

* Although the past tense verb is used here, it is considered a complete past tense verb which encompasses the past, present and future. Those who observe reverence in their prayers.” Allah says, “ Guaranteed, the believers were successful*.

And without these things prayer loses its meaning and relevance. Namely, it’s concentration, reverence, and tranquility.

The reason that such a person is the worst type of thief is because stealing usually involves taking something from another however, this person IS STEALING FROM HIMSELF and from something he has no right to take: the life of his/her prayer. Regarding this tradition’s meaning, then it is clear for one who give thought and reflects on his/her religion. In addition, this tradition was related on behalf of Abu Hurairah, Abu Sa’id al-Khudari and ‘Abdullah bin Mughfal Imam al-Dhahabi agreed with al-Hakim and al– Haythami stated, about al– Tabarani’s narration, “Its narrators are authentic.” This tradition of the Prophet was related by Ahmed, al-Tabarani, Ibn al– Khuzaymah, and al-Hakim who said it met the requirements of al-Bukhari and Muslim. Īn example is the hadith of Abu Qatada who stated that the Prophet said, “The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer!” The Companions asked, “Oh Messenger of Allah ! How does one steal from his prayers?” The Prophet responded, “He does not complete his bowing, nor his prostrations.” Or he said, “He does not straighten his backbone while bowing and prostrating.” This hadith was related by a good number of the Prophet’s Companions. “I’ve heard of a tradition of the Prophet that discusses stealing from one’s prayers? Could you please explain the origin of this hadith and what it means to steal from one’s prayer?”
