Hadith Text & Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) led us in prayer and then went up to the pulpit and beckoned with both hands towards the Qibla of the mosque and then said, "When I started leading you in prayer, I saw the display of Paradise and Hell on the wall of the mosque (facing the Qibla). I never saw good and bad as I have seen today." He repeated the last statement thrice.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 749

Scholarly Commentary

This profound narration demonstrates the spiritual reality that accompanies the prayer (salah). While leading the congregation, the Prophet (ﷺ) was granted a vision of the ultimate consequences of human deeds - Paradise for the righteous and Hell for the wicked.

The gesture of beckoning with both hands toward the Qibla signifies the importance of direction in worship and symbolizes drawing attention to the spiritual realities that underlie physical acts of devotion. The mosque wall facing Qibla became a screen upon which divine truths were manifested.

The triple repetition emphasizes the extraordinary nature of this vision and serves as a powerful reminder of the Day of Judgment. This experience occurred during prayer, highlighting that salah is not merely physical movements but a spiritual journey where the believer stands before Allah and may be granted glimpses of unseen realities.

Spiritual Lessons

Prayer connects the worshipper to the eternal realities of the hereafter, making the spiritual world perceptible to the heart.

The mosque is not just a physical building but a place where divine manifestations can occur for those with purified hearts.

The constant awareness of Paradise and Hell should motivate believers to righteousness and deter them from sin.

The Prophet's experience teaches that the leader in prayer carries special spiritual responsibilities and may receive divine inspirations during congregation prayers.