The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 1) — Page cclxxix
GENERAL INTRODUCTION them" (4:42), the Holy Prophet exclaimed: 'Enough! Enough!" 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud looked up and saw that tears were streaming from the Holy Prophet's eyes (Bukhārī, Kitāb Faḍā'ilul-Qur'an). He was so particular about joining the congregational prayers that, even during severe illness when it is permissible not only to say one's prayers in one's room but even to say them lying in bed, he would go to the mosque to lead the prayers himself. On one occasion when he was unable to proceed to the mosque he directed that Abu Bakr should lead the prayers. Presently however, he felt some improvement in his condition and asked to be supported into the mosque. He rested his weight on the shoulders of two men but was in so feeble a condition that, according to ‘Ā'ishah, his feet trailed along the ground (Bukhārī). It is a common practice to give expression to one's pleasure or to draw attention to any particular matter by the clapping of hands and the Arabs used to follow the same practice. The Holy Prophet, however, so loved the remembrance of God that for these purposes he also substituted the praise and remembrance of God in place of the clapping of hands. On one occasion while he was occupied with some important matter, the time of the next prayer service drew near and he directed that Abu Bakr should lead the prayers. Shortly thereafter he was able to conclude the business upon which he was engaged and proceeded at once to the mosque. Abū Bakr was leading the prayers but when the congregation perceived that the Holy Prophet had arrived, they began to clap their hands for the purpose both of giving expression to their joy at his arrival and also to draw Abu Bakr's attention to the fact that the Prophet himself had arrived. Thereupon Abu Bakr stepped back and made room for the Holy Prophet to lead the prayers. When the prayers were over, the Prophet addressed Abu Bakr and said: "Why did you step back after I had directed you to lead the prayers?" Abū Bakr replied: "O Messenger of Allah! How would it befit the son of Abū Quḥāfah to lead the prayers in the presence of the Messenger of Allah?" Then addressing the congregation the Prophet said: "Why did you clap your hands? It is not seemly that while you are engaged in the remembrance of God you should clap your hands. If it should so happen that during the course of prayers attention has to be drawn to some matter, instead of clapping your hands you should utter the name of God aloud. This would draw attention to whatever may have to be taken note of" (Bukhārī). The Prophet did not approve of prayers or worship being carried on as a penance or imposition. On one occasion he came home and observed a rope dangling between two pillars. He inquired what its purpose was, and was informed that his wife Zainab was in the habit of supporting herself by means ccliii