Ruling of Movements in Prayer
Question:
The questioner asked that when she offers prayer, the kids are jumping and playing around. So, how many times are she allowed to move to pick up the baby or to calm him down?
Answer:
In the name of Allah, we praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright.
One must offer prayer in tranquility and humbleness. This is one of the most important pillars and obligations of prayer.
Abu Hurairah narrated that a man entered the mosque and started praying while Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was sitting somewhere in the mosque. Then (after finishing the prayer) the man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and greeted him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him, “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed. The man went back, and having prayed, he came and greeted the Prophet. The Prophet (peace be upon him) after returning his greetings said, “Go back and pray, for you did not pray.” On the third time the man said, “(O Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) teach me (how to pray).” The Prophet said, “When you get up for the prayer, perform the ablution properly and then face the Qiblah and say Takbir (Allahu Akbar), and then recite of what you know of the Qur’an, and then bow, and remain in this state till you feel at rest in bowing, and then raise your head and stand straight; and then prostrate till you feel at rest in prostration, and then sit up till you feel at rest while sitting; and then prostrate again till you feel at rest in prostration; and then get up and stand straight, and do all this in all your prayers.” (Al-Bukhari)
It is known that small movements, or repeated movements that are not continuous, do not invalidate the prayer is the report which says that the Prophet (peace be upon him) opened the door for `Aa’ishah one day whilst he was praying.” (Abu Dawud)
Also Qatadah (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) led the people in prayer one day when he was carrying Umamah the daughter of Zaynab. When he prostrated he put her down and when he stood up he picked her up.” (Al-Bukhari)
For more information about such ruling, watch this interesting talk with Dr. Muhammad Salah.
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Source: Huda Youtube Channel.