain, and Abu Nu'aym al-Isfahani said: "This is authentic.")
2. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Do not follow people in your religion."
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/10 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that "it is obligatory for Muslims to follow one of the four Imams personally."
(Sahih Bukhari: 772, Sahih Muslim: 43/396, Darussalam: 883)
4. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) recited in all four rak'ahs.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/371 Hadith 3730 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that "if recitation is not performed in the last two rak'ahs of a four-rak'ah prayer, the prayer is still valid." For example, see Al-Quduri (Bab al-Nawafil, p. 23, 24).
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 1/287 Hadith 572 with a good chain)
6. Ata' (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Ameen is a supplication. Ibn al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) and his followers said Ameen until the mosque echoed."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Adhan, Chapter of the Imam saying Ameen loudly before Hadith 780)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed vehemently oppose saying Ameen aloud.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 3/296 Hadith 11380 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not raise their hands at every takbeer during the funeral prayer.
(Muwatta Imam Malik 1/114 Hadith 249 with a sound chain and authenticated by al-Nimawi in Athar al-Sunan: 776, and it is also supported by al-Tahawi in Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar 1/293)
9. Sayyiduna Sa'ib bin Yazid (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We used to perform eleven rak'ahs during the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him)."
(*Sunan Sa'id ibn Mansur as referenced in al-Hawi lil-Fatawi 1/349 with a sound chain, and al-Suyuti said: "With a very authentic chain.")
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that "performing only twenty rak'ahs of Taraweeh is a confirmed Sunnah and it is not permissible to perform less or more than this number."
(Sahih Bukhari: 1335)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not recite Surah Al-Fatihah in the funeral prayer and claim that it is not permissible to recite Surah Al-Fatihah in the funeral prayer.
Note:
In one narration, it is mentioned that Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) did not recite during the funeral prayer. This means that he did not recite anything other than Surah Al-Fatihah. Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) was of the opinion of reciting another Surah in addition to Surah Al-Fatihah in the funeral prayer. See reference: 38.
(Al-Awsat by Ibn al-Mundhir 2/328 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed call the adhan for Asr after the shadow is twice the length.
(Muwatta Imam Malik 1/6 Hadith 6 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed perform the Fajr prayer when it is bright.
Note:
The narration which states to perform the Fajr prayer in bright light is abrogated. See An-Nasikh wal-Mansukh by al-Hazimi p. 77.
(Sahih Bukhari: 791)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that moderation in the postures of prayer (Tadil al-Arkan) is not obligatory. For example, see Al-Hidayah 1/106, 107.
(Al-Awsat by Ibn al-Mundhir 1/462 with a sound chain)
15. Sayyiduna Bara' bin Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) wiped over his socks.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/189 Hadith 1984 with a sound chain)
16. Sayyiduna Uqbah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) wiped over his socks.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/189 Hadith 1987 with a sound chain)
17. Sayyiduna Sahl bin Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) wiped over his socks.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/189 Hadith 1990 with a good chain)
18. Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) wiped over his socks.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/188 Hadith 1979 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that it is not permissible to wipe over socks.
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/259 with a sound chain, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/74 Hadith 4816 in brief)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not consider greeting and responding to Salaam during prayer valid.
(Sahih Bukhari: 1077)
From this ruling of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), it is understood that the prostration of recitation is not obligatory. In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that the prostration of recitation is obligatory.
(Al-Sunan al-Sughra by al-Nasa'i 3/238, 239 Hadith 1713 with a sound chain, Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Nasa'i: 443)
22. Sayyiduna Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) was seen praying one rak'ah of Witr.
(Sahih Bukhari: 2356)
23. Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed one rak'ah after Isha as Witr.
(Sahih Bukhari: 3764)
24. Sayyiduna Uthman bin Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed one rak'ah and said that this was his Witr.
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 3/25 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that praying one rak'ah of Witr is not correct.
(Musnad Ahmad 1/107 Hadith 842 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that Witr is obligatory.
(Sahih Bukhari: 991)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not consider praying Witr in this manner permissible.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/412 Hadith 4757, Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar 1/137 with a sound chain, Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/48)
28. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas and Sayyiduna Abdullah bin al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with them) also recited Bismillah aloud.
(See Juz' al-Khatib authenticated by al-Dhahabi in Mukhtasar al-Jahr bil-Basmala by al-Khatib p. 180 Hadith 41)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not consider reciting Bismillah aloud in prayer permissible.
