5/32. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 615d — Cool Down Before Prayer
The recommendation to delay Zuhr (until it has cooled down) in severe heat for one who finds it too hot in route to join the congregation
Cool Down Before Prayer: Hadith on Dhuhr in Severe Heat
Sahih Muslim : 615d
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 615d
وَحَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ، عَنِ الْعَلاَءِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " إِنَّ هَذَا الْحَرَّ مِنْ فَيْحِ جَهَنَّمَ فَأَبْرِدُوا بِالصَّلاَةِ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: This heat is from the exhalation of Hell-fire, so delay the prayer till it is cool.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 615dIn-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 232USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 1287
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 615d
This Hadith is short and direct. Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said that this heat is from the exhalation of Hell-fire, so the prayer should be delayed until it is cool. The report is focused on heat and prayer, especially the noon prayer as understood from the nearby narrations in this section. The wording gives both the reason and the instruction. It does not say to miss the prayer or ignore its time. Rather, it points to delaying it until the harsh heat eases. For readers searching for the Hadith about Zuhr prayer in hot weather, this narration gives a simple and memorable wording.
What we learn from this hadith
- Severe heat is described as being from the exhalation of Hell-fire.
- The prayer may be delayed until it becomes cooler.
- The instruction gives ease during strong heat.
- The prayer is still treated as something to be observed properly.
