"I used to come to the Prophet (ﷺ) when he was praying, and I would greet him with Salam, he would return my greeting. Then I came to him when he was praying, and he did not return my greeting. When he said the Taslim, he pointed to the people and said: "Allah (SWT) has decreed that in the prayer you should not speak except to remember Allah (SWT), and it is not appropriate for you, and that you should stand before Allah (SWT) with obedience.'"
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1220
Hadith Commentary
This narration establishes the fundamental principle that speech of worldly matters is strictly prohibited during the prayer (salah). The Prophet's initial response to greetings was abrogated by this divine decree, demonstrating the evolution of Islamic legislation.
The phrase "Allah has decreed" indicates this ruling comes directly from divine revelation, not human reasoning. The prayer is a sacred communion with the Creator where the worshipper's entire focus should be directed toward Allah alone.
Scholars explain that remembering Allah (dhikr) during prayer includes recitation of Quran, tasbih, tahmid, and other prescribed invocations - not casual conversation. The prohibition extends to responding to greetings, answering questions, or any speech unrelated to the prayer itself.
The instruction to "stand before Allah with obedience" emphasizes the posture of complete submission required in salah. This encompasses both physical stillness and mental presence, excluding all distractions that might compromise the prayer's spiritual essence.
Legal Rulings Derived
Intentionally speaking about worldly matters invalidates the prayer according to the majority of scholars. The Hanafi school makes distinction between brief and lengthy speech.
Forgetful speech does not necessarily invalidate the prayer but requires immediate cessation and seeking forgiveness. The two prostrations of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw) may be recommended in such cases.
Necessary communication for correcting prayer errors (like alerting the imam) is permitted when done minimally and appropriately. This exception falls under the principle of preserving the prayer's validity.