We used to greet the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was praying and he used to answer our greetings. When we returned from An-Najashi (the ruler of Ethiopia), we greeted him, but he did not answer us (during the prayer) and (after finishing the prayer) he said, "In the prayer one is occupied (with a more serious matter)."
Actions while Praying
Sahih al-Bukhari 1199
Hadith Text
We used to greet the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was praying and he used to answer our greetings. When we returned from An-Najashi (the ruler of Ethiopia), we greeted him, but he did not answer us (during the prayer) and (after finishing the prayer) he said, "In the prayer one is occupied (with a more serious matter)."
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith demonstrates the evolution of Islamic rulings concerning speech during prayer. Initially, responding to greetings was permitted, but this was later abrogated. The Prophet's statement, "In the prayer one is occupied," indicates that prayer demands complete devotion and prevents engagement in worldly matters.
The Companions' experience with Najashi highlights how rulings changed over time. This teaches us about the principle of naskh (abrogation) in Islamic law, where later revelations supersede earlier ones for the benefit of the Ummah.
Scholars unanimously agree that speaking during obligatory prayers invalidates them, except in cases of necessity. The prayer is a sacred conversation with Allah, requiring full concentration and reverence, making external interactions inappropriate.