238. Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawdt (the prayers) especially the Middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience.

239. And if you fear (an enemy), (perform Salah) on foot or riding. And when you are in safety, then remember Allah (pray) in the manner He has taught you, which you kneio not (before).

Allah commands that the prayer should be performed properly and on time. It is reported in the Two Sahihs that Ibn Mas'Qd said, “I asked the Prophet, ‘Which deed is the dearest (to Allah)?’ He replied:

"To offer the prayers at their fixed times."

I asked, What is the next (in goodness)?’ He replied:

"To participate in Jihad (religions fighting) in Allah’s cause."

I again asked, What is the next (in goodness)?’ He replied:

“To be good and dutiful to your parents.”

‘Abdullah then added, “The Prophet told me these words, and had I asked more, the Prophet would have told me more.”

The Middle Prayer

Furthermore, Allah has specifically mentioned the Middle prayer, which is the ‘Asr prayer according to the majority of the scholars among the Companions, as At-Tirmidhi and Al-Baghawi have stated. Al-Qadi Al-Mawardi added that the majority of the scholars of the Tabi'in also held this view. Al-Hafiz Abu TJmar bin ‘Abdul-Barr said that this is also the opinion of the majority of the scholars of the Athar (i.e., the Hadith and the statements of the Salaf). In addition, Abu Muhammad bin ‘Atiyah said that this is the Tafsir (of the Middle prayer) of the majority of scholars. Al-Hafiz Abu Muhammad ‘Abdul-Mu’min bin Khalaf Ad-Dumyati stated in his book on the Middle prayer that it is the ‘Asr prayer and mentioned that this is the Tafsir of ‘Umar, ‘Ali, Ibn Mas'ud, Abu Ayyub, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr, Samurah bin Jundub, Abu Hurayrah, Abu Said, Hafsah, Umm Habibah, Umm Salamah, Ibn ‘Abbas and ‘A’ishah. This is also the Tafsir of TJbaydah, MuqSl, Ubayd bin Abu Maiyam, and others.

The Proof that the ‘Asr Prayer is the Middle Prayer

“Whoever misses the 'Asr prayer will be like who has lost his family and money.”

It is reported in the Sahih that Buraydah bin Al-Husayb said that the Prophet said:

“On a cloudy day, perform the (‘Asr) prayer early, for whoever misses the 'Asr prayer, will have his (good) deeds annulled.”

The Prohibition of speaking during the Prayer

Allah said:

meaning, with humbleness and humility before Him (i.e., during the prayer). This command indicates that it is not allowed to speak during the prayer, as speaking contradicts the nature of the prayer. This is why the Prophet refused to answer Ibn Mas'ud when he greeted him while he was praying and said afterwards:

“The prayer makes one sufficiently f?»st/.”

(i.e., by the various actions of the body, tongue and heart involved during the prayer.)

Muslim reported that the Prophet said to Mu'awiyah bin Hakam As-Sulami when he spoke during the prayer:

“The ordinary speech people indulge in is not appropriate during the prayer. The prayer involves only Tasbih (praising Allah), Takbir (saying Alldhu Akbar, i.e., Allah is the Most Great) and remembering Allah.”

Imam Ahmad reported that Zayd bin Arqam said, “One used to address his friend about various affairs during the prayer. Then when this Ayah was revealed:

we were ordered to refrain from speaking.” The Group (i.e., the Hadith collections), except Ibn Majah, reported this Hadith.

The Fear Prayer

Allah said:

After Allah commanded His servants to perform the prayer perfectly and emphasized this commandment. He mentioned the situation where the person might not be able to perform the prayer perfectly, during battle and combat. Allah said:

meaning, pray in the appropriate manner under these circumstances, whether on foot or riding and whether facing the Qiblah or otherwise. Imam Malik reported that Nafi‘ related that Ibn TJmar used to describe the Fear prayer when he was asked about it and would then add, “If there is intense fear, pray on foot, riding, facing the Qiblah and otherwise.” Nafi‘ commented, “I think that he related that to the Prophet.”

Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported the Hadith.

Muslim, Abu Dawud, An-Nasal, ibn Majah and Ibn Jarir reported that Ibn ‘Abbas said, “Allah has ordained the prayer by the words of your Prophet four (Rak'ah) while residing, two oh while traveling and one Rak'ah during times of fear.” This is also the view of Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak, and others.

In addition, Al-Bukhari has entitled a Chapter: ‘Prayer while confronting the Forts and facing the Enemy’. Al-Awzal said, “If the victory seems near and the Muslims are unable to perform the prayer (in the normal manner), they should pray by nodding each by himself. If they are unable to nod, they should delay the prayer until fighting is finished. When they feel safe, they should pray two Rak'ah. If they are unable, they should then pray one Rak'ah that includes two prostrations. If they are unable, then Takbir alone does not suffice, so they should delay the prayer until they are safe.” This is the same view that Makhul held. Anas bin Malik said, “I participated in the attack on the fort of Tastar, when the light of dawn started to become clear. Suddenly, the fighting raged and the Muslims were unable to pray until the fight of day spread. We then prayed (the Dawn prayer) with Abu MUsa and we became victorious. I would not have been pleased if I were to gain in the life of this world and whatever is in it instead of that prayer.” This is the wording of Al-Bukhari.

Prayer during the Times of Peace is performed normally

Allah said:

meaning, ‘Perform the prayer as I have commanded you by completing its bowing, prostration, standing, sitting, and with the required attention (in the heart) and supplication.’ Allah said:

meaning, just as He has endowed you, guided you and taught you about what benefits you in this life and the Hereafter, so thank and remember Him. Similarly, Allah said after He mentioned the prayer of Fear,

{... but when you are free from danger, perform As-Saldh. Verily, As-Saldh (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours.} 4:103

We will mention the Hadiths about the prayer of Fear and its description in Surat An-Nisa’ while mentioning Allah’s statement:

{When you (O Messenger Muliammad) are among them, and lead them in As-Saldh (the prayer).} 4:102