A man entered the mosque while Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was sitting in one side of the mosque. The man prayed, came, and greeted the Prophet. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to him, "Wa 'Alaikas Salam (returned his greeting). Go back and pray as you have not prayed (properly)." The man returned, repeated his prayer, came back and greeted the Prophet. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Wa alaika-s-Salam (returned his greeting). Go back and pray again as you have not prayed (properly)." The man said at the second or third time, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Kindly teach me how to pray". The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When you stand for prayer, perform ablution properly and then face the Qibla and say Takbir (Allahu-Akbar), and then recite what you know from the Qur'an, and then bow with calmness till you feel at ease then rise from bowing, till you stand straight, and then prostrate calmly (and remain in prostration) till you feel at ease, and then raise (your head) and sit with calmness till you feel at ease and then prostrate with calmness (and remain in prostration) till you feel at ease, and then raise (your head) and sit with calmness till you feel at ease in the sitting position, and do likewise in whole of your prayer." And Abu Usama added, "Till you stand straight." (See Hadith No. 759, Vol.1)
Asking Permission - Sahih al-Bukhari 6251
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the Prophet's ﷺ methodology in teaching through practical demonstration and gentle correction, emphasizing the importance of tranquility (tuma'nīnah) in prayer.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
The Companions' practice of praying before the Prophet ﷺ indicates their eagerness to learn through observation and correction, a superior method of education.
The Prophet's ﷺ repeated instruction to repray demonstrates that prayer without proper tranquility is invalid, requiring repetition until perfected.
The man's humble request for teaching after multiple corrections shows the proper etiquette of a student: acknowledging one's deficiency and seeking knowledge from qualified teachers.
Essential Elements of Valid Prayer
Proper ablution (wudu) is the foundational prerequisite for prayer's validity.
Facing the Qibla establishes proper orientation and unity of the Muslim community in worship.
Takbiratul Ihram (saying "Allahu Akbar") initiates the prayer state, prohibiting worldly speech and actions.
Recitation of Quran, even if minimal, is obligatory in standing position.
Tranquility in bowing (ruku'), prostration (sujūd), and sitting between prostrations means pausing briefly in each position until all limbs are still.
Legal Rulings Derived
Prayer without tranquility is invalid and must be repeated, as indicated by the Prophet's ﷺ command.
The teacher's role includes observing and correcting practical worship, not merely theoretical instruction.
Each component of prayer must be performed with proper form and spiritual presence for acceptance.