Note:
Reciting Bismillah silently is also correct and permissible. See Sahih Muslim 1/172 Hadith 399.
(Muwatta Imam Malik 1/180 Hadith 435 with a sound chain)
30. Twelve takbeerat are also confirmed from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him).
(See Ahkam al-Eidayn by al-Firyabi: 128 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed never practice the twelve takbeerat in the Eid prayers.
(See Muwatta Imam Malik 1/145 Hadith 329 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed never consider combining two prayers due to rain permissible.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/22 Hadith 224 with a sound chain)
33. Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) also wiped over the turban.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/22 Hadith 222 with a good chain)
From these traditions, it is understood that if someone wants to wipe over the turban, it is permissible. In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that wiping over the turban is not permissible.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/457 Hadith 8235 with a sound chain)
35. Sayyiduna Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) was also of the opinion of combining prayers during travel.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/457 Hadith 8234 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that combining two prayers during travel is not permissible.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/46 Hadith 513 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that ablution is not required after eating camel meat.
Note:
The narration which mentions that Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) ate camel meat and did not perform ablution (Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/47 Hadith 515) is weak due to the unknown status of Yahya bin Qays al-Taifi. Yahya was only declared trustworthy by Ibn Hibban. Allah knows best.
(See Sunan al-Daraqutni 1/174 Hadith 250 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that laughing out loud in prayer breaks wudu.
(Sunan al-Daraqutni 1/145 Hadith 513 and he said: "Authentic," with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that kissing does not break wudu.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/164 Hadith 1736 with a sound chain)
40. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to perform wudu after touching his private part.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/164 Hadith 1733 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that touching the private part does not break wudu.
Note: The narration which states that "it is just a part of your body" is abrogated. See Akhbar Ahl al-Risukh fi al-Fiqh wal-Hadith bi Miqdar al-Mansukh min al-Hadith by Ibn al-Jawzi p. 3 (Hadith 5) and Al-I'tibar fi al-Nasikh wal-Mansukh by al-Hazimi p. 77.
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/16 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that one can exit the prayer by performing any action that invalidates the prayer, such as moving. For example, see Al-Mukhtasar by al-Quduri p. 22, Chapter of Congregation.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 3/307 Hadith 11491 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not consider saying salam to one side in the funeral prayer correct.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/508 Hadith 8640 with a sound chain)
44. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) recited 'Subhan Rabbiy al-A'la' after reciting 'Sabbi Hisma Rabbikal A'la'.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/509 Hadith 8642 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not practice this, and their common imams do not even recite Surah al-A'la in the Friday prayer.
(Sahih Bukhari: 4302)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that the leadership of prayer by an adolescent child is either undesirable or not permissible.
(Sahih Bukhari: 725)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed strongly oppose this practice and stand apart from each other.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/362 Hadith 3643 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not practice this.
(Sahih Bukhari: 824)
49. Azraq bin Qays (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "I saw Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) get up in prayer by placing his hands on the ground."
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/395 Hadith 3996 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed get up in prayer without placing their hands on the ground and without sitting.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/11 Hadith 4288, Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/317 with a sound chain)
51. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was also of the opinion of two prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj.
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/317 with a sound chain)
52. Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) also performed two prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj.
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/318 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed believe in only one prostration and say about the second prostration: "The second prostration is according to Shafi'i."
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/338 Hadith 7216 with a sound chain, Kitab al-Masahif by Ibn Abi Dawud p. 221)
54. Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) would lead the prayer, and his slave would hold the Qur'an and give him a cue.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/338 Hadith 7222 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that praying while looking at the Qur'an invalidates the prayer.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/76 Hadith 4841 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed continue to pray the Sunnah prayers of Fajr while the obligatory prayer is being performed.
(See Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 511, and he said: "A good and sound Hadith," Musnad al-Humaydi: 741 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that one should not pray two rak'ahs during the Friday sermon.
(See Mushkil al-Athar by al-Tahawi, Tuhfat al-Akhyar 2/274 Hadith 913 with a good chain)
58. Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) would pray two rak'ahs before the Maghrib prayer."
(Sahih Bukhari: 625)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not believe in or practice these two rak'ahs.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/452 Hadith 8189 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that performing the full prayer during travel is not permissible.
