The Book of Prayer - Travellers

Sahih Muslim - Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 735a

Hadith Text

It was narrated to me that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had said: The prayer observed by a person sitting is half of the prayer. I came to him (ﷺ) and found him praying in a sitting position. I placed my hand on his head. He said: O 'Abdullah b. 'Amr, what is the matter with you? I said: Messenger of Allah, it has been narrated to me that you said: The prayer of a man in a sitting position is half of the prayer, whereas you are observing prayer sitting. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Yes, it is so, but I am not like anyone amongst you.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the general ruling that prayer performed while sitting yields half the reward of prayer performed standing. However, the Prophet's (ﷺ) clarification "I am not like anyone amongst you" indicates a special dispensation for him due to his prophetic status and the unique burdens of revelation.

Classical scholars explain that for ordinary Muslims, sitting during obligatory prayers is only permitted with valid excuses such as illness or incapacity. The Prophet's action demonstrates that while the general rule applies to the ummah, certain exclusive permissions were granted to him alone.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this hadith shows the Companions' meticulousness in verifying religious matters and their courage in seeking clarification directly from the Prophet (ﷺ), establishing an important principle of seeking knowledge from proper sources.

Legal Implications

1. The default position for obligatory prayers is performance while standing for those who are able

2. Those with valid excuses may pray sitting but receive half the reward of standing prayer

3. The Prophet (ﷺ) had certain unique permissions not extended to the general Muslim community

4. The importance of verifying religious knowledge and seeking clarification from scholars