Fiqh of Hadeeth: Joining the Salah
By Sh. Kifah Mustapha
Abu Bakrah (RAA) reached (joined) the prophet (PBUH) (in Salah) while in Ruku’. He made Ruku’ before he reached the line (of Prayer). He mentioned that to the Prophet (PBUH) and the Prophet (PBUH) said, “May Allah increase your eagerness (caring to join Salah) but do not come (doing it again).” Hadith narrated by Bukhari.
عن أبي بكرة رضي الله عنه أنه انتهى الى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو راكع فركع قبل أن يصل الى الصف. فذكر ذلك للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: (زادك الله حرصا ولا تعد).
In this Hadith, Abu Bakrah did not want to miss a raka’t of Salah with the Prophet (PBUH). He started his Salah before he joined the line in Ruku’ and then walked (while in Ruku) and the Prophet (PBUH) heard his breathing while doing that. Abu Bakrah’s mistakes were three: rushing to Salah, performing Ruku’ outside the line of Salah and walking while in Ruku’ to Salah.
As for the matter of walking a step or two while in prayer, it is permissible for a legitimate reason. For example, Sahabah walked and turned around when Qiblah was changed. The prophet (PBUH) allowed Muslims to kill harmful insects during prayer which would sometimes require walking a few steps. AbuBakr walked backwards while leading Salah to allow the prophet (PBUH) to lead. Scholars allowed Muslims to walk forward to fill in the gaps in lines for prayers, etc.
On the issue of starting Salah alone behind an established line of Salah (while space is available), Imam Ahmad and Ishaq said it is prohibited and the prayer must be redone. The majority of scholars including Abu Hanifa, Malek and Shafei said it is (Makrooh) not preferred, but does not necessitate the Salah to be redone. They supported their point of view by this Hadith that the prophet (PBUH) did not tell him to redo Salah. However, if one joins the salah and finds no space available in the last established line, it is permissible to start a new line alone. |