The Hadith of Ali bin Shayban, may God be Pleased with him, about Prayer "An Analytical Study"

Abstract

Since the Hadith of Ali ibn Shayban (may Allah be pleased with him) is a significant narration that encompasses many etiquettes and jurisprudential issues related to the pillar of religion and the second pillar of Islam, namely prayer, I deemed it worthy of analytical study and explanation.

The study aims to: identify the sources of the Hadith, examine the differences in its narration, determine its authenticity degree, explain its wording, and highlight the etiquettes and jurisprudential rulings it contains related to prayer.

In this study, I adopted the inductive, analytical, and deductive methodology. The study concluded several findings, the most notable of which are: there are differing views on the narration of Abdullah bin Badr, with the most reliable being what was narrated from him by Abdulrahman bin Ali from his father, as it was reported by the majority, including his grandson, Mulazim bin Amr, who was deemed trustworthy by scholars and was more knowledgeable about his grandfather’s narrations due to his close association with him. Abdulrahman bin Ali bin Shayban is disputed regarding his companionship; the correct opinion is that he is a trustworthy Tabi’i (successor). The chain of transmission for the Hadith of Ali bin Shayban (may Allah be pleased with him) is authentic in its strongest version, with corroborating evidence supporting its authenticity. Also, it is permissible for a person praying to look slightly backward with the corner of his/her eye if there is a need. In addition, straightening the back during bowing and prostration is obligatory, and failing to do so invalidates the prayer. Besides, the narrations concerning an individual praying alone behind a row are authentic and consistent; the correct opinion is that such a prayer is invalid unless there is a valid excuse.