The news about the differences amongst the people of Bani `Amr bin `Auf at Quba reached Allah's Apostle and so he went to them along with some of his companions to affect a reconciliation. Allah's Apostle was delayed there and the time for the prayer became due. Bilal came to Abu Bakr! and said, "O Abu Bakr! Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) is detained (there) and the time for the prayer is due. Will you lead the people in prayer?" Abu Bakr replied, "Yes, if you wish." So Bilal pronounced the Iqama and Abu Bakr went forward and the people said Takbir. In the meantime, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came piercing through the rows till he stood in the (first) row and the people started clapping. Abu Bakr, would never look hither and thither during the prayer but when the people clapped much he looked back and saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). The Prophet (ﷺ) beckoned him to carry on. Abu Bakr raised both his hands, praised Allah and retreated till he stood in the row and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went forward and led the people in the prayer. When he had finished the prayer, he addressed the people and said, "O people! Why did you start clapping when something happened to you in the prayer? Clapping is for women. Whenever one is confronted with something unusual in the prayer one should say, 'Sub Han Allah'." Then the Prophet looked towards Abu Bakr and asked, "What prevented you from leading the prayer when I beckoned you to carry on?" Abu Bakr replied, "It does not befit the son of Al Quhafa to lead the prayer in the presence of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ).
Actions while Praying
Book: Sahih al-Bukhari | Hadith Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1218
Commentary on the Incident
This narration establishes several important rulings concerning prayer. The Prophet's delay due to reconciliation efforts demonstrates the priority of resolving community disputes, even over congregational prayer leadership.
Abu Bakr's assumption of prayer leadership shows the permissibility of a deputy leading prayer when the Imam is unavoidably detained, provided the deputy is qualified.
Ruling on Clapping During Prayer
The Prophet explicitly prohibited clapping during prayer, declaring it appropriate only for women. For men, the proper method to alert the Imam is by saying "Subhan Allah" (Glory be to Allah). This preserves the dignity and concentration of prayer.
Etiquette of Prayer Leadership
Abu Bakr's refusal to continue leading upon the Prophet's arrival demonstrates the superior right of the designated Imam to resume leadership. His statement "It does not befit the son of Al Quhafa..." reflects proper Islamic etiquette and respect for religious hierarchy.
Legal Principles Derived
1. Deputy prayer leadership is valid when necessary
2. Clapping invalidates prayer etiquette for men
3. "Subhan Allah" is the prescribed method to alert the Imam
4. The original Imam has priority to resume leadership
5. Community reconciliation takes precedence over some religious duties