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not believe in praying the funeral prayer aloud and strongly oppose it.
(See Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 3/361 Hadith 11939 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that it is not permissible to offer another funeral prayer after the first one has been performed.
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that bleeding nullifies ablution.
(Sunan al-Nasa'i 3/194 Hadith 1593 with a sound chain, authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah: 1465, and Al-Hakim 1/296 according to the condition of the two Shaykhs, and agreed by al-Dhahabi)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that if Eid falls on Friday, both the Eid prayer and the Friday prayer must be performed.
After refuting the issue of Taqleed, these forty references to the authentic traditions of the Companions regarding prayer and purification show that the proponents of Taqleed often contradict the statements and actions of many Companions due to their blind imitation.
And our duty is only to convey the message.
(11 Sha'ban 1427 AH)
All praise is for Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His trustworthy Messenger. To proceed:
In this research article, I present the authentic and verified traditions of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), which the proponents of Taqleed (imitation) oppose.
The Issue of Taqleed
1. Sayyiduna Mu'adh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Even if a scholar is rightly guided, do not follow him in your religion."(Hilyat al-Awliya 5/97 with a good chain, and Abu Nu'aym al-Isfahani said: "This is authentic.")
2. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Do not follow people in your religion."
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/10 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that "it is obligatory for Muslims to follow one of the four Imams personally."
Surah Al-Fatihah
3. Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "In every prayer, recitation is performed."(Sahih Bukhari: 772, Sahih Muslim: 43/396, Darussalam: 883)
4. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) recited in all four rak'ahs.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/371 Hadith 3730 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that "if recitation is not performed in the last two rak'ahs of a four-rak'ah prayer, the prayer is still valid." For example, see Al-Quduri (Bab al-Nawafil, p. 23, 24).
Saying Ameen Aloud
5. Nafi' (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say Ameen when the people said Ameen, considering it a Sunnah."(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 1/287 Hadith 572 with a good chain)
6. Ata' (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Ameen is a supplication. Ibn al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) and his followers said Ameen until the mosque echoed."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Adhan, Chapter of the Imam saying Ameen loudly before Hadith 780)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed vehemently oppose saying Ameen aloud.
The Issue of Raising Hands
7. The famous Tabi'i Nafi' (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to raise his hands at every takbeer of the funeral prayer."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 3/296 Hadith 11380 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not raise their hands at every takbeer during the funeral prayer.
The Issue of Taraweeh
8. The Rightly Guided Caliph, Amir al-Mu'minin Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) ordered Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with him) and Sayyiduna Tamim al-Dari (may Allah be pleased with him) to lead the people in eleven rak'ahs of Taraweeh prayer.(Muwatta Imam Malik 1/114 Hadith 249 with a sound chain and authenticated by al-Nimawi in Athar al-Sunan: 776, and it is also supported by al-Tahawi in Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar 1/293)
9. Sayyiduna Sa'ib bin Yazid (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We used to perform eleven rak'ahs during the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him)."
(*Sunan Sa'id ibn Mansur as referenced in al-Hawi lil-Fatawi 1/349 with a sound chain, and al-Suyuti said: "With a very authentic chain.")
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that "performing only twenty rak'ahs of Taraweeh is a confirmed Sunnah and it is not permissible to perform less or more than this number."
Surah Al-Fatihah in the Funeral Prayer
10. Talhah bin Abdullah bin Awf (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "I prayed behind Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) over a funeral, and he recited Surah Al-Fatihah. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 'So that you may know that it is Sunnah.'(Sahih Bukhari: 1335)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not recite Surah Al-Fatihah in the funeral prayer and claim that it is not permissible to recite Surah Al-Fatihah in the funeral prayer.
Note:
In one narration, it is mentioned that Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) did not recite during the funeral prayer. This means that he did not recite anything other than Surah Al-Fatihah. Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) was of the opinion of reciting another Surah in addition to Surah Al-Fatihah in the funeral prayer. See reference: 38.
Time for Asr Prayer
11. Aslam (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote that the time for Zuhr is from the time when the shadow of an object is one cubit long until the shadow is equal to its length."(Al-Awsat by Ibn al-Mundhir 2/328 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed call the adhan for Asr after the shadow is twice the length.
Time for Fajr Prayer
12. Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) ordered Sayyiduna Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him): "Perform the Fajr prayer while the stars are still visible."(Muwatta Imam Malik 1/6 Hadith 6 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed perform the Fajr prayer when it is bright.
