The Book of Salah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 480

"I heard Nawfal bin Mu'awiyah say: 'There is a prayer which if a person misses it, it is as if he has been robbed of his family and his wealth.'" Ibn 'Umar said: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'It is 'Asr prayer.'"

Commentary on the Hadith

This profound narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i emphasizes the critical importance of the 'Asr prayer. The comparison to losing one's family and wealth illustrates the severe spiritual loss incurred by neglecting this obligatory prayer.

The 'Asr prayer holds special significance as it occurs during the busiest part of the day when people are often preoccupied with worldly affairs. The severe warning serves as a reminder to maintain spiritual vigilance amidst daily occupations.

Classical scholars explain that just as one would feel devastated by the loss of family and property, so should a believer feel the gravity of missing the 'Asr prayer. This emphasizes that spiritual losses can be more damaging than material ones.

Legal Rulings and Practical Implications

The hadith establishes the obligatory nature of the 'Asr prayer and the severe consequences of its intentional neglect without valid excuse.

Scholars derive from this that Muslims must be particularly vigilant about performing 'Asr on time, making necessary arrangements in their daily schedules to ensure its observance.

The severity of the warning indicates that consistently missing the 'Asr prayer may lead to spiritual bankruptcy and distance from Allah's mercy, comparable to the devastation of material loss.