Praying at Home During Rain

Permission to Pray at Home During Rain

Narrated Muhammad bin Sirin: On a rainy day Ibn Abbas (RA) said to his Mu'adh-dhin, After saying, Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasul-Ullah (I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger), do not say 'Haiya alas-salah' [Come for the Salat (prayer)] but say: Salu Fi Butikum (offer Salat in your houses). 

The man did so. But the people disliked it. Ibn Abbas said, It was done by one who was much better than I (i.e., the Prophet pbuh.). No doubt, the Jumuah (prayer) is compulsory but I dislike to put you to task by bringing you out walking in mud and slush.

Key Lessons from the Hadith

Ease in Islam: The Shariah is not designed to create difficulty; it takes into account the limits of human capacity and the realities of our natural environment.

Obligation of Jumu’ah: Friday prayer is a must for everyone, but there are exceptions for real challenges like intense rain.

Mercy of the Prophet (ﷺ): His Sunnah reflects a deep care for the well-being and security of the believers.

Flexibility in the Adhan: In certain situations, the phrasing of the call to prayer can be modified to better lead the community.

Conclusion

Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (901) beautifully illustrates the flexibility and mercy found in Islam. While Jumu’ah prayer is a compulsory act of worship, Islam recognizes situations where hardship may prevent attendance. 

Ibn Abbas (RA), following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), instructed people to pray in their homes during rain so they would not face unnecessary difficulty.

Hadith Reference:

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari

Hadith No: 901

Volume: 02

Page No: 31

Book: The Book of Al Jumuah (Friday)

Chapter: It is permissible for one not to attend the Jumuah (prayer) if it is raining.

Narrated By: Muhammad bin Sirin (RA:)

Translator: Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan