Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)
Chapter: Prohibition of Standing as a Form of Veneration
He reported:
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in prayer while he was seated due to illness, and Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) was conveying the Takbir (to the congregation). When the Prophet (ﷺ) saw us standing, he motioned for us to sit down, so we prayed sitting behind him. After completing the prayer, he said: 'You were about to do what the Persians and Romans do with their kings: they stand before their kings while the kings sit. Do not do this. Follow your leaders. If the Imam prays standing, pray standing, and if he prays sitting, then pray sitting as well.' "
[Sahih: Muslim (413)]
❀ Narration by Mu'awiyah (رضي الله عنه):
He reported:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: 'Whoever likes people to stand for him should prepare his seat in Hellfire.' "
[Sahih: Abu Dawood (5229), Tirmidhi (2755)]
❀ Narration by Anas (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
"There was no person more beloved to the Companions than the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), but when they saw him, they did not stand up for him because they knew he disliked it."
[Sahih: Tirmidhi (2754), Ahmad (12345), Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (946)]
Chapter: Prohibition of Standing as a Form of Veneration
The Disapproval of Standing in Excessive Reverence for Others
Islam discourages practices that resemble the customs of those who venerate leaders excessively, such as standing before them as a mark of undue reverence. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized humility and equality, avoiding acts that promote arrogance or superiority.Examples from Hadith
❀ Narration by Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنهما):He reported:
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led us in prayer while he was seated due to illness, and Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) was conveying the Takbir (to the congregation). When the Prophet (ﷺ) saw us standing, he motioned for us to sit down, so we prayed sitting behind him. After completing the prayer, he said: 'You were about to do what the Persians and Romans do with their kings: they stand before their kings while the kings sit. Do not do this. Follow your leaders. If the Imam prays standing, pray standing, and if he prays sitting, then pray sitting as well.' "
[Sahih: Muslim (413)]
❀ Narration by Mu'awiyah (رضي الله عنه):
He reported:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: 'Whoever likes people to stand for him should prepare his seat in Hellfire.' "
[Sahih: Abu Dawood (5229), Tirmidhi (2755)]
❀ Narration by Anas (رضي الله عنه):
He said:
"There was no person more beloved to the Companions than the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), but when they saw him, they did not stand up for him because they knew he disliked it."
[Sahih: Tirmidhi (2754), Ahmad (12345), Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (946)]
Key Lessons
- Equality and Humility in Islam:
- Islam promotes humility and discourages acts of excessive veneration that could lead to arrogance or pride.
- The practice of standing for others in a manner resembling worship or undue reverence is explicitly discouraged.
- Avoiding Resemblance to Non-Islamic Customs:
- The Prophet (ﷺ) highlighted the distinction between Islamic practices and the customs of other nations, such as the Persians and Romans, to preserve the unique values of humility and servitude to Allah alone.
- Warning Against Arrogance:
- The hadith of Mu'awiyah (رضي الله عنه) serves as a stark warning to those who seek status and recognition, emphasizing that such behavior leads to Hellfire.
- Leading by Example:
- The Prophet (ﷺ) himself disliked being stood for, demonstrating that humility should be practiced by everyone, including leaders.
- Practical Implementation:
- Muslims are encouraged to follow these teachings by not seeking or encouraging acts that elevate their status beyond what is reasonable or allowed in Islam.