4/37. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 468b — The Imam Should Be Brief
The Command To The Imam To Make The Prayer Brief But Complete
The Imam Should Be Brief: A Simple Hadith on Leading Salah
Sahih Muslim : 468b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 468b
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، وَابْنُ، بَشَّارٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ مُرَّةَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ سَعِيدَ بْنَ الْمُسَيَّبِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَ عُثْمَانُ بْنُ أَبِي الْعَاصِ، قَالَ آخِرُ مَا عَهِدَ إِلَىَّ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِذَا أَمَمْتَ قَوْمًا فَأَخِفَّ بِهِمُ الصَّلاَةَ " .
‘Uthman b. Abul ‘As Narrated from:
The last thing which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) instructed me was: When you lead the people in prayer, be brief.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 468bIn-book reference : Book 4, Hadith 213USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 947
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 468b
This short narration carries a strong message. Uthman b. Abu'l-'As reported that the last instruction he received from the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was: when you lead people in prayer, be brief. The hadith does not give extra details here, but its wording is direct. It speaks to anyone who leads others in salah. The imam should not make the prayer long in a way that weighs on the people. This is why searches like imam should be brief in prayer and hadith about leading salah match the narration closely. The text focuses on the duty of the imam. It teaches that leading prayer is not only about standing in front; it is also about making the prayer suitable for those being led.
What we learn from this hadith
- The imam is told to keep the prayer brief when leading people.
- The instruction is direct and easy to understand.
- Leading salah includes concern for the congregation.
- A brief prayer can still follow the Prophet’s instruction.
