"Allah's Messenger entered the Masjid, and a man entered and offered Salat. Then he came to give Salam to the Propet. He returned the Salam to him and said: 'Go back and perform Salat, for indeed you have not prayed.' So the man returned to pray as he had prayed. Then he came to give Salam to the Prophet. He returned Salam to him, then [Allah's Messenger] said: 'Go back and perform Salat, for indeed you have not prayed' until he had done that three times. So the man said to him: 'By the One who sent you with the Truth, I do not know any better than this, so teach me.' So he said [to him]: 'When you stand for Salat then say the Takbir, then recite what is easy for you of the Quran. Then bow until you are at rest while bowing, then rise up until you are at rest sitting. Do that in all of your Salat.'"
The Book on Salat (Prayer)
Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Hadith 303
Context and Significance
This profound narration demonstrates the Prophet's meticulous attention to proper prayer performance and his compassionate teaching methodology. The incident occurred when a companion performed prayer incorrectly, requiring the Prophet to gently correct him three times before the man humbly requested proper instruction.
Scholarly Commentary
The repetition of "you have not prayed" indicates that prayer lacking proper pillars (arkan) is invalid, even if the person performed physical movements. The Prophet's patience in allowing three attempts shows his wisdom in letting the companion realize his need for instruction.
The command to "say the Takbir" refers to the opening Takbir (Allahu Akbar), which initiates the prayer and distinguishes it from ordinary speech. "Recite what is easy of the Quran" means Surah al-Fatihah followed by any portion of Quran one has memorized.
The emphasis on being "at rest" (tuma'ninah) in bowing, standing, and sitting constitutes the pillar of tranquility (tuma'ninah), which many scholars consider among the most commonly neglected aspects of prayer.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes that tranquility in each position is obligatory (wajib) for prayer validity. The four essential positions requiring tranquility are: standing after bowing, bowing, prostration, and sitting between prostrations.
The narration also demonstrates that prayer must be learned properly and cannot be performed based on assumption alone. The companion's humility in admitting his ignorance serves as a model for all Muslims seeking knowledge.
Spiritual Lessons
The Prophet's gentle correction reflects Islamic pedagogy - correcting errors with compassion rather than harshness. The companion's response shows the proper attitude of a student: acknowledging limitation and seeking guidance from qualified teachers.
This incident reminds us that outward form without proper inward presence and compliance with prescribed regulations renders worship incomplete. The harmony between external precision and internal devotion constitutes the essence of valid worship.