5/49. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 991 — Avoid Distress in Prayer
The Imam should make the Prayer short if something happens
Avoid Distress in Prayer Hadith: Care for the Mother
Sunan Ibn Majah : 991
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 991
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْوَاحِدِ، وَبِشْرُ بْنُ بَكْرٍ، عَنِ الأَوْزَاعِيِّ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " إِنِّي لأَقُومُ فِي الصَّلاَةِ وَأَنَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُطَوِّلَ فِيهَا فَأَسْمَعُ بُكَاءَ الصَّبِيِّ فَأَتَجَوَّزُ كَرَاهِيَةَ أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَى أُمِّهِ " .
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Abu Qatadah that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘I get up to perform prayer and I intend to make it long, but then I hear an infant crying, so I make it short, because I do not like to cause distress to his mother.’”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 991In-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 189English translation : Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 991
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 991
This avoid distress in prayer hadith explains the reason behind shortening the prayer when a child cried. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said he would stand for prayer intending to make it long. Then, if he heard an infant crying, he would make it short because he did not like to cause distress to the child’s mother. The hadith about mercy in salah is clear and direct. The imam’s plan can change when the people behind him are facing hardship. It also shows special care for a mother’s feelings in that moment. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم did not ignore her worry. He made the prayer lighter to reduce the burden.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم disliked causing distress to the mother of a crying child.
- An imam’s intention to lengthen prayer can change when hardship appears.
- Prayer leadership should be gentle with people’s needs.
- Care for worshippers is part of leading congregational prayer well.
