"Malik bin Al-Huwairith used to come to us and say: "Shall I not tell you about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)?" He was praying at a time other than the time of prayer, and when he raised his head from the second prostration in the first rak'ah, he settled in a seated position, then he stood up, and he supported himself on the ground (while doing so)."
Hadith Text & Reference
"Malik bin Al-Huwairith used to come to us and say: 'Shall I not tell you about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)?' He was praying at a time other than the time of prayer, and when he raised his head from the second prostration in the first rak'ah, he settled in a seated position, then he stood up, and he supported himself on the ground (while doing so)."
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1153 | Book: The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Commentary on the Narration
This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's meticulous teaching methodology. Malik bin Al-Huwairith, may Allah be pleased with him, did not merely describe the prayer theoretically but performed it practically at a non-obligatory time to ensure accurate transmission without disrupting congregational prayers.
The phrase "he settled in a seated position" (istaqarra qā'idan) indicates the Prophet's complete stillness between the two prostrations, fulfilling the pillar of tranquility (tuma'nīnah) in prayer. This refutes those who rush through prayers without proper composure.
Legal Rulings Derived
1. The Manner of Rising: The Prophet's action of "supporting himself on the ground" establishes the sunnah of using hands to assist when standing from the sitting position. The scholars differ whether this is recommended or obligatory, with the stronger opinion being it is a emphasized sunnah.
2. Tranquility in Prayer: The "settling" motion confirms the requirement of pause and stillness between movements in prayer, which is a fundamental pillar without which the prayer becomes invalid according to the majority of scholars.
3. Teaching Methodology: This hadith legitimizes practical demonstration in religious instruction, showing that actions may sometimes convey meaning more effectively than words alone.
Scholarly Observations
Imam An-Nawawi commented that this hadith proves the permissibility of praying supererogatory prayers to teach others the proper form, even in gatherings not originally intended for prayer.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani noted that the detailed description of the Prophet's movements serves as a refutation against those who claim minor variations in prayer postures are insignificant, showing that every action has legal importance.