The Obligation of Prayer on the Night of Isra and Mi’raj
In Sahih Bukhari, it is documented how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the command for prayer on the night of Isra and Mi’raj. The essence of the narration states: “And the Almighty, the Lord of Glory, drew near until He was at a distance of two bow lengths or even closer. Allah revealed to him: ‘Fifty prayers are prescribed for your nation each day and night.’ Then, he descended and met Moses, who held him back and said, ‘O Muhammad, what did your Lord command you?’ He replied, ‘He commanded me to perform fifty prayers every day and night…’.”
Moses responded, “Indeed, your nation cannot bear that, so return to your Lord and ask Him to lighten the obligation.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) turned to Gabriel, seemingly seeking his counsel. Gabriel indicated that it was permissible to do so. Hence, the Prophet ascended again and pleaded, “O Lord, lighten the burden for us, for my nation cannot endure this.” Allah then alleviated it by ten prayers. The Prophet continued to return to Moses, who insisted he inquire further until the obligation was reduced to five daily prayers. Moses once again advised him at this stage…
Moses urged, “O Muhammad, by Allah, I urged my people with less than this, and they faltered and abandoned it. Your nation is even weaker in body, spirit, and endurance, so return and ask your Lord for further reduction.” Each time, the Prophet looked to Gabriel for guidance, who did not disapprove. Eventually, he returned to the fifth commandment and continued to plead with Allah, “My people are frail in body, spirit, hearing, sight, and endurance. Make it easier for us.” Allah responded: “O Muhammad, I have responded. However, the command cannot be altered. What I prescribed in the Mother of the Book stands. Each good deed is rewarded tenfold; thus, while it is fifty in the Mother of the Book, you will only find five in your practice.”
Hadiths Concerning Prayer While Wearing Footwear
There are several narrations within Sahih Bukhari regarding a person praying while wearing sandals or light shoes. Some examples include:
- “I asked Anas bin Malik: Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) pray while wearing his sandals? He replied: Yes.”
- “I was traveling with the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he said: ‘O Mughira, take the water container.’ I took it and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) moved on until he was hidden from view. After satisfying his need, while wearing a Syrian cloak, he attempted to pull his hand out from the sleeve, but it was too tight. So he drew his hand from below and poured the water over himself. He then performed ablution for prayer and wiped over his shoes before praying.”
Hadiths on Facing the Qibla During Prayer
Sahih Bukhari also includes authentic narrations regarding the requirement to face the Qibla during prayer. Some of these narrations are:
- “Maymoon bin Siyah asked Anas bin Malik: O Abu Hamza, what prohibits the blood and wealth of a servant? He replied: ‘Whoever testifies that there is no deity but Allah and faces our Qibla, performs our prayer, and eats from our slaughtered animals is a Muslim; he has the rights of a Muslim and is subject to the obligations of a Muslim.’
- “Whoever prays our prayer, faces our Qibla, and eats from our slaughtered animals is indeed a Muslim who is under the protection of Allah and His Messenger, so do not violate the sanctity of Allah’s covenant regarding him.”