Once `Umar bin `Abdul `Aziz delayed the `Asr prayer a little. `Urwa said to him, "Gabriel descended and led the prayer in front of the Prophet (ﷺ) " On that `Umar said, "O `Urwa! Be sure of what you say." "Urwa, "I heard Bashir bin Abi Masud narrating from Ibn Masud who heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'Gabriel descended and led me in prayer; and then prayed with him again, and then prayed with him again, and then prayed with him again, and then prayed with him again, counting with his fingers five prayers."
Beginning of Creation - Sahih al-Bukhari 3221
This narration from the esteemed collection of Imam al-Bukhari establishes the divine origin of the five daily prayers through angelic revelation. The incident involving 'Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz serves as a powerful reminder of the fixed timings ordained by Allah.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
The hesitation of 'Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz - despite his renowned piety - demonstrates the gravity of attributing statements to the Prophet without certainty. 'Urwa's firm response, backed by an authentic chain of transmission, confirms the obligation to verify religious matters through proper channels.
Gabriel's descent to lead the prayer at five different times signifies heavenly confirmation of prayer timings. The angelic instruction establishes that prayer times are not subject to human discretion but are divinely mandated periods for worship.
The counting with fingers symbolizes the precise number of obligatory prayers and serves as a mnemonic device for the Ummah. This method of instruction reflects the Prophet's teaching methodology, making complex matters accessible to all believers.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the celestial origin of prayer timings, making their observance an act of following divine command rather than personal preference. The five distinct prayer times correspond to different spiritual states throughout the day.
The incident emphasizes the importance of praying at the beginning of prescribed times, as delayed prayer without valid excuse constitutes negligence in religious duty. The Companions' meticulous attention to prayer timing reflects their understanding of its significance in maintaining spiritual connection.