13/11. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 1201 — Calm Movement in Prayer
Concession allowing one to turn to the right or left when praying
Hadith About Movement in Prayer and Turning Calmly
Sunan an-Nasai : 1201
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 1201
أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو عَمَّارٍ الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ حُرَيْثٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا الْفَضْلُ بْنُ مُوسَى، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ سَعِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي هِنْدٍ، عَنْ ثَوْرِ بْنِ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَلْتَفِتُ فِي صَلاَتِهِ يَمِينًا وَشِمَالاً وَلاَ يَلْوِي عُنُقَهُ خَلْفَ ظَهْرِهِ .
Ibn 'Abbas Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to turn to his right and left when praying, but he did not twist his neck to look behind him.
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 1201In-book reference : Book 13, Hadith 23English translation : Vol. 2, Book 13, Hadith 1202
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 1201
This Hadith about movement in prayer shows a balanced example from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Ibn 'Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to turn to his right and left while praying, but he did not twist his neck to look behind him. The main lesson is not about careless looking around. It is about controlled movement during prayer. The text shows that some turning happened, but it also shows a limit: he did not turn so far that his neck twisted behind his back. For someone searching for prayer etiquette in Islam, this Hadith teaches calmness, focus, and restraint. Prayer is a place of attention, so even when movement occurs, it should remain measured and respectful.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم sometimes turned right and left during prayer.
- The Hadith shows a limit by mentioning that he did not twist his neck behind him.
- Prayer movements should remain calm and controlled.
- A person praying should avoid unnecessary looking around.
