Sunan an-Nasa'i 924

Overview & Central Theme

This hadith, recorded by Imam an-Nasa'i in his Sunan (no. 924), addresses a profound practical concern: a new Muslim who is unable to memorize the Quran yet wishes to perform the prayer validly. The Prophet ﷺ teaches him a substitute recitation composed of five glorifications of Allah, collectively known as the al-Baqiyat as-Salihat (the enduring good deeds). The central theme is divine mercy and facilitation (taysir) in worship—Islam does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. The substitute words encompass the core of tawhid (monotheism), praise, magnification, and reliance upon Allah, thereby preserving the spiritual essence of Quranic recitation even when literal recitation is impossible. This demonstrates the Shariah's wisdom in maintaining the prayer's validity while accommodating human limitations, and it underscores that the ultimate goal of prayer is the remembrance and glorification of Allah.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith's occasion (sabab al-wurud) involves a companion who, despite earnest effort, could not memorize any portion of the Quran—likely due to limited literacy or memory capacity. The Prophet ﷺ, as a compassionate teacher, did not rebuke him but provided an accessible alternative. Linguistically, each phrase carries deep meaning: SubhanAllah declares Allah's transcendence above any imperfection or deficiency; al-hamdulillah expresses absolute praise and gratitude for His blessings and perfection; la ilaha illa Allah affirms the core testimony of tawhid, negating all false deities; Allahu Akbar magnifies Allah above all creation; and la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah acknowledges that all power and strength to obey or abstain come solely from Allah, a phrase described by the Prophet ﷺ as "a treasure from the treasures of Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari). The addition of al-'aliy al-'azim (the Exalted, the Magnificent) emphasizes Allah's supreme loftiness and majesty, reinforcing the believer's humility and dependence.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• Jurisprudential ruling: The majority of scholars (including the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools) derive from this hadith that a person who cannot recite the Quran may substitute these glorifications in prayer, and the prayer is valid. The Shafi'i school, however, holds that if one cannot recite, it is obligatory to remember Allah with any dhikr, making this hadith a foundational proof for ease in worship.
• Theological principle: The substitute phrases collectively embody the essence of tawhid and reliance on Allah, teaching that the core of prayer is not mere words but the heart's engagement with Allah's greatness, praise, and dependence—a principle that elevates any act of worship when performed with sincerity.
• Ethical lesson: The Prophet ﷺ's gentle response exemplifies the prophetic method of education—meeting people at their level of ability without humiliation, and providing practical solutions that maintain both ritual validity and spiritual depth. This teaches us to be compassionate and pragmatic in religious guidance, especially for new Muslims or those with learning difficulties.

"This hadith shows the perfection of the Shariah in accommodating the incapable, for the Prophet ﷺ did not command him to learn the Quran, but rather taught him a substitute that achieves the same purpose—the remembrance of Allah. It indicates that the obligation of recitation is waived for those who cannot fulfill it, and they are not sinful." — Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari (commentary on related narrations)

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

In our daily lives, this hadith offers profound practical wisdom. For those struggling to memorize Quran or facing cognitive challenges, it reassures that Allah's mercy is vast—our sincere effort and remembrance are accepted. We can apply this by incorporating these five phrases into our daily routines, especially after prayers or during moments of stress, as a means of constant connection with Allah. Moreover, the hadith teaches us to be patient and compassionate with others, particularly new Muslims or those with learning difficulties, offering them accessible pathways to worship rather than overwhelming them. It also reminds us that the essence of prayer is not mechanical recitation but a living, heartfelt consciousness of Allah's presence—so we should strive to understand and reflect on what we recite, making our prayers a genuine dialogue with our Creator. Finally, the phrase la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah serves as a powerful daily reminder that all our strength comes from Allah, encouraging us to seek His help in every endeavor and to rely on Him in times of weakness.