4/22. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 421b — Abu Bakr Steps Back in Prayer
The Congregation Appointing Someone To Lead Them If The Imam Is Delayed And If There Is No Fear Of Negative Repercussions
Abu Bakr Stepping Back in Prayer: A Short Hadith on Respect
Sahih Muslim : 421b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 421b
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ أَبِي حَازِمٍ - وَقَالَ قُتَيْبَةُ حَدَّثَنَا يَعْقُوبُ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ الْقَارِيُّ - كِلاَهُمَا عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، بِمِثْلِ حَدِيثِ مَالِكٍ . وَفِي حَدِيثِهِمَا فَرَفَعَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ يَدَيْهِ فَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ وَرَجَعَ الْقَهْقَرَى وَرَاءَهُ حَتَّى قَامَ فِي الصَّفِّ .
Sahl bin Sa`d Narrated from:
This hadith is transmitted by Sahl b. Sa'd in the same way as narrated by Malik, with the exception of these words: " Abu Bakr lifted his hands and praised Allah and retraced his (steps) till he stood in a row."
Reference : Sahih Muslim 421bIn-book reference : Book 4, Hadith 112USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 846
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 421b
This short narration is linked to the same prayer event reported by Sahl b. Sa’d. Its main detail is Abu Bakr’s response when the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was present. Abu Bakr lifted his hands, praised Allah, and moved backward until he stood in the row. The hadith about Abu Bakr stepping back in prayer is brief, but it carries a simple message. In prayer, respect, calm movement, and awareness matter. Abu Bakr did not act carelessly. He praised Allah for what had happened, then returned to the row. Since this version only gives this added wording, the explanation should stay close to that point and not add details beyond the report.
What we learn from this hadith
- Abu Bakr praised Allah when he received the Prophet’s instruction.
- He moved back carefully until he stood in the row.
- The report highlights calm conduct during prayer.