Note:
The narration which states to perform the Fajr prayer in bright light is abrogated. See An-Nasikh wal-Mansukh by al-Hazimi p. 77.
Moderation in the Postures of Prayer
13. Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) saw a man who was not performing the bowing and prostration properly, so he said: "You have not prayed, and if you die, you will die on a path other than the natural disposition (fitrah) that Allah ordained for Muhammad (peace be upon him)."(Sahih Bukhari: 791)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that moderation in the postures of prayer (Tadil al-Arkan) is not obligatory. For example, see Al-Hidayah 1/106, 107.
Wiping Over Socks
14. Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) urinated, performed ablution, and wiped over his socks.(Al-Awsat by Ibn al-Mundhir 1/462 with a sound chain)
15. Sayyiduna Bara' bin Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) wiped over his socks.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/189 Hadith 1984 with a sound chain)
16. Sayyiduna Uqbah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) wiped over his socks.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/189 Hadith 1987 with a sound chain)
17. Sayyiduna Sahl bin Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) wiped over his socks.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/189 Hadith 1990 with a good chain)
18. Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) wiped over his socks.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/188 Hadith 1979 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that it is not permissible to wipe over socks.
Greeting and Responding to Salaam in Prayer
19. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) greeted a man who was praying, and the man replied with words. Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "When one of you is greeted while praying, he should not speak but should signal with his hand."(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/259 with a sound chain, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/74 Hadith 4816 in brief)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not consider greeting and responding to Salaam during prayer valid.
Prostration of Recitation
20. Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) gave a sermon on Friday and said: "O people! We pass by the verses of prostration, so whoever prostrates has done right, and whoever does not prostrate, there is no sin upon him." And Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) did not prostrate.(Sahih Bukhari: 1077)
From this ruling of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), it is understood that the prostration of recitation is not obligatory. In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that the prostration of recitation is obligatory.
One-Rak'ah Witr Prayer
21. Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Witr is a right, so whoever wants to pray five rak'ahs, let him do so; whoever wants to pray three rak'ahs, let him do so; and whoever wants to pray one rak'ah, let him do so."(Al-Sunan al-Sughra by al-Nasa'i 3/238, 239 Hadith 1713 with a sound chain, Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Nasa'i: 443)
22. Sayyiduna Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) was seen praying one rak'ah of Witr.
(Sahih Bukhari: 2356)
23. Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed one rak'ah after Isha as Witr.
(Sahih Bukhari: 3764)
24. Sayyiduna Uthman bin Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed one rak'ah and said that this was his Witr.
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 3/25 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed claim that praying one rak'ah of Witr is not correct.
Witr as a Sunnah
25. Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Witr is not obligatory like the (prescribed) prayers, but it is a Sunnah, so do not abandon it."(Musnad Ahmad 1/107 Hadith 842 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that Witr is obligatory.
Praying Three Witr with Two Salams
26. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to pray Witr as one rak'ah and two rak'ahs, separating them with salams.(Sahih Bukhari: 991)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not consider praying Witr in this manner permissible.
Reciting Bismillah Aloud
27. Abdur-Rahman bin Abza (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: "I prayed behind Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), and he recited Bismillah aloud."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/412 Hadith 4757, Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar 1/137 with a sound chain, Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/48)
28. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas and Sayyiduna Abdullah bin al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with them) also recited Bismillah aloud.
(See Juz' al-Khatib authenticated by al-Dhahabi in Mukhtasar al-Jahr bil-Basmala by al-Khatib p. 180 Hadith 41)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not consider reciting Bismillah aloud in prayer permissible.
Note:
Reciting Bismillah silently is also correct and permissible. See Sahih Muslim 1/172 Hadith 399.
Takbeerat of the Two Eids
29. Nafi' (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "I prayed behind Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) on Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, and he said seven takbeerat in the first rak'ah and five in the second."(Muwatta Imam Malik 1/180 Hadith 435 with a sound chain)
30. Twelve takbeerat are also confirmed from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him).
(See Ahkam al-Eidayn by al-Firyabi: 128 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed never practice the twelve takbeerat in the Eid prayers.
Combining Prayers Due to Rain
31. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to combine two prayers due to rain.(See Muwatta Imam Malik 1/145 Hadith 329 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed never consider combining two prayers due to rain permissible.
