"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) set out to bring about reconciliation among Banu 'Amr bin 'Awf. The time for prayer came, and the Mu'adhdhin went to Abu Bakr to tell him to gather the people and lead them in prayer. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came and passed though the rows until he stood in the first row. The people started clapping to let Abu Bakr know that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had come. Abu Bakr never used to turn around when he prayed, but when they clapped consistently he realized something must have happened while they were praying. So he turned around and saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) gestured to him to stay where he was. Abu Bakr raised his hands and praised and thanked Allah (SWT) for what the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had said. Then, he moved backwards, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went forward and prayed. When he finished, he said to Abu Bakr: 'What stopped you from continuing to pray when I gestured to you?' Abu Bakr, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with him, said: 'It was not appropriate for the son of Abu Quhafah to lead the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in prayer.' Then he said to the people: 'Why did you clap?' Clapping is for women.' Then he said: 'If you notice something when you are praying, say "SubhanAllah.'"
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1183
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i provides profound guidance on prayer etiquette and the proper conduct when unusual situations arise during congregational prayer.
Context and Significance
The Prophet's mission to reconcile Banu 'Amr bin 'Awf demonstrates his role as peacemaker. His delayed arrival for prayer created a situation requiring proper Islamic protocol.
Abu Bakr's leadership in prayer during the Prophet's absence shows his esteemed position among the companions and the trust placed in him.
Scholarly Commentary on Key Points
The clapping by congregation members was improper - the Prophet clarified that saying "SubhanAllah" is the correct method to alert the prayer leader.
Abu Bakr's refusal to continue leading the Prophet demonstrates profound respect for the Messenger's superior rank in prayer leadership.
The Prophet's gesture for Abu Bakr to continue shows the permissibility of continuing if the current imam is qualified, though Abu Bakr chose the more respectful option.
Legal Rulings Derived
Clapping during prayer is specifically designated for women, while men should use verbal remembrance (dhikr) to alert the imam.
An imam may step back to allow a more qualified person to lead, though this is not obligatory if the current imam is competent.
Non-verbal communication through gestures is permissible during prayer when necessary.