❖ Authored by: Dr. Rida ʿAbdullāh Pāshā (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Question:
Is there any connection between the prayer of the hypocrites and Shayṭān?
❖ Answer:
Yes, there is a link between the prayer of the hypocrites (munāfiqūn) and Shayṭān.
It is narrated from Anas bin Mālik (RA) that he said:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say:
This is the prayer of the hypocrite: he sits and waits for the sun, and when it is between the two horns of Shayṭān, he stands and pecks four units (of prayer), not remembering Allah in it except a little.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, ḥadīth no. 622; Muwaṭṭaʾ al-Imām Mālik, p. 65)
❖ Explanation
This ḥadīth clearly shows that:
➤ The hypocrite delays his ṣalāh deliberately until the time when the sun is setting—a time disliked for prayer.
➤ This time is described as “between the two horns of Shayṭān”, highlighting the influence and presence of Shayṭān during this period.
➤ The expression “pecks four (units)” refers to performing prayer hastily, without humility or devotion, similar to how a bird pecks the ground.
➤ Such a prayer is void of sincere dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and spiritual presence, aligning with the behavior of a munāfiq—a hypocrite who outwardly appears religious but is inwardly insincere.
❖ Conclusion
The prayer of the hypocrites is not only devoid of substance and sincerity, but it also coincides with the times and manners that Shayṭān prefers. True believers must guard against such negligence and ensure their prayers are performed on time, with presence of heart and proper remembrance of Allah.
