I remember Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and also the mouthful of water which he took from a bucket in our house and ejected (on me). I heard from `Itban bin Malik Al-Ansari, who was one from Bani Salim, saying, "I used to lead my tribe of Bani Salim in prayer. Once I went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said to him, 'I have weak eyesight and at times the rainwater flood intervenes between me and the mosque of my tribe and I wish that you would come to my house and pray at some place so that I could take that place as a place for praying (mosque). He said, "Allah willing, I shall do that." Next day Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) along with Abu Bakr, came to my house after the sun had risen high and he asked permission to enter. I gave him permission, but he didn't sit till he said to me, "Where do you want me to pray in your house?" I pointed to a place in the house where I wanted him to pray. So he stood up for the prayer and we aligned behind him. He completed the prayer with Taslim and we did the same simultaneously."
Call to Prayers (Adhaan) - Sahih al-Bukhari 839, 840
This narration from ῾Itbān bin Mālik al-Anṣārī demonstrates several important principles in Islamic jurisprudence. The Prophet's acceptance to pray in a private home establishes the permissibility of establishing congregational prayer outside mosques when necessary, showing the flexibility and ease within the Shari῾ah.
The Companions' formation behind the Prophet illustrates the proper configuration of congregational prayer, with the imam standing forward and followers aligned behind him. The narration also indicates the validity of appointing a place for prayer (musallā) within one's residence.
Scholars derive from this hadith that it is commendable to visit the sick and elderly who cannot attend mosque regularly. The Prophet's consideration for ῾Itbān's visual impairment and difficulty reaching the mosque reflects Islam's accommodation for people with disabilities.
The presence of Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq emphasizes the importance of companions accompanying the Prophet in religious matters. The timing "after the sun had risen high" refers to the Duḥā period, indicating the permissibility of voluntary prayers during this time.