Wiping Over the Turban
32. Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) used to wipe over the turban.(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/22 Hadith 224 with a sound chain)
33. Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) also wiped over the turban.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/22 Hadith 222 with a good chain)
From these traditions, it is understood that if someone wants to wipe over the turban, it is permissible. In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that wiping over the turban is not permissible.
Combining Prayers During Travel
34. Sayyiduna Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) used to combine the Zuhr and Asr prayers and the Maghrib and Isha prayers during travel.(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/457 Hadith 8235 with a sound chain)
35. Sayyiduna Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) was also of the opinion of combining prayers during travel.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/457 Hadith 8234 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that combining two prayers during travel is not permissible.
Ablution After Eating Camel Meat
36. Sayyiduna Jabir bin Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We used to perform ablution after eating camel meat."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/46 Hadith 513 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that ablution is not required after eating camel meat.
Note:
The narration which mentions that Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) ate camel meat and did not perform ablution (Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/47 Hadith 515) is weak due to the unknown status of Yahya bin Qays al-Taifi. Yahya was only declared trustworthy by Ibn Hibban. Allah knows best.
Not Breaking Wudu by Laughing Out Loud in Prayer
37. Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) did not consider laughing out loud in prayer to break wudu.(See Sunan al-Daraqutni 1/174 Hadith 250 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that laughing out loud in prayer breaks wudu.
Kissing One's Wife with Desire and Ablution
38. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "There is wudu in kissing."(Sunan al-Daraqutni 1/145 Hadith 513 and he said: "Authentic," with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that kissing does not break wudu.
Ablution After Touching the Private Part
39. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas and Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said: "Whoever touches his private part should perform wudu."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/164 Hadith 1736 with a sound chain)
40. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to perform wudu after touching his private part.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/164 Hadith 1733 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that touching the private part does not break wudu.
Note: The narration which states that "it is just a part of your body" is abrogated. See Akhbar Ahl al-Risukh fi al-Fiqh wal-Hadith bi Miqdar al-Mansukh min al-Hadith by Ibn al-Jawzi p. 3 (Hadith 5) and Al-I'tibar fi al-Nasikh wal-Mansukh by al-Hazimi p. 77.
Concluding the Prayer with Salam
41. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The key to prayer is purification, its opening is the takbeer, and its conclusion is the tasleem."(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/16 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that one can exit the prayer by performing any action that invalidates the prayer, such as moving. For example, see Al-Mukhtasar by al-Quduri p. 22, Chapter of Congregation.
Saying Salam to One Side in the Funeral Prayer
42. Nafi' (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to perform the funeral prayer, raise his hands, then say takbeer, and when he finished, he would say salam to the right side only."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 3/307 Hadith 11491 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not consider saying salam to one side in the funeral prayer correct.
Saying "Subhan Rabbiy al-A'la" in the Friday Prayer
43. Umair bin Sa'id (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "I prayed the Friday prayer with Abu Musa (al-Ash'ari) (may Allah be pleased with him), and when he recited 'Sabbi Hisma Rabbikal A'la' in the prayer, he said 'Subhan Rabbiy al-A'la' in the prayer."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/508 Hadith 8640 with a sound chain)
44. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) recited 'Subhan Rabbiy al-A'la' after reciting 'Sabbi Hisma Rabbikal A'la'.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/509 Hadith 8642 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not practice this, and their common imams do not even recite Surah al-A'la in the Friday prayer.
Leading the Prayer by an Adolescent Child
45. Sayyiduna Amr bin Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: "The people made me the imam, and I was six or seven years old."(Sahih Bukhari: 4302)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that the leadership of prayer by an adolescent child is either undesirable or not permissible.
Aligning Shoulders and Feet in the Row
46. Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said about the formation of rows: "We would align our shoulders with the shoulders of our companions and our feet with their feet."(Sahih Bukhari: 725)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed strongly oppose this practice and stand apart from each other.
Reciting One Verse Aloud in the Zuhr Prayer
47. Humayd al-Tawil (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "I prayed behind Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) the Zuhr prayer, and he recited 'Sabbi Hisma Rabbikal A'la' and made us hear one verse."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/362 Hadith 3643 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not practice this.
