Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 753 [Read full issue]
Teaching at Battle
Following are some lessons the Prophet, peace be upon him, taught his Companions (May Allah be pleased with them) while on the campaign of Tabuk:
The Prophet performed prayer behind Abd Al Rahman ibn Awf, who led the Muslims in praying Fajr at Tabuk, when the Prophet was late for a certain reason. When he came, Abd Al Rahman wanted to stand back, but the Prophet mentioned to him to complete the prayer, and he prayed behind him. This indicates that the lesser is permitted to lead the prayer and the greater may pray behind him. [Muslim]
Muadh ibn Jabal asked him about a deed which would admit him to Paradise, while they were on the way back to Madina. The Prophet replied that the head of such deed was Shahadah, its framework was Salah and Zakah, and its pinnacle was Jihad. [Ahmad]
During this campaign, he was asked about the sutrah (defining the space) of one who is performing salah. He answered that it should be the size of the end of a camel saddle. [Al-Nasai]
During this campaign, he combined Zuhr and Asr prayers, and Maghrib and Isha prayers. [Muwatta]
He stayed in Tabuk for 20 days, and shortened salah during that time. [Mawarid al Zaman]
He asked for some water from a house in Tabuk and it was given to him in a container made of leather. Concerning the skin of the dead animal he said, "By tanning it, it becomes pure." [Abu Dawud]
Compiled From:
"Madinan Society at the Time of the Prophet" - Akram Diya al Umari, pp. 215,216