(27) Chapter: Reverence towards the Sanctity of the Muslims

Abu Qatadah Al-Harith bin Rib'i (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I stand up to lead Salat with the intention of prolonging it. Then I hear the crying of an infant and I shorten the Salat lest I should make it burdensome for his mother". [Al-Bukhari]. Commentary: In this Hadith, brevity of prayers stands for recitation of short Surah of the Noble Qur'an inprescribed congregational prayers. The Sahih Muslim has elucidated this by saying that the Prophet (PBUH) wouldrecite short Surah on hearing the crying of a baby. In short, this Hadith mentions that affection which he had for hisfollowers. Its importance can be judged by the fact that he made a demonstration of it even in the prescribed prayers.