Getting Up in Prayer by Placing Hands on the Ground
48. Abu Qilabah (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated about Sayyiduna Amr bin Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) and Sayyiduna Malik bin al-Huwairith (may Allah be pleased with him): "When they raised their heads from the second prostration, they would sit, place their hands on the ground, and then stand up."(Sahih Bukhari: 824)
49. Azraq bin Qays (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "I saw Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) get up in prayer by placing his hands on the ground."
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 1/395 Hadith 3996 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed get up in prayer without placing their hands on the ground and without sitting.
Two Prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj
50. Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) recited Surah Al-Hajj and performed two prostrations in it.(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/11 Hadith 4288, Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/317 with a sound chain)
51. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was also of the opinion of two prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj.
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/317 with a sound chain)
52. Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) also performed two prostrations in Surah Al-Hajj.
(Al-Sunan al-Kubra by al-Bayhaqi 2/318 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed believe in only one prostration and say about the second prostration: "The second prostration is according to Shafi'i."
Reciting from the Qur'an While in Prayer
53. The slave of Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) used to lead her in prayer while looking at the Qur'an during Ramadan.(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/338 Hadith 7216 with a sound chain, Kitab al-Masahif by Ibn Abi Dawud p. 221)
54. Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) would lead the prayer, and his slave would hold the Qur'an and give him a cue.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/338 Hadith 7222 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that praying while looking at the Qur'an invalidates the prayer.
Praying Sunnah and Voluntary Prayers After the Call to the Obligatory Prayer
55. Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "When the call for prayer is made, there is no prayer except the prescribed one."(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/76 Hadith 4841 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed continue to pray the Sunnah prayers of Fajr while the obligatory prayer is being performed.
Praying Two Rak'ahs During the Friday Sermon
56. Sayyiduna Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed two rak'ahs during the Friday sermon.(See Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 511, and he said: "A good and sound Hadith," Musnad al-Humaydi: 741 with a good chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that one should not pray two rak'ahs during the Friday sermon.
Praying Two Rak'ahs Before the Maghrib Prayer After the Adhan
57. Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka'b and Sayyiduna Abdur-Rahman bin Awf (may Allah be pleased with them) prayed two rak'ahs before the Maghrib prayer.(See Mushkil al-Athar by al-Tahawi, Tuhfat al-Akhyar 2/274 Hadith 913 with a good chain)
58. Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) would pray two rak'ahs before the Maghrib prayer."
(Sahih Bukhari: 625)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not believe in or practice these two rak'ahs.
Performing Full Prayer During Travel
59. Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) would perform the full prayer during travel.(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/452 Hadith 8189 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that performing the full prayer during travel is not permissible.
Praying the Funeral Prayer Aloud
60. Talhah bin Abdullah bin Awf (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated: "Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) recited Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah aloud over a funeral, and then said: 'This is Sunnah and a right.'" In summary (Sunan al-Nasa'i 4/74 Hadith 989 with a sound chain)In contrast, proponents of Taqleed do not believe in praying the funeral prayer aloud and strongly oppose it.
Offering Another Funeral Prayer After the First
61. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed over the grave of Asim bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) three days after his death.(See Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 3/361 Hadith 11939 with a sound chain)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that it is not permissible to offer another funeral prayer after the first one has been performed.
Ablution After Bleeding
62. Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that an Ansari Companion was struck by an arrow, and he continued praying while pulling the arrow out... (Sunan Abi Dawud: 198 with a good chain, authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah: 36, Ibn Hibban, Al-Mawrid: 1093, and Al-Hakim 1/156 who agreed with al-Dhahabi and mentioned in Sahih Bukhari 1/280 before Hadith 176)In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that bleeding nullifies ablution.
Not Needing the Friday Prayer After the Eid Prayer on Friday
63. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) led the Eid prayer on the day of Eid and did not pray the Friday prayer. When this was mentioned to Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: "He acted according to the Sunnah."(Sunan al-Nasa'i 3/194 Hadith 1593 with a sound chain, authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah: 1465, and Al-Hakim 1/296 according to the condition of the two Shaykhs, and agreed by al-Dhahabi)
In contrast, proponents of Taqleed say that if Eid falls on Friday, both the Eid prayer and the Friday prayer must be performed.
After refuting the issue of Taqleed, these forty references to the authentic traditions of the Companions regarding prayer and purification show that the proponents of Taqleed often contradict the statements and actions of many Companions due to their blind imitation.
And our duty is only to convey the message.
(11 Sha'ban 1427 AH)