❖ Narration of Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه
Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه reported:The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When one of you is in Salah, he is conversing with his Lord, so let him not spit in front of him nor to his right side, but rather to his left under his foot.”
References:
Sahih al-Bukhari: 412, 1214, 413 Sahih Muslim: 551❖ Key Lessons and Benefits
➊ The Worshiper is in Direct Conversation with Allah:During Salah, the believer is engaged in an intimate dialogue with his Lord, hence every gesture must reflect reverence.
➋ Prohibited Directions for Spitting During Salah:
A worshiper must not spit in front of him or to his right side during prayer. If needed, he may spit to the left side under his foot.
➌ Permissibility with Conditions:
Spitting during Salah is permissible only under necessary circumstances, and with utmost respect for the sanctity of the place. In a non-paved mosque (e.g., on soil), one may spit discreetly under the left foot. In a carpeted or built-up area, spitting should be avoided altogether. Preferably, one should carry a handkerchief or cloth for this purpose.
➍ Movement for Necessity is Permitted:
Slight movement, such as using a cloth or shifting the foot for necessity, is allowed during Salah without invalidating it.
➎ Why Spitting in Certain Directions is Forbidden:
- Front: It is the direction of the Qiblah, hence it must be respected.
- Right Side: An honorable angel (Kiraman Katibin) is present on the right side, recording good deeds.
During Salah, Allah listens, watches, and responds according to the worshiper’s actions. One's attitude in Salah reflects their reverence toward their Creator.
This explanation is taken from “Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Ilmām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām” by Shaykh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.