Actions while Praying

Sahih al-Bukhari 1213

Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) saw some sputum on the wall facing the Qibla of the mosque and became furious with the people of the mosque and said, "During the prayer, Allah is in front of everyone of you and so he should not spit (or said, 'He should not expectorate')." Then he got down and scratched the sputum with his hand. Ibn `Umar said (after narrating), "If anyone of you has to spit during the prayer, he should spit to his left."

Commentary

This hadith establishes the sanctity of the prayer and the presence of Allah before the worshipper. The Prophet's anger demonstrates the gravity of disrespecting the prayer space, particularly the Qibla direction which represents divine orientation.

Scholars explain that spitting toward the Qibla is prohibited because it shows disregard for Allah's majesty. The Prophet's physical removal of the sputum teaches us to maintain mosque cleanliness and respect for places of worship.

Ibn Umar's addition provides practical guidance: if necessary during prayer, one may spit to the left, avoiding the honorable right side and the sacred Qibla direction. This reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic etiquette, balancing spiritual reverence with human necessities.

Legal Rulings

Spitting toward Qibla during prayer is strictly forbidden (haram)

Spitting in the mosque is reprehensible (makruh)

If necessary, spitting should be to one's left side during prayer

Cleaning impurities from the mosque is a communal obligation

Spiritual Significance

This teaching cultivates khushu' (devotion) by reminding worshippers of Allah's presence during prayer. It transforms physical actions into spiritual awareness, where even mundane acts like spitting become regulated by divine consciousness.